Welcome to our teachers and performers directory!  If you are seeking a harp teacher or a performer anywhere between British Columbia and Northern California, this is a good place to start your search. Contact information and a description of specialties is given for each individual, who are listed in alphabetical order by first name. If you live in the Pacific Northwest and would like to be added to this directory, please contact news@reigningharps.com for submission guidelines.

(New! Technology has opened another opportunity for harp instruction... please scroll to the bottom of the page for a new section of harp teachers available for distance learning via the internet!)

Alishia Joubert — Kirkland WA, 425-821-1697, henzeharper@yahoo.com, www.alishiaharp.com. Teaches: Lever harp (rentals available) and pedal harp, all levels. Individualized lessons are based on the student's goals, whether it be preparing for college or for personal growth and enjoyment. Optional recitals are available in the community (usually nursing homes). Performs: Lever and pedal harp for weddings and other functions, as well as ensemble and orchestral work. Plays in a variety of styles, including Classical, Latin, Celtic, and Pop.

Alison Vardy — Victoria BC, 250-656-5985 , www.alisonvardy.com. Teaches: lever harp (some available to rent) to individuals in home studio, will travel to present group workshops. Performs: Celtic and Paraguayan harp for wide range of corporate and private events, also public concerts, in British Columbia. Sound: Stephen Vardy of Harpsound Audio can provide DJ or amplification services if needed.

Alys Howe — Vancouver BC, 604-221-7665, alyshowe@alyshowe.com, www.alyshowe.com. Teaches: pedal and lever harp, beginner and intermediate students of all ages, focus on technique, creative arrangement, balancing aural and reading skills. Performs: for concert or private venues, at weddings, funerals, corporate events, and background functions, specializing in Celtic music, sings repertoire of traditional Irish, Scottish, and Scottish Gaelic songs with harp accompaniment.

Amy Muia — Mt. Vernon WA, 360-848-9281, harpstrings@verizon.net. Performs: pedal harp or lever harp for all occasions in Skagit Valley and northern areas; also available in harp and flute duo M’Lady Music.

Andrew Anderson — Burien WA, 206-246-0383. Performs: lever harp and wire-strung harp plus vocals for all occasions, will travel as needed. Also plays cittern and banjo, and is available in ensemble Town Cryer (music of the British Isles).

Ardy Mattox — Gilchrist OR, PO Box 752,  916-425-5717, ardymattox@akamail.com.  Performs: weddings at SunRiver, Crosswater, Broken Top, and Bend-Sisters area. 

Ashley Veater — Lynnwood WA, 425-908-7450, ashleyveater@yahoo.com, www.seattleweddingharpist.com. Performs: pedal harp for weddings, receptions, and other events in the Greater Seattle and Puget Sound area; wide variety of styles including classical, popular, show tunes, and wedding favorites. Teaches: beginning to intermediate level students pedal harp in home studio.

Barbara Duhl-Emswiler — Issaquah WA, 425-235-7087, Mareel@earthlink.net. Performs: solo lever harp, Celtic traditional music plus original and romantic contempory tunes and wedding favorites for weddings, receptions, parties, corporate events, memorials, restaurants, galleries, small venue and house concerts.

Barbara McColgan Pastore — Port Townsend WA, 360-379-5288, PortTownsndHarp@aol.com.  Performs:  classical, Celtic and popular music for weddings, receptions, concerts and other gatherings throughout the eastern Olympic Peninsula.  Teaches:  lever harp, focusing on adult beginning or intermediate students.

Becky McMahon — Surrey BC, 604-585-7840, triskeltree@aol.com. Performs: Celtic and popular music for weddings and other events on BC’s lower mainland.

Beth Kollé — Seattle WA (Magnolia), 206-282-3262, www.bethkolle.com. Teaches: lever harp in workshop setting, as well as private lessons at her Magnolia-area home day or evening (arranging, performance coaching for gigs, weddings, and concerts, Scandinavian and Celtic tunes, styling, publishing, and recording). Performs: lever harp and flute, traditional Celtic and Nordic music for weddings, parties, funerals, concerts. Also available in ensemble with harp and flute duo (Greensleeves).

