A Happy, Healthy prosperous new year

Hello dear readers and a Happy New Year from me! I sincerely hope 2022 will be a memorable year for us all, full to the brim with music. While reviewing the year, one thing became blatantly obvious to me and that was the lack of performances during 2021. I think that was the general consensus amongst us musicians as we twiddled our thumbs with dwindling hope for the ping of a text or an email notification inviting us to play. The upside to this is that I have cherished those rare performances that did go ahead like gold dust and those I played for were all the more memorable for their scarcity. It’s in our blood to entertain and to distract audiences from everyday life. If we can provide a means of escape for a couple of hours, then it’s job done. There’s no feeling quite like it.

My greatest hope for 2022 is that I will be able to offer my musical services on a broader scale, whether that’s for weddings, parties, events, solo performances, funerals or in my role as an educator, helping my students express themselves with our amazing instrument. Zoom is still a godsend and although it can be frustrating at times, I am lucky that I have that option. Sharing harps is tricky and I really miss my monthly teaching at Saltaire.

None of us are blessed with a crystal ball and who knows what lies ahead with COVID rules and regulations. Who am I to speculate on our situation 6 months from now? I have decided to grab 2022 by the G string and go about my music business in as normal a fashion as possible. I will be booking wedding fayres and announcing them as they arise so do keep an eye here as well as on my Instagram and Facebook pages. I’ve missed the friendly banter and meeting fellow wedding suppliers and hearing what they’ve been up to, so it’ll be great to get back in the swing of promotional events again.

First up is a wedding showcase at stunning Hodsock Priory, a venue I discovered last Summer when I played for Gemma and Matt’s extra special wedding. This venue is like something out of a fairytale and the wedding team were just brilliant. If you want to come and listen and have a chat about the music I have to offer here are the details:

Beautiful isn’t it? I’ve been learning lots of new background repertoire and I’m keen to share that with you so do come along, say hello and tell me what tunes you’d love to hear on the harp. From Lana del Rey to Bruno Mars, via Ed Sheeran of course, I always do my best to accommodate your requests!

This Sunday I’m taking part in my first proper orchestral concert for 2 years! Orchestral playing is my passion but I’d like to share something - I’m absolutely terrified! Not so long ago, when I was playing with orchestras regularly, I would have thought nothing of this. None of the repertoire is particularly challenging and I’ve played most of the pieces before but I’m still worried. I just want to do the best job I can and ultimately, when the baton goes down in Bridlington at 2pm on Sunday, I know I’ll have just the right focus. I just have to trust the process! And BREATHE!

So there you go, Even seasoned professionals get pre-performance nerves. I will be focusing on the music, my breath and visualising everything going well and if I play my cards (notes?) right, I might even get a stroll on the beach but no Mr Whippy this time - it’s sugar free January for me!

Playing with lilies

At Hodsock Priory last year. Image by the super talented Photos by Hash. I promise I’m friendly, that’s just my concentration face

Out of hibernation at last!

Hello Dear Readers! I can’t believe I haven’t blogged since October! So much has happened I don’t quite know where to start, so why don’t I start with music? At last I’m feeling really motivated and moved by music again, the main reason being that I might have 2 weddings in May. Please whisper that so we don’t jinx it! I’m optimistic that smaller weddings will become a big thing for the rest of the year as some couples decide that big isn’t always best and that wedding celebrations might be even better when held in stages. Why not have a small intimate ceremony, then later on, a party with punch and pizzazz as bigger gatherings are permitted again? Today I enjoyed researching some requests for May and I got a buzz as I remembered the process of making pop tunes sound good on the harp. I’ll be sharing some of those on social media when they’re ready to be aired so stay tuned.

A question I’ve been pondering is how I can reach couples who would be interested in having me play at their wedding without wedding fayres at which to perform my latest hits. Fayres are hard work but fun at the same time as they’re a great way to meet music loving clients as well as catching up with some amazing wedding suppliers. I have to remind myself to be patient as life resumes some sort of normality.

I’ve enjoyed practicing for my own pleasure as well as learning wedding requests. It’s helped keep my brain in shape, not to mention my fingers - I’m looking forward to having calluses again! I realised that when the urge to play is there, I have to seize it, even if I only have 5 minutes. I love having full days to indulge in some serious practice but life doesn’t always allow this luxurious time. Playing keeps my creativity topped up and connects me with the passionate part of my personality.

