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!

The Lewis Capaldi Symphony - Behind the Scenes

“Here’s a glimpse of my experience working with anti hero Lewis Capaldi last weekend. It’s quite a long read with lots of photos, so make yourself a cuppa or pour yourself a pint of IrnBru”

Number 1

Lewis Capaldi’s chart position for 7 weeks with Someone You Loved

Some of my most memorable performances have been those around which I have no preconceived ideas or expectations. I’d heard of Lewis Capaldi and seen a hilarious interview with him on iplayer (I think he drew comparisons between Shrek and himself) but I was unfamiliar with his music. I was also under the impression Peter Capaldi was his Dad.

When I was invited to work with Manchester Camerata for BBC Radio 1 presents: the Lewis Capaldi Symphony at Croxteth Park in Liverpool, I really didn’t know what to expect. I was away a couple of days before the rehearsal at the BBC studios in Media City, Salford, so I had 24 hours to prepare the music and immerse myself in as much Lewisness as possible.

My harp in rehearsal

Set up and ready for action.

I watched some videos on Youtube (I was particularly taken by the video for Grace, which featured him as an excellent substitute pole dancer) so that I could get an idea of his music and what he’s about. What had I been missing? I’m a bit of an ostrich as far as popular culture is concerned. I’m not really down with the kids. I enjoy silence. I don’t listen to much music and I don’t have a TV so I’m not attuned to current trends. Friends had mentioned his recent appearance disguised as Chewbacca (Chewis Capaldi), which went over my head until this week. I discovered he’s quite a sensation. Aged just 22, his voice goosebumped me immediately. Reminiscent of Antony from Antony and the Johnsons, it’s soulful, unique and unmistakeable and as with all great artists, is even better experienced live.

An unlikely hero, the Scottish guy next door who’s made it big time, he swears like a trooper too so he can’t be bad. Type his name into your favourite search engine and he’s all over the place, in every possible way. Imagine getting paid vast amounts of money to do what you love. Good on him. He was refreshingly nervous in the rehearsal, maybe at the prospect of working with classical musicians, and maybe the feeling was mutual. I don’t often get to play to such a massive crowd.

Skyscraping lines

Media City, Salford

Sunday: I drive to Salford nice and early for a 2pm rehearsal, unload, park my car, set up, and warm up. It’s clear straight away this isn’t my usual kind of gig. There’s a complex spaghetti of cables with headphones attached, and stacks of technical equipment in flight cases. There are also lots of people, way more than the usual orchestra staff. I feel a bit nervous. Will I be good enough? Will I cope? With an orchestral section all to myself, I have to make sure I let them know if I have any performance issues. That’s not the easiest thing for an introverted freelancer. We all want the best result with as little hassle as possible. I see familiar faces which reassures me and everyone’s friendly and helpful. Phew.

Meditation helps

Headspace is also the title of one of LC’s songs

Today is a 6 hour day. I didn’t need to worry about stamina and focus, but I don’t play with orchestras as much as I used to, so I was concerned that I’d stand out for the wrong reasons. I don’t have that much experience working with a click track on headphones and I soon worked out that I actually did need them, especially in more exposed sections where I got slightly out of sync with smashing arranger/conductor and general cool dude, Sam Swallow. Check him out here:

It’s great working closely with an arranger because they can explain exactly what they want, and Sam was explicit. His sound world was lush, rich and imaginative and even though I wasn’t familiar with Capaldi’s music, reactions from band members indicated he’d done a pretty damn fine job. He’d certainly done some great work with his harp writing. In rehearsal, he had just the right balance of intensity and seriousness with a dose of wry humour, and he provided clear communication between band and orchestra.

!

Outside Media City, Salford

At the end of the rehearsal we were told there was food provided. For us musicians? I said with some disbelief. How refreshing to be catered for even though I’d brought my own food and resisted the urge to jump on top of the hot meal and pizza provided. I took a can of pop and sipped some of it on my drive home on Monday night to keep me awake, but more about that later.

So if you want to make musicians happy, it’s dead easy. Offer them free food.

Pop music is where it’s at and I giggled at the image that came to my mind of me guesting with the band if they ever needed a backing vocalist or even a harpist if their keyboard player was indisposed. I’ve got a red denim mini skirt. The band’s onstage uniform consists of a red jacket and trousers. I could fit in. I could make it work.

Aiden and I

Lewis’ piano and keyboard player. His arms significantly longer than mine, he graciously accepted to take a selfie with me. Well I was playing some of his piano parts in the orchestrations and I bet LC gets a bit bored with all the attention. Aiden then went to play a pre performance game of football. Rock and roll.

The headphones took some negotiating. If I covered my left ear with a phone, I couldn’t hear myself or the others. I tried half covered which was an improvement but they slipped a bit. I turned the right phone so I could hear with that ear but it meant it got caught on my harp. I mused to myself - would the techies mind if I took the right one off the headset? I didn’t. Add my specs to this mix and it kept me occupied for the rest of the day. (I dropped them during the Liverpool rehearsal and the lens fell out along with the screw from the frame, so I had to use my reading specs for the show. Even more excitement!)

