March Showers Are Better than February Snow Storms
New challenges
No really, I DO want you to come to harp lessons. See, I even built this lovely obstacle course on my sidewalk for you….”
Somehow I thought that when the …
6 Unorthodox Ways To Prepare for a Background Harp Gig
1. Practice with a light shining in your face.
Once I played harp for a lovely wedding reception on a cruise boat. Dramatic clouds spotted the western sky as a glowing …
Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Russian Easter Overture:” Harp part, page 4
This Sunday afternoon I will be performing harp on the “Russian Easter Overture” for the third time. I love it when I get to repeat an orchestral work because I …
Enjoying the drudgery
Sometimes a piece reaches that in-between stage where it can truthfully claim almost all the right notes, correct timing, and a decent set of dynamics. And there the piece languishes, …
Attempts at a Sustainable Schedule
I was busy sewing away on my Halloween costume a few weeks ago. Costuming is one of my favorite hobbies. But some tasks, like gathering 9 feet of fabric into …
Stephanie Claussen: 2018 US National Scottish Harp Champion
This weekend I traveled to Edinboro, Pennsylvania to compete in the Edinboro Scottish Harp Competition and US National Scottish Harp Championship. My dear friend Emily put me up in her …
Motivated by the Beat: Spin Class and Harp Practice
I’ve been trying out spin classes this past year.
Spinning. You know – as in indoor cycling?
One of my harp students in responsible. She invited me, attended along with …
Edinburgh International Harp Festival 2018
I experienced one specific conversation at least five times during the festival:
Sitting down at the dinner table: “Hi, my name is Stephanie.”
“Hello! I’m Anna.” (Or Caroline, or Helen.)
A moment of …