My online Zoom teaching has been a lifesaver. The ability to teach weekly from home is fantastic and it’s one of the blessings of technology. Obviously face to face lessons are ideal, but my regular students who have had their weekly dose of Zoom have steadily made significant progress in their playing and in their basic music theory knowledge. It’s also been lovely to see them and to catch up on their news. Feel free to get in touch if you fancy trying a Zoom lesson from the comfort of your own home.

From a non musical perspective, I’m still walking and running and enjoying the sanity that brings while swimming pools and gyms have been out of bounds. I’ve also been having online yoga lessons with Sue Cowlishaw - she’s a fantastic yoga teacher offering very varied classes, and every week I learn some new poses or flows, or we work on the fundamental postures. My mind, body and spirit love yoga!

I’ve been cooking a lot, and I mean a lot, and learning new styles of cuisine. When the pandemic worsened and I realised I’d have no playing work at all, I developed psoriasis on my arms and legs. I’m sure that stress and uncertainty were the main factors which aggravated this chronic condition. It hasn’t affected me significantly other than the appearance of the plaques denting my confidence but I think the arrival of Spring with an improvement in the weather, and more music will help with this. I’ve tried all sorts of approaches - prescription and non prescription lotions, creams and ointments, cutting out food groups, fasting, detoxes etc. Nothing has made a significant difference so I’m trying not to give it too much thought. I’m certain that as we learn a new way of being, my skin will settle down. I’m told that swimming in the sea and warmer climates are beneficial for psoriasis. Planning holidays abroad is good for psoriasis too! Did I tell you I’ve been learning Spanish? Wow, how I’ve enjoyed that! I’ve been learning the basics using an app on my phone. Learning a new language fills me with positivity and a sense of possibility. I love it!

For the time being I won’t be posting photos here, it takes too much time to download them. I will however be using Instagram and possibly Facebook (if I can work out how to get past the pesky code generator - what’s that about FB?!!) to share images and music clips. If you want to see what I get up to when I’m out and about away from the harp, I’m on Instagram as rarebitblogging It’s just a bit of fun, usually in the hills. Maintaining a sense of fun is so important!

I’m feeling excited about the future and ready to start this new chapter. Hope you’ll join me!

Walking the walk

Hello dear readers, dear music lovers! How are you all doing during these crazy unsettling times? I wanted to reassure you that I’m still here. I love writing and I’ve really missed blogging but with the outbreak of COVID 19 and doing my part time shop job to the best of my ability with all the challenges that come with new regulations implemented every week, I’ve hardly had time to do one of my favourite things - write! I’ve made a few changes in my home since March and I’ve embarked upon a few DIY projects. I’ve been trying and testing new recipes and my diet is now mainly plant based. I’m still managing my house and tending my garden as best I can, so writing has taken a back seat. Whenever I have some free time I love to practice but seeing as most of my public performances have been cancelled or postponed, I’ve been practicing my own music for my pleasure and to keep my hands and fingers (and brain!) in shape. Interestingly my obsession with keeping myself in good physical shape has grown and I don’t feel quite right unless I’ve walked or jogged at least a couple of miles a day. I’ve pushed myself quite hard this month and with today’s wet weather I’m taking the day off to rest my feet and joints. I’ve slept a lot so I know tomorrow I’ll be ready to bounce into a new week.

When COVID kicked off I decided I was going to do my best to keep upbeat, not beat myself up at the loss of work/income. 2020 was all set to be one of the best years as far as weddings go, and I was ready to reap the fruit of all those hard played wedding fayres and all the promotional work they involve. Gradually the emails came pouring in and I’d brace myself to face the admin pile that mounted up as the weeks went on. I couldn’t be bothered practicing or even playing for my own pleasure. There were so many genuinely lovely brides and grooms whose weddings I was looking forward to playing at and so they’'ll be even more special when they do eventually go ahead, but it has been quite a painful time. I’ve had some personal financial difficulties to face as well and a few health concerns (psoriasis, a new one on me). But throughout this episode in my life I’ve managed to keep a surprisingly positive attitude. I’m convinced my walking and running has helped with that. When I’m feeling down I can either let myself slip down further or put on some leggings and running shoes and get out there. I’m no runner! However I can run a bit and stop when I get out of breath, and when I get back my mood is about 5 notches higher. Endorphins are the best and the feeling is very similar to the adrenaline rush I get from performing! I haven’t been swimming since March as my lovely little local pool is still closed. Running will never replace that invigorating first plunge into the water, but it’s the most accessible form of vigorous exercise I have at the moment.

