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

NEW MUSIC FOR 2021

Hello dear readers!

It’s been quite some time since I blogged and I’m delighted to tell you why I haven’t written - I’ve been practicing of course! I’ve been lucky enough to play for three amazing weddings this year already and I’ve really enjoyed learning some beautiful songs that sound great on the harp. Here they are:

Never Enough from The Greatest Showman

Married Life from Up

There You’ll Be from Pearl Harbour by Faith Hill

I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady

One Day I’ll Fly Away from Moulin Rouge

Mad World from Donnie Darko

Skyfall Main Theme by Adele

Ed Sheeran - Photograph

Lionel Richie - Stuck on You

Lionel Richie - Three Times a Lady

Savage Garden - Truly, Madly, Deeply

John Lennon - Woman

Paul Simon - Bridge Over Troubled Water

Simon and Garfunkel - Sound of Silence

Coldplay - Paradise

Oasis - Wonderwall

Fleetwood Mac - Songbird

Feel free to get in touch if you have some favourite songs you’d like to hear me play just for you!

Wild Rose

I’m feeling vibrant and energised this morning. Yesterday was a free day and I went on a 10 mile walk starting from my house bright and early. I love observing the change in seasons and how suddenly it can be snowy and bone numbingly cold one weekend, and a week later, the birds seem to chatter and chirp in a fresh new key as they gather materials to create their new homes. I heard a woodpecker tapping away this morning when I was stretching with the window wide open. It’s definitely Spring thank goodness and when the sun is out, the warmth feels therapeutic.

Noticing these changes adds variety on a walk along paths we’ve trodden very well over the past year. Yesterday we avoided roads and ventured across country rather than sticking to the clearly established paths. You could call it the path less travelled and I like that a lot, going off piste. Towards the end of the walk we headed up to the moorland above Deer Hill reservoir. It was barren and rugged. Lovely!

I put on some simple fare when we got back. I love feeding people and I’ve missed that during lockdown.

We didn’t see any wild roses on our walk but these days, Saturday night is movie night. After a quick scroll through the Netflix top titles, I decided on a film called Wild Rose. It really blew me away which is why I’m telling you about it. It’s still with me this morning. It’s an inspiring and slightly gritty but uplifting story of a Glaswegian country singer desperate to make it big in Nashville. The protagonist is played by a phenomenal actress called Jessie Buckley who sings for real in the film, and Julie Walters does a fantastic job playing her mum. It really inspired me and I laughed out loud a few times which says a lot as most viewing leaves me po faced. That’s all I’m going to say. Watch it and let me know what you think, especially if you laughed out loud.

Have a super wild Sunday!

Grounded

It’s Thursday evening already and I have no idea where this busy week has gone. Let’s roll back to last weekend when I went walking with my 2 bubble buddies, Gareth and Sue. The weather was very poor with strong horizontal winds and pelting rain, and there was even a bit of snow on the tops above the village. More than half way through our 9 mile walk I suddenly saw the stony muddy ground hurtling towards me. Things went into slow mo as they do when you fall. When I realised what had happened and became aware of the pain in my right elbow, I promptly burst into tears and swore prolifically. I swear that swearing helps ease the pain and dissipate any uncomfortable feelings. After wallowing in a muddy puddle of self pity and ascertaining that nothing was broken, I was back on my feet and on we walked. We got to a bench and I wanted to inspect my injuries but the rain started up again so we walked to the next village where we found a bus shelter to have a brew and a hot cross bun.

It was a good walk through some beautiful countryside but I was distracted and ready for home. Back at REH HQ I checked my elbow (grazed) and a bruise was developing nicely. I wasn’t in any pain though.

Back in the day when I had lots of rehearsals and performances, I was quite averse to walking. I didn’t see the point and I took the car even for the shortest trips. Falling was a concern - what if I fell and sprained an ankle or broke a wrist? I wouldn’t be able to play and basically I wouldn’t survive. Well, I disproved this self imposed myth on Sunday morning by doing 2 very productive fruitful hours’ work with little pain or discomfort. So walking and running are here to stay, at least until the pools open again. Why deny myself the pleasure of being in the great outdoors at one with nature?