Bianca Collings — Maple Valley WA, 425-413-9564, fromtheharp@msn.com, www.fromtheharp.net.  Teaches: lever and pedal harp to all levels of students, welcomes adult beginners and children, Suzuki specialist.

Cheryl Grohn — Lake Stevens WA, 425-327-5649, CherylG@aol.com. Performs: Celtic harp, piano, organ, keyboard for any event and for all religious services; plays classical, folk, Celtic, popular, Christian. Also available in group Cantabile Ensembles, duo to quintet, with harp, violin, viola, flute, recorder, cello, piano, keyboard, organ. Teaches: lever harp, beginning and intermediate, to children eight and over and adults.

Christine Grace Magnussen — Bellingham WA, relax@harpspirit.com, www.HarpSpirit.com. Teaches: customized harp lessons for all ages, specializing in Adult Beginners. Harp Therapy Practitioner provides individualized support honoring your learning styles, goals and challenges. Lap harps available for purchase or rent to students.

Cynthia Rice Kuni — Snoqualmie WA (Snoqualmie Ridge), 425-396-0858, crkuni@comcast.net.  Teaches: adult beginners on lever or pedal harp; special interest in traditional Scottish music. Performs: pedal or Celtic harp for parties, receptions, weddings (Celtic repertoire emphasizes traditional Scottish music; pedal repertoire is eclectic, includes classical and pop).

David Michael — Port Townsend WA, 360-379-9732, harp@olympus.net, www.davidmichaelharp.com.  Performs: with lever harp on stages, at art sales, festivals, weddings and other private events; also for studio sessions (experienced producer, composer and recording artist with independent label).  Specializes in original world-fusion (eclectic) styles and free-form improvisation. Teaches: with an emphasis on improvisational techniques and ear training.

Elizabeth Volpé — Vancouver  BC, 604-929-5958, evolpe-bligh@telus.net.  Teaches: at University of British Columbia and privately; takes pedal harp and lever harp students (all students must be serious about practising); lessons on how to function in orchestras and ensembles, keeping hands relaxed and injury-free, how to memorize, techniques for not buzzing, reliable harmonics, practical theory application, rhythm, etc.  Performs: Principal Harp of Vancouver Symphony, chamber concerts, concerti. Occasional weddings or parties if schedule allows. Also composes and arranges for pedal and lever harp.

Gary Plouff — Eugene OR, 541-349-2813, brozeke@hotmail.com, www.sacredflight.org.  Performs: Weddings and memorial services, repertoire includes Celtic, Popular, Folk, Medieval, and Renaissance. Bedside Service: Gary is a music thanatologist who provides prescriptive music at the bedside to offer spiritual, emotional, and physical comfort to those nearing the end of life and their loved ones.

Gwyneth Evans — Duncan BC, 250-746-6678, harpmusic@gwynethevans.com, www.gwynethevans.com. Performs: Gwyneth plays both pedal and Celtic harp for weddings and other special events anywhere on Vancouver Island. Her repertoire includes classical, Celtic, and contemporary popular music. She also plays with the flute/harp duo Ashgrove. Teaches: in her home studio, beginning and intermediate students.

Harper Tasche — Seattle WA (Capitol Hill), 206-329-4599, www.harpcrossing.com. Teaches: folk, cross-strung, wire-strung harp (focus on intermediate/advanced students, dedicated beginners and special-needs students welcome), also performance coaching, arranging, composition, CD or music manuscript production. Performs: Celtic, Nordic, light classical, jazz, meditative music for concerts, receptions, weddings, memorials, private parties, corporate functions, studio work.

Janelle Nadeau —  Vancouver BC, 604-250-1902, janelle_nadeau@hotmail.com, www.janellenadeau.com. Performs: Janelle is a well experienced harpist who plays both lever and pedal harp for Home Concerts, solo or chamber concerts, weddings, receptions, corporate functions and meditative music. She plays with orchestras, choirs and groups. Janelle’s repertoire spans from classical to folk. Janelle sings and accompanies herself as well. Teaches: Janelle teaches people of all ages and levels. She will accommodate your lesson for the type of music that most interests you. She has flexible hours and locations.