I’ve fallen in love with longer walks since embarking on an expedition from home towards White Hill on the other side of the M62 on a scorching hot day at the end of May with my friends Gareth and Sue. We covered just over 20 miles that day. I felt as though I’d been purged, a deep cleansing of my self. My feet were in tatters and I had no energy for 2 days afterwards but it was a truly amazing feeling, especially when I considered what it’s like to drive 20 miles. Since then I’ve completed quite a few longer walks including one of my favourites, the Edale Skyline. Last Sunday we walked up Pen Y Ghent.

Pen Y Ghent conquered!

I wanted to walk all 3 of the Yorkshire Three Peaks but I don’t have the stamina yet. Walking really is a great way to experience the amazing countryside around me and it ticks so many boxes. What has walking and running got to do with music? You may well ask. For me it taps into my creative side. It allows me space to express the stream of thoughts whirling in my head and I feel appeased afterwards. On Friday for example, I set myself the goal of making a short recording of a request from a bride. At the end of a busy week including a day of online teaching on Thursday, the last thing I felt like doing was fiddling with tech but I had a goal. I was in a bad mood when I woke up later than I wanted. I pushed myself out and covered 3 miles and got to work. I got 3 versions of At Last recorded, sent one version to the bride and posted another on social media. I think that if I hadn’t run I probably wouldn’t have done the recording at all.

I’ve been doing some online yoga with the lovely Sue from sjcyoga - check her out, she’s pretty bloody good and has the patience of a saint when I’m huffing and puffing and telling her I can’t go on. We regularly do a killer core exercise I thought she said baby seals do. Turns out she said Navy Seals. Flip. I feel like a baby seal when I’m doing it and I go a rather alarming beetroot colour but I always feel better, straighter, taller and stronger after a session with her.

Other than loving living my adventures I’m always working on new music for weddings and events so keep those requests coming in and I’ll make time to learn them.

Have a great week and month!

Rhian

I love my job!

My stand

Neater and decluttered

I’m always keen to improve the services I offer. I’ve worked very hard over the past 2 years to develop my harp business and it feels like the tip of an immense iceberg at times. Learning to run my own business is a labour of love but at times it takes me so far away from the harp. I long to delve my fingers into those vibrant strings and practice for hours on end like I used to. I don’t have that luxury these days so any practice hours are precious. You could ask why I’m not practicing now but I know I need a certain kind of headspace to practice efficiently and this evening is earmarked for writing. It’s a sideline I’m trying to develop alongside my playing. Do you know anyone in need of my writing services?

With wedding fayre season in full swing, I have a confession to make - I’m hardly touching the harp. Only 2 months behind schedule, my brochure is almost ready to go to print and then I’ll start on the task of distributing it. Next, I’ll be updating my website and publicity materials. A few people have mentioned I’m not blonde anymore. I’ve really enjoyed my year of lightheadedness so in 2020, let’s see what happens. Watch this space - I’m embracing my darker side and maybe going back to my roots… I wonder what colour they are by now?

It’s so easy for me to get distracted. After an excellent day at Wortley Hall wedding fayre last weekend, I decided that I would address all the admin that evening after I’d had a bit of a rest. I emailed all you lovely couples who were so enthusiastic about my music and my offering and by 9pm I was ready for a quick social media post before calling it a day. In my haste to post, I forgot to share it to Facebook so if you’re not on Instagram or social media at all, you may have missed the snaps I’ve added to this post. If you haven’t met me yet and you’ve seen me looking a bit stern while I’m concentrating on my music, the ice cream photos might help you see I’m actually very friendly and approachable. Do come and say hello.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - the best thing about fayres is the people I meet. I’ve worked alongside Graham Thewlis-Hardy and his wife Lisa from A Taste of Italy ice cream trike a fayre bit and I’ve sampled more than my fayre share of their amazing ice cream. With 97, yes, 97 flavours, I’ve got a lot more to sample. I have to retain myself, it’s so good. If you eat shop bought ice cream, Lisa and Graham’s gelati really are in a different parlour. It’s the “crème de la crème” of ice cream and it could be the perfect playful addition to your wedding. See photos below for some gratuitous food porn.