There’s definitely been a change in the weather and we’ve had more springlike days which always boosts the spirits. The feeling of warm sun is like a balm to the skin and seeing buds burst into blossom holds such hope and optimism. I’m counting the sleeps before celebrating losing an hour in bed next Saturday night. We desperately need a great Summer and while I’m sure it will be like no other Summer we’ve experienced, there are already indications that we will have more freedom than we’ve had during the past few months.

I finally had my bedroom painted in February. That’s been a long drawn out project. Pinning down the painter took some doing. Tradespeople have really benefited from our desire to make our home environments more pleasant places in which to spend the additional time we have at our disposal. Could I become a DIY person? No chance! I can do quite a lot if I set my mind to it but in the long run, it definitely costs me less to pay someone experienced to do a job that would take me months and would cause me so much angst and stress! I can play the harp. I’m fluent in music and I’m good with languages. I can cook and clean. Practicality, however, isn’t my strong suit and that’s why I’m prepared to pay an experienced and knowledgeable professional to do a brilliant job.

Anyway, my bedroom looks great but I’m still sleeping in the spare room as I need to sort out the flooring. I got a quote for carpet and it prompted me to pursue the route I really want to take - having the old characterful floorboards sanded and varnished. I’m getting a quote this weekend. Everything seems to take twice the time I’d factored in. I’m looking forward to sleeping in my bedroom again and waking up to this spectacular view:

Up early before my shift yesterday, I had a strong urge to get out so off I went, my feet clad in trail shoes and I walk-ran 4 miles. It was so invigorating to be outdoors bright and early. Despite tripping over a thorny tangled tendril of undergrowth and finding myself on the floor AGAIN (I was grateful for a soft peaty landing this time), this outing gave me so much energy for the entire day even after I’d worked the late shift the previous night. I was chirpy, cheerful and chatty at work. I go on about exercise because I know how it now plays a fundamentally important part my life. I haven’t been out today - I’m grounded as I have a lot to do here and I need to save my energy for a longer walk on Saturday, and I have some practice to do tomorrow of course. And I don’t want to be grounded again!

What’s all this ^^? There’s always something new to learn on social media!

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!

Snowdon 2020 with photos aplenty - Come as you are but be prepared

“I suppose this blog ought to have a musical theme. The current pandemic is wreaking havoc within an industry I love, and I have a huge amount of music to express but I can’t justify dedicating time to pursuing this expression at the moment. I have more pressing projects that are demanding my attention. This is my blog and I do love to write and perhaps reading it will take your mind off the everyday and inspire you to take to the hills or to find something that challenges you to the point of making you want to get up in the early hours because you have a mission to accomplish.
”

The pinnacle of my walking adventures

(The subtitle of this blog post refers to my feelings of inadequacy and subsequently acceptance before a significant walk)

At 6.59am last Friday 18th September I set off from the deserted car park in Llanberis opposite the tiny train station. I psyched myself up for a long hard climb, collecting my thoughts as I ate my banana meditatively and gulping the last of my now cold coffee.

Still life with fruit

It was looking like a beautiful day, the sky a promising shade of early morning pale blue with hardly a cloud in sight. I’d researched Snowdon a lot, and I mean a lot, looking longingly at dozens of exciting photos on the internet and social media, visualising each different route. No amount of homework could have prepared me for the full Snowdon experience. I’d waited for this moment for months.

This way please

I took a right off the mini roundabout, reassured when I saw a man sporting a backpack wearing walking boots in the distance and the two men I’d seen assembling mountain bikes next to me in the car park. The path I chose is somewhat misleadingly called the tourist path. If I was a tourist aiming to do a gentle tourist type stroll, this isn’t a route I would take. I’d take the train!

