How old were you when you first learned to play the harp?

I started playing harp at 11 years old with no prior music experience. It was love at first sound.

What was your most memorable musical performance?

My most memorable performance was at Abbey Road Studios. It was a live recording for an album with over 30 harpists, including the former Royal Harpist of Wales. We spent four months learning a completely different style of playing before arriving, so that we could blend instantly with one another to avoid audio interference. I learned to control and manage the harp’s vibration with just my hands. The process of this was both rigorous and challenging; I think that’s what I liked most about it. Working with the Royal Harpist was a dream come true. She is truly Royal in every aspect, both overwhelmingly kind and talented. I am forever grateful for that experience.

What do you like most about teaching?

I love getting to know my students. I meet people I otherwise would not have known. Teaching people of all ages and abilities is invigorating. It has helped me gain a deeper understanding of the harp from many different angles. I learn just as much from my students as they do from me.

What do you hope students learn from music?

I hope they learn to express themselves through the instrument, beyond what is on the page. And have lots of fun!

How are you building a successful career as a working artist?

I knew I wanted to start early and follow my timeline to ensure my success. I started teaching in high school, honing my skills so I could leave home early and attend a high school program at the UNC School of the Arts. There, I graduated with a certified specialization in harp, which is included in my diploma. Now, I attend my dream school - Berklee College of Music. I have been honing my harp skills in various styles, including contemporary, jazz, pop, R&B, and Latin.

Additionally, I have been studying both music business and composition/songwriting. Outside of university, I have been working at Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio. In addition to creating genre-bending music for the harp and gigging with local bands in the area, I look forward to starting many new projects this year and continuing to build a successful career as a working artist.

Who is your most inspiring teacher?

My current teacher is César Secundino. He has taught me that music is a place to be your most authentic self, not a place to strive for perfection. Meaningful music has never stemmed from a place of perfection, but it does come from having the courage to show who you are. I never truly understood this before working with him. While other teachers may focus on what you lack, César shows me everything I have within me to be a great harpist! I hope to make even half the impact on my students that he has made on me musically and as a person.

When you’re not teaching with Note-worthy, what might you be doing?

I am usually in class, jamming with friends, or doing arts and crafts. I also love exploring new parts of Massachusetts!