Frequently Asked Questions
Special Event Questions
- I have no idea what I want to have played. Can you suggest anything?
- I have something specific I'm looking to have you play. Can you do it?
- I want to have a harp with some other instrument or ensemble. Is this a possibility for my wedding?
- Can I hear you play before I decide to hire you for my wedding?
- Will I have enough room for your harp at my event?
- Can you play for outdoor events?
- Do you have reviews available?
Wedding and Event Questions
I have no idea what I want to have played. Can you suggest anything?
Of course! Check out my repertoire list to see if anything jumps out at you. And, included in your wedding package is a meeting with me to discuss your options and to hear me play.
I have something specific I'm looking to have you play. Can you do it?
If you don't see it on the repertoire page, please just ask me! I have a giant selection and (with proper advance notice) can get just about anything for you!
I want to have a harp with some other instrument or ensemble. Is this a possibility for my wedding?
Of course! "Chamber music" is my middle name. If you have a family member or friend that is looking to be a part of the service, just let me know well in advance so I can get in touch with him or her.
Can I hear you play before I decide to hire you for my wedding?
Absolutely! I wouldn't have it any other way. With weddings especially, I generally meet with you and anyone else you would like for a half hour to an hour to decide on specific music for your wedding and draw up a contract. So, if you decide harp isn't the absolute perfect instrument for your special day, you don't have to hire me! Your day should be exactly what you want, and I am here to help in any way possible.
Will I have enough room for your harp at my event?
I take up an area of about 4'x4'. If the event is outside, this needs to be on a solid, flat surface, preferably under some form of a covering (i.e. gazeebo, tent, etc.).
Can you play for outdoor events?
Yes, but this is slightly limiting. I need to have a covered, flat surface to play on. Also, with any chance of inclement weather, extreme heat included, I have to bring my harp inside to ensure it's protection. However, that being said, I would love to play for your outdoor wedding or party! Please talk to me so we can discuss options to make your special day perfect!
Do you have reviews available?
Yes!
Also, if you have hired me in the past and would like to post a review, please click here:
Other Questions
How big is your harp?
Well, that depends. I have four harps, two of which moved with me to North Carolina. My pride and joy is my Lyon & Healy 85E semi-grand. It is 5'10" tall, weighs 77 lbs, and has 46 strings. Most harps have 47 strings, but as I am a small person I use a smaller harp, which means one less string.
Don't you wish you played the piccolo when you have to drag something that big around?
Nope.
How long have you been playing?
Forever, basically. I started when I was 8 years old. I started out playing in my public school system, then started taking lessons with Roxanne Ziegler, a freelance harpist in Rochester, NY, then with Kathleen Bride, the Professor of Harp at the Eastman School of Music.
How did you get started playing the harp?
I saw a harpist play in my church when I was 7 years old. It was the most amazing thing ever, but when I told my parents, they laughed it off, figuring I was just like every other girl who wanted to play the harp. However, my school district (Penfield, NY) amazingly enough had a harp program, so when we got to choose instruments, I decided to play harp, and my parents went along with it. The rest is history.
Do you teach lessons?
Of course! Don't tell me you've never wanted to learn to be an angel....
The long answer to that question is that I studied Grandjany technique (if that doesn't mean anything to you, don't worry about it!) and I have taught privately, as well as at the Performing Arts Institute of Wyoming Seminary. I take students aged 7 to 107. I would love to meet you or your child for a preliminary lesson and to discuss options. Please contact me with any questions you have or to set up a time to meet.