Tourist path

Bone white stones

The initial incline from Llanberis was very steep, an excellent warm up for my legs and lungs. I wanted to stop as little as possible but walking uphill for 4.5 miles on not quite enough sleep was tough so I had plenty of mini breaks, making the most of the awe inspiring scenery to take photos and regulate my breathing.

Post

bristling with coins embedded

I was alone for most of the ascent, passed by a few brave couples walking down, presumably having gone up in the dark to swoon at a spectacularly romantic sunrise. A couple of trail runners sauntered down effortlessly past me, their spindly legs carrying their lithe limber frames over weathered rocks and stones. I recognised that look in their eyes, one of gentle but complete focus. One false move…

After the first 20-30 minutes of any walk, I get into a zone. It’s a different time zone up a mountain anyway. Time seems to stand still and suddenly an hour has passed. And then another. My thoughts come and go. I wonder if I’ll ever make it, rounding a corner to see another intimidatingly steep slope. Be in the moment, don’t get ahead of yourself, I tell myself comfortingly. Remember all the other tough walks and hills.

The journey

It can be scary business walking up and down mountains and I always expect the unexpected. I kept my eyes peeled for Crib Goch just in case I took a wrong turn onto it. That perilous peak isn’t on my bucket list. I arrived at a small shuttered building, the halfway house. At two points on the tourist path with its twists and turns, the railway track crosses over the stony route.

Bridge with a view

Arriving at the second bridge, I was blown violently by a very strong gust of wind. Hood up! Brace! I had a moment of panic seeing clusters of clouds billowing around at the same level as me and I regretted leaving my waterproofs in the car. Thankfully the rain held off. I struggled to stand up straight, buffeted sideways by the unpredictable gusts. I hadn’t accounted for the wind. This made progress a bit slower but exciting. There’s a vertiginous drop after that second little bridge, a vivid reminder of how dangerous Snowdon can be. I hugged the boulders to my right, enlightened by a heightened awareness of my mortality. People die on Snowdon.

I checked my watch. 4 miles done. Only another half mile to go. I still couldn’t see the summit. I sucked hard on 3 sweets for fast energy. I got to this little rock:

A quiet time of day

and the trig point was in sight. I wanted to make this moment last, savouring the feeling of being above the clouds at the top of the highest mountain in Wales. It was windy and significantly cooler at the summit. Carefully choosing my moment, I arrived at the steps:

Stairway to…

and up I went. I saw two big long fingered black birds careering playfully around the trig point. Engaged in their daredevil winged dance, they fought to stay in the air current before giving in to the wind, letting themselves be blown backwards a hundred metres at lightning speed and, dear readers, I got scared, very scared. I got to the last step and couldn’t stand up for the wind! I sat down, put my walking poles away and braced myself. I just couldn’t do it! To my right was a drop so sheer and so dramatically steep I couldn’t bring myself to look.

Hair raising

hood raising gusts

A small group of men were whooping gleefully around the trig as I, on my hands and knees, looked on hopelessly, almost tearful with frustration. I asked a man in a stripy orange beanie hat if he would hold my hand and help me up but I still couldn’t do it. Down the steps I went, exasperated. I gathered all my strength and willpower for a few minutes and gave it another go. The wind seemed even stronger. I tried again and again but I couldn’t stand up. After a moment’s reflection, I decided to call it quits. Snowdon, you win. This time. I’ll be back.

The infamous Snowdon trig point

I’ll take on the trig another day, maybe next year. It really was enough for me to get to the top of Snowdon solo and see the views of all the surrounding mountains and lakes, and the sea in the distance, humbling reminders of my smallness and the magnitude of everything around me.

Disappointed much?

Anticlimax. Look how many people there were by now. I bet there was a queue by the time i was brunching in Llanberis

The summit visitor centre and facilities were shut so I decided to head back down as I was getting cold and it was getting busier. I greeted fellow walkers with a cheerful “Bore da!” as I made my way down. There were a few Welsh walkers. Some smiled and said Hello. Some people ignored me. How rude, I thought. Perhaps they were so breathless they couldn’t speak. Other people wanted a bit of a chat. I stopped every mile or so, again imprinting the scenery in my memory. There’s no place quite like Snowdonia.