Jane Valencia — Joseph OR, 541-432-0363. Service: A Reiki Master-Teacher, Jane's healing arts practice, "Voices Of The Deer" combines Reiki, song medicine & sound healing, harp music, and forest magic in private 1-1/2 hr sessions, healing circles, as well as for small groups gathering for ceremony, life passages, or just to enjoy a soul-nourishing adventure. Performs: As a 21st century bard, Jane celebrates the magic of the natural world and the imaginative spirit of community with Celtic wire-strung harp, story, poetry, folklore, and song. Teaches: Wire-strung harp, bardic harp, and contemplative harp, for all levels. Children welcome!

Jennifer Pratt Walter — Vancouver WA, 360-693-4715, Lyrica@comcast.net. Teaches: beginning harp on either folk or pedal harp, in a modified Grandjany technique.  An experienced, supportive, and patient teacher will be your passport to harp success!  Performs: available for performance in the duo Celtic Muse, featuring two harps, flute, recorders, and other folk instruments. 

Jill Whitman — Wenatchee WA,  509-663-3939, jillharp@nwi.net. Teaches: lever and pedal harp to all levels of students, welcomes adult beginners and children, Suzuki specialist.

Judith Peacock Cummings — Seattle WA (Lake Forest Park), 206-365-3561, jcharp@comcast.net. Teaches: lever harp and pedal harp at home and will travel to teach workshops; all ages and levels welcome including adult and child beginners; special interest in Scottish Gaelic music and can teach Gaelic song. Performs: lever harp and pedal harp for weddings, parties, etc.; Celtic, classical, and light music; Seattle and Puget sound area.

Judy Henry — Delta (Tsawwassen) BC, www.user.dccnet.com/judy_henry.  Teaches: flute, piano, music theory, and beginning lever harp to all ages in home studio. Performs: blend of Celtic, traditional, early, and classical music on lever harp for your special occasions in the Lower Mainland.

Karen Almquist — Silverton OR, 503-873-3175, karenalmquist@verizon.net.  Teaches: Pedal and lever harp in home studio, Grandjany method. Opportunities  for ensemble playing and performing, as well as composition and CD recording. Performs: for all occasions as soloist.  Recorded three CDs  with HarpSong (a flute-harp duo).

Kate Kosaka — Auburn WA, 253-833-4380, www.geocities.com/creativeharmonymusic. Teaches: lever and pedal harp, beginner to intermediate, also piano. Performs: lever and pedal harp, plus piano, for weddings, funerals, receptions, grand openings, any special occasion from Seattle to Tacoma.

Kathie Hardy — Bellingham WA, 360-319-7081, harp@celticharp.info. Performs: elegant mix of Celtic and traditional music on lever harp for weddings, open houses, memorial services, and corporate events in Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties. Amplification is available.

Katie Cashatt — Vancouver WA and Portland OR, 206-390-9435, www.katiecashatt.com, katie@katiecashatt.com.  Teaches: beginning and intermediate level lever harp, children and adults welcome. Performs: Celtic and classical music on lever harp for weddings, gatherings, etc. throughout the Vancouver/Portland metro area.

Laurel Uhlig — Auburn WA, 253-737-5028, laurel@allegriamusic.com. Teaches: Laurel is now teaching nylon, wire and gothic harp, as well as oboe, and English horn in the South King County area. She has 30 years experience and teaches beginning through advanced, music-reading or by ear. She believes in listening to the student's goals and tailoring her instruction for each student individually. She would also love to start an ensemble class. Anyone interested? Rental harps available. Performs: Laurel performs on nylon and gothic harp. She founded the ensemble Allegria, a flute and Celtic harp duet, they provide their own arrangements of elegant Classical and Celtic traditional music doing weddings, parties, corporate events, etc. They have performed all over the Puget Sound area for the past 10 years. She also is a founding member of Jouissance, an ensemble that specializes in medieval and renaissance music in which she plays a great variety of instruments. They have played with the Seattle Symphony, the Christmas Revels (Portland and Puget Sound), at Renaissance Faires and other historically-based educational events and have recorded 2 CD's. She is available for solo gigs as well, especially background music for open-houses, parties, etc. and memorial services. Bedside Service: Laurel is a Certified Music Practitioner and has shared her therapeutic music at St. Francis Hospital and Fransican Hospice.

