Recording/Session Harpist

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog, "Live Recorded Harp:" the tone/vibrations of the harp carries an energy felt by the listener; giving them an emotional "X Factor" experience vs. Digital imitation sounds of the harp

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your goals and vision with the final project? What sound are you looking for? Is this for a soundtrack, ballad, album release or live concert? What other musicians are on the projects? What is your timeline?

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Ask the Harpist what repertoire are they playing? The music they play will show their skill level and technique Ex: All harp music is labeled: Beginner, Beginner-Intermediate, Intermediate, Intermediate-Advanced

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: 1. AKG microphone with high quality chords 2. Bow brand harp strings (gut) whole set of strings in case a string breaks 3. Presonus interface 4. Computer 5. Headphones

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: My journey began at the age of 9 with Professor Mary G. Beckman, received a Bachelor of Music Degree under her instruction in Harp Performance.(University of N. Iowa) - Received my Master of Music Degree in Harp Performance under the instruction of Grammy winner Alice Chalifoux. (The Cleveland Institute of Music) - After many principal orchestra jobs, opera and live solo concerts, I began recording albums, "Silent Night for Flute and Harp"; "Harp to Harp presents...Relaxation" (feat. Roselyn Smith, Flute) - Currently Faculty member in Harp Instruction at two colleges - Over 30 years of experience playing the Harp professionally.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Classically trained with a Master of Music Degree in Harp Performance. (Teachers: Mary Beckman and Grammy winner: Alice Chalifoux)

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: Accompany Josh Groban on the Harp Why: When he sings, I hear the colorful sounds of the harp as an alternative to the piano. (Love his energy he puts into his singing) Ex. The Prayer, You Raised Me Up

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: On the day of the recording session, focus on the energy of your playing and kindly ask all parties to turn off their cell phones.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Solo Harp. Orchestra Harp parts, Classical, Love Ballads, Gospel music, New Age (easy listening), Movie Soundtrack Music

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: -Reading piano music and playing it on the Harp -Sight-reading -Collaborating with others as a "team member"

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Lyon Healy Concert Grand 47 String Pedal Harp Lyon Healy Semi Grand Gold 46 String Pedal Harp Studio One V5, AKG, Presonus and Recording Studio with Professional Sound Engineer

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I love to take a song and give it a unique fullness in bringing the Client's "Vision to Life". From classical to popular songs with or without lyrics, I also love to be apart of the creative process and to see it all come together by adding the beautiful tones of the harp.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: -Meet with the Client and discuss project. -Listen to the digital soundtrack from Client. -Record track and preview it with Client.(revisions are noted per Client's request) -Send final track via email to Client with revisions, if needed

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: I have always admired Lionel Richie and his attention to details when writing a song or working with musicians . Ex. See We Are the World (1985) Youtube video of behind the scenes

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: - Orchestral Session Harpist, - Remote recording tracks for soundtracks, collaborating and consulting composers on writing the harp part for their projects;

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: I had the opportunity to work under the direction of Legend Shelly Yakus, VP of A&M Records, on the album just released 2021, " Harp to Harp presents...Relaxation". This album is up for a Grammy nomination in the "New Age Category" (64th Grammy Awards, 2022)

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Album, "Grace...The Gift of Music" (dedicated to those in the music industry sharing his/her Gift to the World) Works of Mozart, Salzedo, Grandjany, Alvars and more

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Mark Corradetti, Bass Guitar

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: Satisfaction Guaranteed

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love to take a song and give it a unique fullness in bringing the Client's "Vision to Life". From classical to popular songs with or without lyrics, I also love to be apart of the creative process and to see it all come together by adding the beautiful tones of the harp.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Q: How do you move a harp? A: Harpist use a harp cart with wheels to transport from the studio to the car. A Harpist transports the harp by laying the harp down on the right side or if you have captain seats, you can slide it in on the column and bungie cord between the seats of the van. Another way I tell the client, "Think of moving a 85 pound/6 ft tall piece of furniture? How would you transport it?"

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: Q: What does harp music look like? How do you write for the Harp? A: The Harp is a keyboard Instrument. We read keyboard music as well as orchestral harp parts, ballads, classical works. In other words, if you can write it for the Piano, I can play it on the Harp. Ex. Brian Crain, Yiruma, Stairway to Heaven