Back down at halfway house, now transformed into a modest snack shop, I had an interesting chat with the shopkeeper, a friendly Welsh lady from Llanberis. She was concerned about the young woman she’d just served who seemed very inexperienced who was enquiring about taking the train back down once she got to the summit. She’d told her she wasn’t sure that was possible. When I got back down to town, the trains were fully booked and there weren’t many running anyway. A mile from Llanberis, two quite unfit people greeted me and said “Please tell us the summit’s just round that corner?!!” “The summit’s just round that corner” I obliged optimistically. Then I shook my head and regretfully informed them it was a fair way again and suggested they aim for halfway house. I bet there were sore feet and muscles that night but you have to start somewhere.

A great slate gate post

My first serious long hill walk took place last September when I did a 9 mile circular walk around Stoodley Pike near Todmorden with my friends Gareth and Sue. It felt like an epic walk at the time. These days I feel hard done by unless I’m walking double figures and next year I’d like to go beyond 20 miles. There are so many mountains I’d like to discover, so many other peaks in Snowdonia not to mention Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike. Then there’s the Brecon Beacons, the Munros, the Wainwrights…

I bought myself a pair of trail running shoes for my birthday, and I wore them last Friday. I really love running downhill, so I couldn’t help but run a few of the smoother sections on Friday. That’s freedom and my idea of fun these days. That’s when I forget all my worries and problems.

Meditative contemplation

Back down in bustling Llanberis by midday, I saw a giant glossy plastic statue of a whipped ice cream and I celebrated walking and running 1,002 miles so far in 2020 with an ice cold crispy creamy 99 for brunch. It’s all about the food too you know! I won’t stop now either - a rolling stone... It’s only September and I’m looking forward to walking and running in more challenging weather conditions. I ran in rain on Wednesday night, it’s very good for the immune system!

I’ve never been sporty. I was always one of the last kids to be picked for a sport team at school and with good reason. I had an unpredictable right hand throw and I couldn’t run far or fast. I still don’t see myself as a walker or a runner but when I’m out, I forget all my worries and I have loads of energy and a fresh outlook on my problems as soon as I’m back.

I used to drive to picturesque places and sit in the car admiring the views, feeling a bit frustrated that I didn’t have the confidence to get out and walk, wishing someone would hold my hand and walk with me. So going up Snowdon solo really was a big deal.

Another world

I realise that walking has temporarily replaced music in my life. I don’t have a business for the time being. My playing work has probably all disappeared this year but I seem to be taking it in my stride. I’m as passionate about the great outdoors as I am about music, it’s just that the world of music seems less accessible to me for now. The outdoors? Well, it’s quite literally right on my doorstep!

Hiraethus

Climb Ev'ry Mountain

Imagine - above us only sky

September has been a very busy month so far. Not busy in a musical sense but I’m optimistic that the situation for us freelance musicians will improve in the coming months and into 2021. People NEED events and weddings and celebrations with live music and I’ve heard talk of the void left by the lack of cultural stimulation that was previously filled by theatres and live music venues. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have my part time job at my little local Sainsbury’s to fall back on - what would I have done without that?!!

With talk last week of another local lockdown here in Kirklees, I decided it was the perfect time to visit my family in North Wales and attempt to tick a big 2020 box - walking up Snowdon. I’ve never been up, not even on the little train (call the NSPCC!! I think my parents were very busy) and at the beginning of last week I had run and walked 980 miles so far in 2020. I mused that getting to 1,000 miles on Snowdon would be an appropriate way to celebrate my accomplishment and so the planning commenced. I’ve accumulated quite a lot of essential equipment since I started pursuing my outdoor activities more seriously so I knew my gear was good to go. I checked the weather forecast for Llanberis obsessively all week and by Thursday, it was looking like a damn fine day with near perfect conditions for September.