For balance, my stand was positioned next to a lovely friendly lady, Laura McNally. She’s a very knowledgeable personal trainer and she was so generous in offering me tips on my posture and how I can improve it away from the harp. Taking care of yourselves before your wedding is such a vital aspect that’s often overlooked and pleasant as she was, I wouldn’t want to mess with Laura!

Laura’s enticing stand

The massage balls are on my Christmas list

The next Wortley Hall Wedding Fayre is on the 26th January 2020. Might see you there? It’s always a fun fayre!

Ooohhhhh

Chocolate

Oh go on then

Open wide

I think my face says it all

I sampled the Turkish Delight which is out of this world as well as Cherry Italia, mmmmmmm

Enjoying a well earned cup of the strong stuff

After all that ice cream

Chandelier

above some vintage suffragette artwork

Inspiral

The gorgeous architecture at Wortley Hall

Wedding Fayre - Queens Hotel Leeds

I’m excited to be exhibiting at this fayre organised by those lovelies at Wedding Fayres Yorkshire on Sunday. It’s a new venue for me and after watching a short video on Facebook last night, I’m even more excited! It looks like a proper Art Deco venue and I love Art Deco.

Wedding Fayre season is in full flow and I’m loving playing at some stunning venues where I get to meet all you gorgeous couples. I’ll let you into a secret - I get so inspired by your music requests and I can’t wait for music week at the end of the month. It’s a week during which I just sit down and practice to my heart’s content. Happy Days! Or should that be Harpy Days?

Have a great weekend and maybe I’ll see you there on Sunday to chat about music for your Wedding or event?

October Wedding Fayres

I’ll be playing at the following fayres this month:

6/10 - Oulton Hall, Rothwell, Leeds

13/10 - Wortley Hall near Sheffield

Me at Wortley Hall

20/10 - Queens Hotel, Leeds

Come and say hello and tell me what music you’d like me to play just for you!

Wedding Fayre - Holmfirth Vineyard, Sunday 22nd September 2019

Images - Glix Photography

I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be playing at the Autumn Wedding Fayre at the spectacular Vineyard, just down the road from me on the outskirts of the bustling town of Holmfirth. As you can see from the photos, I’ve played here in the past at a wedding event held by Holmfirth Vineyard a few years ago. If you haven’t been, you really ought to check this unique venue out. Having that panoramic window as a backdrop for your wedding photos would really make them unforgettable. As for your wedding music, it’s a beautiful acoustic and the divine sounds of my harp would enhance any wedding celebration or special event.

Will I see you there on Sunday to chat about music for your event?

Huddersfield Town Hall Wedding Fayre

It’s a new season with new music and I’ve got a new look! Come on down to the Town Hall to talk about music for your event!

WEDDING FAYRES - AUTUMN 2019

Here’s a list of wedding fayres at which I’ll be exhibiting this Autumn, all courtesy of those lovely folk at Wedding Fayres Yorkshire:

15/9/2019 11am Huddersfield Town Hall
6/10/2019 11am Oulton Hall, near Leeds
20/10/2019 11am Dewsbury Town Hall
10/11/2019 11am Whirlowbrook Hall, Sheffield

Do keep checking here and on social media - I’m adding to this list all the time and I’m looking forward to meeting you. Come and have a relaxed, friendly chat about your wedding music! I’ve got some new music on my stand and a list of pieces I want to record, and another list I want to research, so if you’re looking for exceptional music for any event, do get in touch. I don’t just play for weddings either. My music can add a touch of refined elegance to your parties, anniversaries, corporate events, celebrations and Christmas too! Whatever your music requirements, come and listen to my harpbeat!

Bagden Hall Wedding Fayre

Elegant Eagles

in Yorkshire, not St Tropez

BAGDEN HALL

DENBY DALE, HUDDERSFIELD

SUNDAY 9TH JUNE FROM 11AM

I’m very excited to be playing my wedding favourites at Bagden Hall, a new venue to me a mere 20 minute drive away. I’m looking forward to meeting all you lovely couples interested in having beautiful customised live music tailored just for your wedding. I love to add a personal touch to any wedding celebration and Fayres are the ideal opportunity to meet me and see and hear what I have to offer.

Breathtaking setting

Bagden Hall

So if you’re getting married and you’re considering having live music on your special day, I do hope you’ll pop in to say Hi and listen to my harpbeat!

Duck!

I didn’t see any on my last visit though I’m optimistic about next Sunday…