Laurie Wright — Bellevue/Newcastle WA, 425-271-8460, wrightmusicstudio@comcast.net. Teaches: Pedal harp, lever harp, piano. Full time teacher with 25 years experience teaching children age 5 to adult. Beginners to advanced levels. Individualized curriculum will be tailor-made to suit your interests and musical goals while providing instruction in proper technique, theory, and musicianship. Emphasis on learning a variety of styles - from Baroque & Classical to Pop & Jazz, Sacred music, Celtic, etc. Lesson times available Monday through Friday for 30, 45, or 60 minute lesson depending on the student's age and experience level. Your lessons will be a fun and enjoyable experience! Performs: Pedal or lever harp for all occasions.

Leslie McMichael — Vashon WA, 206-898-4972, leslieharp@comcast.net, www.pluckmusic.com.  Teaches: children and adults on lever and pedal in greater Seattle, specializes in Suzuki ear training method, provides regular performance and ensemble opportunities, enjoys working with students on improv, arranging, and composition, organizes Vashon Island Harp Camp (all ages) and teaches at Evergreen flute and harp camp (youth). Performs: lever, pedal and electric harp for concerts, weddings, etc.; trad and classical to folk pop original; solo and with flute, violin, and drums.

Mara Grey — South Whidbey Island WA, 360-341-1497, www.natureweaving.com/harper/. Teaches: folk harp, specializing in getting beginners started quickly and easily, your home or Dusty Strings retail shop in Fremont, Wednesdays until 6 pm. No music reading needed.  Performs: Celtic harp and storytelling house concerts, also weddings, parties, etc.

Marian Sussman — Seattle WA (Northeast Seattle), 206-526-8192, www.mariansussman.com. Teaches: Classical, Celtic and some improvisation. Rents lever harps to students and also teaches intensive one-week workshops. Performs: Classical, Celtic, medieval, and more. Solo harp; flute and harp duo; or flute, harp, and sax.

Marilyn Rummel  — Duncan BC (south Vancouver Island), 250-709-2395, m@marilynrummel.ca or www.marilynrummel.ca. Teaches: lever harp to children and adults at all levels of experience, in Duncan and in Victoria. Ensemble class lessons as well as private lessons focus on musical playing, the study of theory and harmony, and a wide range of music from Canada, the Celtic lands, Eastern Europe and South America. Students learn to play by ear, by memory, and by sight-reading, using the techniques of joyful and attentive practice at lessons and at home. Performs: for events, funerals, memorials, weddings and private ceremonies and parties, playing Celtic, religious, world music, and original compositions.

Mark Andersen — Kenmore WA, 425-485-6743, emarka@mac.com.  Teaches: pedal and lever harp both classical, folk, and popular styles. Performs: pedal and lever harp for all occasions. Studio location in Kenmore home.

Michael MacBean — Shoreline WA, 206-464-5599, thebean@w-link.net. Teaches: folk harp in Seattle, also travels and is available for lessons bi-monthly in Anacortes, Mt. Vernon, Tacoma, and Olympia, also teaches at Dusty Strings retail shop; please contact him for travel schedule and lesson locations.  Performs: concerts, weddings, funerals, private parties, etc.

Molly Bauckham —  Seattle WA (Fremont), 206-302-8224, harpmolly@earthlink.net, www.youtube.com/mollificent. Performs: lever harp and/or vocals, including a variety of traditional music as well as some classical and contemporary pieces. Molly is available for many occasions, including weddings, memorials, art openings, private parties or general background music. She can also provide soothing music for those in pain or suffering from illness. Seattle metropolitan area preferred; travel negotiable.