Well, I did it! What’s this got to do with music and the harp? You may well ask but I’d rather be up a big mountain than laid in bed bemoaning my situation or drowning my sorrows with alcohol. I’ve missed practicing regularly for specific performances but most of all I’ve missed playing for my own pleasure and I’ll be delving my fingers deep into those resonant strings regularly from this week.

My next post here will be all about my Snowdon adventure, including photos! Here’s a taster:

Mountains and sheep

I’m sure I gained a few greys by the time I got back down

More music maybe?

It’s Thursday evening and it’s already been a busy old week. I always find the shop work challenging as it’s so fast paced. I never quite feel good enough. That’s a familiar theme as a perfectionist performer and I suppose I always try to give my best performance whatever work I’m doing. I used to love working on the tills as I got the chance to chat with customers a bit at quieter times, and try and bring a smile and some cheer to those who needed it. Since the new safety measures have been brought in (screens, masks and the 2 metre rule) I find engaging with customers so much harder. It’s more tiring to read their expressions and a lot of guess work goes on. It’s harder to tell what mood they’re in as I’m focused on going faster and I spend most of my shift looking down at broccoli and bread, drooling as yet another loaf passes under my nose, aromatically warm and crustily fresh from the oven. On the bright side, my till speed is significantly faster and mistakes are minor and minimal. Everything feels a lot more sterile especially communication (sad face) but if I’m more efficient I guess that’s a win from the perspective of the powers that be. I wonder if I can balance things out a bit. Do speed and quality. Hmmm. I can do it at the harp but it takes years of learning, slow practice and plenty of mistakes made along the way.

I’ve always been focused on customer service - customers that leave with smiles on their faces will come back for more. If, however, I bruise their bananas, they won’t be happy!

My obsession with running and walking has transferred to food lately. My feet have been giving me some grief after a straightforward 8 mile walk last Sunday and subsequently I’ve only run twice this week. It’s ok as I’ve been practicing attic yoga and stretching and strengthening exercises, but I’m aware I need some form of regular activity that makes my heart beat faster or I’m not quite right. The weather today was blissful, not too hot with a soothing breeze, and I felt so relaxed after feeling quite unwell yesterday. By the third and final day of my weekly shifts I feel quite run down and I have flu like symptoms. Come Thursday morning they’re gone so I put it down to the air con. Practice this morning was forfeited for 10 minute sessions sitting in the warm sun on my back garden step absorbing vitamin D and pondering how blue the sky was and how quickly summer has flown past. People, we’re almost in September and don’t you wonder where June and July went?!!

I taught two students online today and they had both made significant progress in a week. It filled my heart, really it did. They’re both getting to the stage where I can ask them to order a book, read through the first part of a piece and have figured much of it out on their own. They both started learning with me as complete beginners a couple of years ago and neither of them had much musical knowledge, and no basic theory skills. Since April they’ve been having weekly lessons and they’ve come on in leaps and bounds. That’s so rewarding for me as a teacher. Give a man a fish and all that. Neither student thought their work was of a particularly high standard but I could see such vast improvement where they couldn’t see much change at all. Sometimes we need someone else’s opinion and feedback on our work as we’re not always objective. Any form of learning demands some self criticism and it can be hard to turn the critic off but that’s the aim when we get a piece of music to performance level. “Just shut up and let me enjoy playing!” The slow burn learning process is both challenging and rewarding.

After teaching I went back into my garden and mowed the lawn, did some weeding and aerated the beds. Another thing ticked off the to-do list. I desperately wanted to go for a walk and a picnic, but simply being outdoors on a day like today was enough. The smell of cut grass wafts in through the window rewardingly as I type.

So far this year I’ve run and walked 882 miles. Yes, I know it’s a lot and my feet will definitely thank me if I offer them a week that’s lighter on the miles. I’m aiming for 1,000 miles this year. It’s great to have a goal especially when there are no playing gigs. It gets me up in the morning.

