Harp Column Blogs: Brandee YoungerArchive

About a month ago, I spent the start of my weekend playing with another harpist, for the first graders at a charter School in Brooklyn, New York.  As is often the case, many of them had never before seen a harp, (let alone, 2 at the same time) and were shocked at the size, and sound of it.  The week prior to our visit, they learned all about the harp, so they were able to intelligently answer each question that was asked.  Afterward, I couldn’t help but wonder if one of these children would end up playing the harp one day, from this one visit.

I am not sure how most harpists began playing the harp, but I do know that I was a random case.  I had never been exposed to a harp, nor could my parents afford a harp or lessons and in the neighborhood where I grew up, a harp was completely unheard of.  When I was a teen, my father introduced me to a woman that played a little troubadour, and a brief mentorship led my life down an unexpected path.

I thought about these children for weeks after the workshop, and would be thrilled to know if just one of them decided to take this path.  I wondered if they realized that by us being there, the green light of opportunity was lit.  There’s definitely a way, where there is a will.  I did not have the resources in the beginning, yet with the will, and good faith of many, this is now my career.

I’m hoping to figure out how to post a couple of pictures below of the workshop...that I gave with the other harpist, who also happens to be my very first harp instructor!