Nadya King — McMinnville OR (Wine Country), 503-474-2988, nadya@ladyharper.com, www.ladyharper.com. Service: A Reiki Master Teacher, Harpist, Massage Therapist & Sprit Moves facilitator, Nadya provides pain management, injury prevention, song medicine, massage & movement sessions. Performs: A lovely blend of traditional, Celtic, spiritual & original music on lever harp in a variety of settings, including open houses, anniversaries, parties, weddings, home blessing ceremonies, memorial services, & hospice or nursing homes, usually within ~ 100 miles. Teaches: All levels of Reiki; Healing with Harp & Song - private or group classes; beginning/intermediate lever harp, guiding students to develop their inner ear. Theory, improvisation, medleys, & composition.

Nancy Davis — Spokane WA, 509-467-3136, nancy@harpscapes.com,  www.harpscapes.com.  Teaches: lever harp. Performs: for weddings, teas, dinners, corporate events, on lever harp and pedal harp, also sings and plays keyboards. Celtic, classical, pop repertoire. Also performs with Thistle'n'Thyme, a Celtic group consisting of harp, hammered dulcimer and fiddle.

Patricia Friedson — Ferndale & Bellingham WA, 360-393-3376, ambertales@juno.com.  Teaches: lever harp (rentals and sales available) at Beyond the Tracks Performing Arts Center, and at home studio. Beginners of all ages welcome! Also available for group and school workshops throughout Whatcom County. Performs: Storytelling and Harp Music from around the world, including music and tales from many lands and times.

Patricia Jaeger — Seattle WA (Northgate), 206-525-7682, pjaeger99@hotmail.com. Teaches: pedal and lever harp at North Seattle Community College and also privately to all ages, to upper intermediate level. Also teaches violin, viola, and beginning piano. Publishes: arrangements published under name Herald Music available widely. Service: harp-and-strings youth ensemble Serenaders gives volunteer programs at Children's Hospital and many retirement and nursing homes (http://groups.msn.com/TheSerenaders). Performs: weddings, parties, etc.

Paula Lalish — E. Jefferson County, Olympic Peninsula, 360-385-4265, lalish@waypoint.com. Teaches: beginning, intermediate folk harp in a variety of styles, emphasis on improvisation and arrangement. Performs: for weddings, funerals, and other gala occasions. Certified Music Practitioner, provides palliative music in home or clinical settings.

Peter Berry — Seattle WA (Beacon Hill), 206-522-5819, peterbe@gatesfoundation.org.   Performs: lever or medieval Irish wire-strung harp for weddings, funerals, memorials, or other ceremonies; specializes in traditional slow airs of Ireland and contemplative music; combines harp music with storytelling and poetry in concert setting.

Philip Boulding (Magical Strings) — Olalla WA, 253-857-3716, info@magicalstrings.com;  www.magicalstrings.com.  Performs: Celtic roots and original music locally, throughout the US, and abroad, also music for weddings, conferences, private parties and community events.  Teaches: beginning and intermediate Celtic harp classes in Seattle, Tacoma and Bellevue and privately at their studio on Magic Hill.  Annual Summer Harp Camp in August.  School assemblies and workshops.  Builder:  Celtic lap and concert harps and hammered dulcimers.

Rebecca Blair — Vancouver BC, 604-874-1733, www.dancingharp.com.   Teaches: lever harp privately or at Place des Arts in Coquitlam BC where she holds two workshops per year. Rebecca welcomes students of all ages, from beginner to intermediate. Her focus is on improvisation and arranging, complemented by technique and practical music theory. Performs: in the lower mainland with music for all occasions in venues large or small, specializing in Celtic traditional music. She also performs with a Celtic Trio called the Maenads.

Rochelle Brown — Bellingham WA, 360-389-6132, www.myspace.com/rochellebrownsmallharp. Performs: Performer of the wire-strung harp. Played in New York and Dublin, Ireland, for restaurants, events, ceremonies. Can play background music or interact with the audience giving information about the pieces of music, with some singing. Repertoire includes seasonal, and specialized for wedding ceremonies, seating, cocktails, birthdays, etc. Music includes Irish, contemporary, light classical, selected European art songs, creating dreamy textures of sound and song with ethereal and lively atmospheres. Call for a consultation on how to specialize your event with the most beautiful instrument in the world, the harp.