The other thing that I crave on a daily basis is creativity and by 6pm on a Wednesday if I’m not singing, humming, dancing, cooking or reading, I know something’s seriously wrong. I enjoyed preparing a short video clip for a bride last Friday. It was great to have a sort of deadline, a target, a project, and it’s never a bad thing for me to practice my tech and promotional stuff. I made three clips, one of which I sent to a satisfied bride. Another was posted on social media. One more box ticked. I had a lot of fun getting dressed up in one of my favourite play outfits and putting a smidgeon of lippy on. It almost felt like I had a gig! And soon I just might have a gig, or maybe even two…

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

Happy New Year!

I’m a bit late in wishing all you lovely visitors to my website a prosperous and fruitful new year but here I am and I’m ready to make 2020 a musical year to plucking well remember. Just a few words tonight as I’ve got a lot of practice to be getting on with. Music makes me so happy and I love playing my harp at every opportunity! I wanted to share a couple of videos I’ve recently recorded of two songs that are very popular requests for weddings, but due to my slight lack of competence in the technical department, here are links to my Facebook and Soundcloud pages, where I’ve just uploaded two new wedding songs for 2020 and beyond.

My aim is to record a new track once a week. Last week was my take on the main theme from Out of Africa by John Barry. This week was my version of Ed Sheeran’s lilting love song, Perfect. You can also view videoclips on Instagram if you use it. Eventually I’d like to be able to produce basic videoclips (without having a complete technical meltdown) of me actually playing with the best sound quality I can achieve outside a studio.

As always, do let me know what you think and if you’d like me to make a short video or soundclip just for you! In the meantime, my focus is on the ppp’s - practice, practice and, you guessed it, playing! I’ve got some very exciting performances coming up this year - watch this space…

Countdown to Christmas!

Gosh, it feels like an eternity since I’ve written a blog post and I’ve really missed the cathartic process of writing. November was very busy with one of my favourite activities - playing! I took part in quite a few performances and I’d like plenty more of that please! Despite being quite introverted, there’s a side of my personality that loves to have fun and show off, allowing me to share my love and passion for music with my audience.

I really enjoyed myself playing a short programme at All Saints Church in Netherthong last month and I think the audience shared my enthusiasm from the feedback I received. People were very interested in the mechanics and workings of the harp and this has given me ideas for future offerings in the new year. Lee Puttick, the organiser will be arranging another evening’s entertainment, so watch this space.

Other than playing and practicing, I’ve started the process of distributing my lovely new leaflets. I’m delighted with them and I can recommend Swiftprint in Huddersfield most highly. The level of service I receive whenever I work with this company is outstanding.

December holds a fistful of private performances locally, which I’m looking forward to very much. Working at the shop becomes a bit more playful at this time of year thanks to tinsel, Santa hats and an array of other festive accessories. I love seeing my workmates in their sparkly festive jumpers, though there’s always room for improvement and I think there should be some sort of special prize for best outfit.

I often get a bit nostalgic in December. It’s the end of a year and I find it useful to review the past 12 months both professionally and personally. By the same token, it’s time to herald a new year and boy oh boy, am I excited about 2020! I don’t make new year’s resolutions as such but I try to set myself goals and targets based on the current year, and most importantly diarise pleasurable new experiences to get excited about. Another holiday in the sun is most definitely in the pipeline.

Are you getting married in 2020 or 2021? I’ll be playing at the following wedding fayres in the new year:

12 January - Bagden Hall

26 January - Wortley Hall

9 February - Oulton Hall

23 February - Holmfirth Vineyard

I’ll be announcing more fayres in the next few weeks. Come and have a chat with me about music for your wedding or event - visiting a fayre really is the best way to experience the services I can offer you on your big day. In the meantime, have a fantastically festive December!

I'm practicing again!

