Biography

Music has always been an enjoyable part of my life. My mother gave me piano lessons as a child and I have sung in many church, school, and community choirs. I started playing viola in 5th grade, and continued with college and community orchestras as an adult.

In 1999 I became interested in the harp, mainly because our daughter had maintained an interest in playing harp for the previous 5 years. I thought I might learn to play when she took lessons. But when she changed her mind at age 10, I decided to rent a harp and give it a try anyway.

I purchased a teach-yourself book with my harp and started working through it. I found it was very similar to playing the piano, and since I already knew how to read music, I had a head start. I loved spending time practicing my harp and learning new songs—and I still do! Watching other harpists and taking a few lessons has helped to improve my skills.

My harp is a Triplett Axline, 30-string harp. It can be called a folk harp or lever harp, having levers (to change each string by one half-step) instead of pedals as a large harp has. It only weighs 20 pounds, so it’s not too hard to carry and transport.

I play my harp for weddings, church services, open houses, and all kinds of events for groups small and large. I also play therapeutic music in nursing homes and hospitals, and am certified through the Music for Healing and Transition Program (www.mhtp.org). I consider it an honor to be able to provide soothing music for those who are in pain or lonely.