Radford University
Philosophy and Focus: The study of the harp is an exciting journey with one of the world’s most ancient instruments, rooted in centuries of tradition and represented across diverse musical cultures. From the lightweight lever harp to the concert grand pedal harp, the instrument offers remarkable versatility in orchestral, solo, educational, therapeutic, social, and world music settings. As a professional harpist and educator, I am passionate about helping students discover their individual musical voices while developing the technical, artistic, creative, and professional skills necessary for a fulfilling career in music.
Background: I began studying the lever harp at age six while attending a Kindermusik class. Since then, I have completed ten years of higher education in music, and will receive my DMA in Harp Performance and Instrumental Conducting in Fall 2026. An avid competitor, I have competed in over one hundred harp and multi-instrumental competitions receiving top prizes in numerous international and national competitions throughout Europe, Asia, and the USA. I have had the privilege of studying with many of the world’s leading orchestral harpists. Those experiences have profoundly shaped the musician and teacher I am today. With more than ten years of teaching experience, including three years at the conservatory level, I view my teaching as a reflection of the remarkable education and mentorship I have received and hope to pass that same dedication, opportunity, and inspiration on to my students.
My career as a performer spans classical, orchestral, world, jazz, popular, and cross-genre music. I have had the privilege of collaborating with renowned music industry and multi-Grammy Award winning artists including: Yo-Yo Ma, Kayhan Kalhor, Isabel Leonard, Gregg Field, Monica Mancini, Take 6, Kelli O’Hara, Vince Mendoza, Etienne Charles, Ravi Coltrane, Noah Bendix-Balgley, Shanshan Yao, Blake Pouliot, Andrew Bird, Alan Isakov, and Patti Austin. I am currently entering my fourth season as Acting Principal Harpist with the Asheville Symphony and serve as Principal Harpist with the highly acclaimed cross-genre ensemble, the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra under the direction of multi-Grammy Award winning composer, Maria Schneider. I strive to bring versatility, artistry, and excellence to every musical setting.
Teaching: As a passionate advocate for young musicians, I am committed to preparing the next generation of harpists for multifaceted careers in music. My teaching combines a strong foundation in harp technique with an emphasis on music theory, performance practice, artistic expression, collaboration, and improvisation. Students at Radford University will be given the opportunity to study the harp through a diverse curriculum studying classical, Celtic, world music, and jazz styles. Whether pursuing a degree in performance, music education, or music therapy, I encourage students to explore diverse musical traditions and genres, gain real-world performance experience through ensemble participation and studio recitals, and discover how music can contribute to community, education, and well-being. I have worked with students of all ages and levels through private instruction, festivals, masterclasses, competitions, seminars, and ensembles across the United States.
I currently serve as Adjunct Professor of Harp at Radford University and welcome all students: majors, minors, and non-majors to join my studio. In addition, I am Professor of Harp at Hollins University and the Teaching Assistant in Harp and Musicology at the University of Miami Frost School of Music where I offer applied lessons and instruct undergraduate harp minors and music majors in both departments. I am pursuing a DMA in Harp Performance and Conducting at the University of Miami, where I study with acclaimed conductor, Maestro Gerard Schwarz. My conducting experience with orchestral, wind, choral, and harp ensembles has further shaped my approach to teaching, giving me a broader perspective on musicianship, ensemble collaboration, leadership, and score study.
Research, Scholarship, and Creative Work: My creative and scholarly interests focus on curating imaginative programs which inspire audiences to consider the role of the harp as a cherished solo instrument. Critics have stated that my programs are “full of drama and musicality” while “displaying impressive virtuosity and expressive phrasing.” (CVNC 2018, 2021). I have a passion for new music and have recorded numerous orchestral premieres for the Frost School of Music’s Centennial album release with Maestro Gerard Schwarz and Ensemble Ibis which will be released by a nationally acclaimed label to be announced in the upcoming year.
As an active member of the American Harp Society, I have performed and presented at national conferences and been featured in publications including the American Harp Journal and Harp Column Magazine. I also enjoy collaborating across disciplines with dancers, singers, composers, actors, video, and literary artists who share a vision of pairing music with multimedia. With my own sound recording studio, I also enjoy experimenting as a sound engineer and digital creator with around 100 videos on YouTube featuring a variety of repertoire spanning concerto, chamber, and solo music literature with a purpose to educate and inspire harpists.