I’ve been bitten by the practice bug again big time so I won’t be blogging as much as usual over the next few weeks. See the poster below for one of the reasons. I’m really excited to be playing in this concert alongside some lovely talented local musicians. I played through my programme today and you might like it. Why not come along and hear me playing with fire? That’s the new subtitle for my website by the way. What do you think? Does it make me sound like a dragon? It’s meant to indicate that I play with passion, not that I’m a scary animal!

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?

NOEWA - North of England Wedding Awards

I had a great time playing for the gala dinner at the North of England Wedding Awards at York Racecourse on Monday night. This event at the start of the season is a real highlight and an opportunity for people throughout the wedding industry to congregate and basically have a good old shindig celebrating their achievements. It’s lovingly organised by Liz Clark of The Wedding Guide and she certainly knows a lot of people in the business. Liz and her team work tirelessly to ensure an entertaining evening and getting The Wedding Guide magazine through the post with my advert in it is something I look forward to twice a year. Thanks Liz!

Last year was my first experience of the awards. This year, a bit wiser, I was less fazed by the vast sprawl of the Voltigeur Suite glamorously glitzed up for a gala evening. I had my music stand light with me so I could actually see my notes without being dazzled by the bright lights directed at the stage.

Photo by Nikki Pix Photography

I’d prepared a setlist just for the event with some of my favourite background music for a spotlight performance. I started my set with the main theme from Back to the Future which I learnt for a fab wedding in June (thanks so much for your request Nikki and James - it’s a keeper!) I thought it was appropriate to include one of Lewis Capaldi’s greatest hits, Someone You Loved, seeing as I worked with Manchester Camerata at Capaldi’s gig at Croxteth Park in August (scroll down if you’d like to read more about this memorable performance.) I also included a seasonal favourite, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. I wanted to show that harp music isn’t just for weddings, just in case anyone thought I’d lost the plot. Music enhances every occasion and I played a variety of different styles of music reflecting different moods. I carefully selected familiar music that people would recognise - I like to think there was something for everyone.

I thoroughly enjoyed playing on Monday night. I was completely focused and in the zone and I think my performance went down well. It’s hard to gauge that with around 200 diners but I was delighted with how it went. I realised I’ve come a long way in 12 months in confidence and my understanding of the wedding industry.

If you were there on Monday night and you enjoyed my performance, why not book me to play at your special event? Christmas is coming and harpists aren’t just for weddings! And if you’re reading this blog, you may have worked out how much I enjoy the written word so do get in touch if you’d like me to do some blogging, writing, editing or copy for you.

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!

Check this out!

Click the link below to watch a sneak preview of Lewis Capaldi’s August concert at Croxteth Park featuring yours truly on the harp! The full performance will be on BBC1 tomorrow night at 11.25pm.

Margaret and Phil's wedding at The Fleece, Ripponden

Ready to play

I met Margaret and Phil at a wedding fayre last year and they really loved my music. It even brought a tear to Margaret’s eye when I played Over The Rainbow. This is the piece she chose for the signing of the register last week during the civil ceremony at the the Fleece in Ripponden. What a spectacular venue. Have you been? Nestled half way up a steep hill with idyllic views, it’s a unique and historic venue.

The terrace

There’s an upper level too with far reaching views

I played soothing calming favourites from my classical and timeless music collections while their guests waited for Margaret to arrive. She had requested Etta James’ version of At Last to walk down the aisle and I was delighted to arrange this emotional song just for her.

My beautiful Camac harp

After their poignant ceremony, I played From This Moment On by Shania Twain which works remarkably well on the harp. Margaret, Phil and their guests enjoyed their drinks reception on the terrace and I continued to play for their wedding breakfast. There were many music lovers amongst their friends and family and, somewhat interestingly, they gave me a round of applause for - guess what - Puccini!!!

Arrival

It really was a privilege to play a part in their special day. Do you have any special requests for your ceremony? Get in touch via the contact page on this website.

I love my job

Incredible skyline on the drive home

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!