The first time I ever saw a harp, was at my aunt's wedding when I was six. I was enthralled - so much, that my family was horrified because I paid more attention to the harpist then to my aunt, the bride. That fascination led first to piano lessons, as my parents hoped they would not need to invest in a harp, and eventually, to harp lessons.

 

I began harp lessons with Dayton harpist, Joan Seymour. Other teachers have included Jude Mollenhauer, principal harpist of the Columbus Symphony for 20 years, and Leslie Stratton, principal harpist of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. I have a B.A. in Music from Thomas Edison State College and M. M. in Harp Performance from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where I studied with Gillian Benet Sella, principal harpist with the Cincinnati Symphony.

As a professional harpist, I have performed with many area ensembles and orchestras including the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra, Yellow Springs Community Orchestra and Chorus, Middletown Youth Symphony, and with various choirs and musicians in the Dayton area.

 

I have been a member of the Harps of Grace Ensemble for over 15 years. And as a professional harpist, I frequently perform for weddings, receptions, memorial services, and other events in the Dayton area. When presenting programs and performing concerts I enjoy playing a wide variety of musical styles programed to fit the client and the event.

I love teaching harp lessons to students of all ages. Music is an integral part of life. It has the power to break down boundaries, unite and bring those from different cultural backgrounds together, no matter the race, gender or language barriers. It has the capability to express those emotions which cannot be put into words. I love helping others learn to express themselves through the harp.

 

In 2013, I founded a Dayton area youth harp ensemble that helps students develop group performance skills and strengthens their overall musical abilities.