It all started with a dream... When I was 3 or 4 years old I began having dreams that I was a Fairie, with beautiful butterfly wings, singing and playing a Harp.  I used to pretend I was the singing Harp from Jack and the Beanstalk. I was always fascinated with the instrument, and when I was 6 , I saw my first real harp at the Symphony.  My parents bought a piano, which I began teaching myself to play  at the age of 6, from the John Thompson series books that came with it. At age 7 my mom signed me up for piano lessons. I’m  a survivor of a very strict Classical Piano childhood.

I love playing the Harp...

I played  Piano in the school Jazz Band  8th - 10th grade in San Diego, then my parents moved us to Ava, Mo, where there were no musical opportunities as I finished High School.  I moved to Springfield, MO to attend SMSU (now called Missouri State University) in ’77. Although my Dad had forbidden me to major in music in college, when I found out they had a harp in one of the practice rooms, I rebelled.  My first 2 lessons were from Lori Larsen, who helped me replace all of the broken strings, taught me how to tune by ear, explained technique, handed me a stack of music, got married, and moved away.

I am currently the Harpist for the Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra. I also occasionally am hired by  various groups when harp is needed, and I enjoy playing orchestral works, choir pieces, opera, and various other kinds of shows.  Recent performances have included:

1. *Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy & the Arutiunian Trumpet Concerto with the Jacksonville Symphonic Orchestra (Jacksonville, IL)
   

2. *Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite and The Nutcracker with Belleville Philharmonic
   

My favorite show to play is “The Fantasticks”. I love that show!

I  have a busy private studio in my home, where I teach students of all ages and levels, and have developed a Primer Method for students age 5 and up, a Beginning Method for all of my other students, and I’m working on materials for Jazz and Improvisation. All of my teaching materials are designed to make the Harp fun and rewarding to play, while instilling an understanding of good technique, music theory, and interpretation. I am the Adjunct Harp Professor at UMSL and  at Maryville University.

I’ve been a guest on several CD’s with Autumn’s Child, featuring Mark Holland on native american flutes, and occasionally I perform with them. The majority of my time as a Harpist is spent free-lancing, and teaching out of my private studio. This is how I make my living, and I love it!  All of my needs, desires, and dreams are abundantly fulfilled through  my abilities to teach, compose, and play music, and through sharing my talents with others.  I can’t imagine a better life. Thank You!