How long have you
been playing the harp?
Nearly 20 years.
What kind of harp do
you play?
I play on a concert or
pedal harp. The 7 pedals adjust the pitch of
the string and do what the black keys would do on a
piano. My pedal harp is an antique Gold
Wurltizer Harp.
How expensive are
harps?
Pedal harps are
quite an investment. A good quality pedal harp can
range anywhere from $15,000 up to $50,000! So
please be careful and respectful around the
instrument!
How much is
your harp worth?
I have a
Wurlitzer harp and Wurlitzer stopped making harps
around 1930 and I think mine is from right around
1920. It's irreplaceable, but it's insured at
$30,000!
How do you move the
harp?
I have a Honda Odyssey
mini-van that has the back seat folded down so the
harp can slide in and out easily. I also have a
harp dolly that I put the harp on to wheel it
around.
Do you perform
outside?
I will occasionally perform for
outdoor ceremonies or receptions if I'm under a
gazebo or covered tent, but even then the sound of
the harp does not carry well outdoors. For the sake
of my harp I absolutely will NOT play outdoors if
it's the least bit rainy or misty.
What attire
do you wear to your performances?
After performing
for so long and at so many events, I've filled my
closet with dressy, concert black! This tends to
always make musicians look professional, yet
comfortable.
Do you need to be
amplified when you play?
Generally I don't need
to be amplified. The harp carries surprisingly well
in most all churches or ceremony sites.
Why are some of the
strings colored?
Good question. The
strings are colored on harps so harpists can find
their way around the instrument. The RED strings
are C's and the BLACK strings are F's.
Do you get sore
fingers? Do you have calluses?
I always try to warm up
first to prevent any soreness. My fingers are
pretty used to playing now after so many years. I
have slight calluses, but the strings on the harp
aren't all made of wire (like on guitar). The
strings are actually made of synthetic gut or nylon,
so the calluses are not as apparent.
How often do you have to tune it?
Every time I move it. The harp needs to first
adjust to its temperature wherever it is. Then it
will take me about 5 or 10 minutes to tune.
What part of the
wedding ceremony do you usually play for?
I can play for as
little as the prelude, or the entire ceremony
including the processional, unity candle,
recessional, and postlude.
Can you accompany
any other instruments or singers?
Yes, absolutely!
I have a special
song I want played for my wedding, can you play it?
I will do my best to
find the music for practically any song that you
request. Almost anything is possible!