Ruth S. Mar — Bellevue WA, 206-841-7277, rushyama@gmail.com, www.ruthsmar.com. Teaches: lever and pedal harp, all levels. Performs: pedal harp for weddings, receptions, corporate events, and other special occasions in the Greater Seattle area. Also offers flute/harp, violin/harp, and cello/harp duos.

Ruthann Ritchie — Tacoma WA, 253-302-5753 (home), 812-204-5803 (cell), harpist46@hotmail.com.  Teaches: Pedal and lever harp in home studio or will travel to students' homes within 20 miles. Teaches Grandjany style at pedal harp, will tailor approach to meet student needs, welcomes beginners (children or adults) preferring those with previous piano background and/or ability to read music. Performs: Classical pedal harp as well as lever and Celtic harp for all occasions, solo or with other musicians, ensemble, orchestral work. Loves weddings! Also a Board-Certified Music Therapist, consulting to assisted living and/or nursing homes. Graduate of MHTP; also church organist and choir director.

Seumas Gagné — Seattle WA (Greenwood), 206-297-8398, seumasg@comcast.net. Teaches: folk harp, especially Scottish and Irish dance music, selecting appropriate music for instrument, developing arrangements and techniques; also language and vocal coaching for Scottish Gaelic songs.

Susan Easthouse — Anacortes WA, 360-770-6232, seasthouse@comcast.net. Teaches: beginning lever harp to ages 8-80.

Susan Irwin — Yakima WA, 509-577-9215, gentleharp@msn.com.  Teaches: lever harp instruction for all age groups.

Susan (Tudy) McLain — Seattle WA (West Seattle), 206-932-1861, www.greensleevesharp.com. Teaches and Performs:  Celtic and pedal harps.  Rental harps available. Also teaches at the Dusty Strings retail shop in Fremont.

Susan Jean Repath — Mill Bay BC, 250-743-3247, http://members.shaw.ca/susanrepath.  Performs: Celtic harp, guitar, bodhran, and voice in coffee house settings, folk festivals, small venues, and house concerts. Specializes in traditional music of Ireland, Scotland and Wales; also contemporary and popular music as well as original music. First CD, "The Parting".

Susi Hussong —  Seattle WA (Ballard)  206-783-9493,  harp4u@comcast.net,  www.harp4u.com.  Teaches: lever and pedal harp to all levels; enjoys beginners, both adult and children.  Performs: classical, Celtic and contemporary music for all occasions.  Also performs as a duo with flutist and as a trio with flute, cello, and harp.

Teruyo Koshimaya — Seattle WA (West Seattle), teruyo108@fidalgo.net. Performs: on lever harp, Celtic music and other traditional music for weddings and parties. Teaches: lever harp, adult beginners and mature children (Japanese speaking students welcome).

Valerie K. Blessley — Vancouver WA, 360-576-8111, blesses@pacifier.com.  Teaches: modified Grandjany technique, usable on pedal or folk harp, and Perho River Valley style Finnish kantele.  Performs: with the NW harp duo Celtic Muse, the NW kantele group Livakat, and the Finnish trio Soittorasia.

Wendy Humphreys Tebbutt — Halfmoon Bay BC, 604-885-5578, wendy@peakseminars.ca. Teaches: lever harp, harp ensemble, and singing on the Sunshine Coast and in Vancouver. Rentals available. Workshops & Private Sessions: Specialized Kinesiology for Performers. Performs: A former orchestral harpist, now a classical singer and chamber musician who has performed across Canada; Wendy performs solo harp/voice concerts and is part of Gemini & Humphreys (piano 4 hands duo, flutes, recorders, Celtic harp, & voice).

Distance Learning

Christine Magnussen of Bellingham WA offers live, creative, customized folk harp lessons for all ages on-line via Skype. Meet her and her harps at www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtzkfaeGilY or at www.HarpSpirit.com and www.peacecalm.com.

Elizabeth Paine of Houston TX is now teaching live video harp lessons to students of all ages and ability levels anywhere in the world using ooVoo (see www.ooVoo.com). Instruction is available for lever, pedal, or cross-strung harp. Please contact Elizabeth at thevirtualharp@gmail.com.

This page was last updated on December 13, 2009

Directory of Teachers & Performers