We finished just before 9pm. Time to pack up again and head for the hotel I’d booked a stone’s throw from Croxteth Park. I fell into a deep sleep just before 1am.

Early morning coffee run

Sunday: I had a lie in, springing into action at 7am. I was spoilt for choice for coffee which fuelled me for an exploratory morning run to get my bearings. How near was I to Croxteth Country Park? How would I access backstage with my harp?

Spotted

On the dual carriageway on my coffee run

It was a fantastic area, very green and planted with wild flowers.

Wild flowers and insects

near Croxteth Park

Back at the hotel, I saw a man at reception and, pumped full of emboldening endorphins, I asked if he was Mr Swallow. Now, let me explain. When the receptionist saw me arrive with my harp the night before, we got talking (travelling with a large musical instrument can be an excellent conversation starter) and she said the arranger’s father was staying at the hotel that night too. I’m sure Mr Swallow thought I was either psychic or a stalker, or perhaps both but after his initial surprise, he warmed up as we spoke about his son.

I told a couple of other people why I was in Croxteth. As soon as I mentioned Capaldi, eyes widened and faces creased into smiles. Everyone loves Lewis. A woman on her way to work at a fast food shop offered to help me get my harp into the car. We compared notes on our jobs, hers full time, mine my part time bread and butter work away from the harp. We concurred that shift work can be really challenging but the pay and perks are very good. It was reassuring to share our commonality.

Chilled Festival Vibe

at dusk before the concert

I rarely attend festivals these days. In my teenage years I frequented a lot of Eisteddfodau all around Wales, mainly to go to indie gigs. I have fond memories of camping with my schoolmates and drinking a bit too much before passing out and waking up in a hot sticky sweat inside the pale terracotta tarpaulin. My aspirations to travel the world started at a young age - I had a blue sleeping bag with a map of the world on it. I remember getting cleaned up in the local facilities with a bar of baby soap and a flannel before doing it all again that night. Once, we were allowed to use a trusting parent’s caravan which had an actual loo and a sink. Those were the days. My rock and roll days.

Teepees

in the festival village

The rehearsal went well apart from the occasional gust of wind wreaking havoc with our sheet music. The evening weather was pretty much perfect and I didn’t need the multiple layers, thermals and wellies I’d packed just in case. Finishing at 6, there were 3 hours to kill before showtime just after 9. Time for a quick snooze in my car.

Artistic parking

I soaked my sandals trying to get to a picnic bench for a sit down to conscientiously read through my music before the rehearsal

Walking around the backstage area, I bumped into my hairdresser’s sister Jade who was working at the event. It was good to see non musical familiar faces too. I passed a musician colleague who’d just been for a shower after her run. This wasn’t just any old backstage area. Again, we were catered for and the hospitality was excellent. Being offered hot food and fresh salads and not having to do the dishes was akin to getting an encouraging hearty pre concert hug.

I ventured to the front of field area and didn’t last long. There were hordes of excited audience members, giddy at the prospect of the Lewis Capaldi experience. I went to get changed and started fretting about tuning my harp. I’d been told I only had a tiny window of opportunity to tune and that I should be on standby at 8.40. The DJs were still going strong at that point. The atmosphere was electric. It was amazing to see thousands of people bouncing around to banging tunes without a care in the world. Loud, did you say? The sound roared from humungous speakers and vibrated from the wooden stage up through my body. I’m sure my harp loved it!

I spy

my harp, just about. Do you?

I didn’t really get to tune my harp properly let alone warm up. I went for it anyway. Nobody was there to listen to me specifically, but I was acutely aware that the show was being filmed for later broadcast on radio and TV. The overture opened with exposed harp quavers. No pressure then.

Liverpool mileage

It reads like a poor soundcheck. Lovely temperature. Don’t tell Mam about the dust

Somewhat appropriately, we started with the overture which didn’t have a click track so there was no need for headphones. We segued straight into the first number, Grace, so I reached over for my phones and clamped them on. Words can’t describe the feeling that comes from that collective exclamation of elation when a crowd recognise a band, then a song. Goosebumped again, I let it wash over me like a wave, beaming like a lunatic. I muttered “must remember to keep playing” under my breath, but this is why I do it. It’s times like these that remind me why I genuinely love my job.

Behind the scenes

There’s a lot of people behind those barriers. There’s some DJ’s centre stage getting the crowd going before Lewis revs ‘em up even more

75 minutes flew past in seconds and we came to the last number in our 11 song set, and probably Capaldi’s most familiar song, Someone You Loved. He’s an entertaining captiving performer and not just on a musical level. He had the crowd in the palm of his hand with his witty repartee. They were fully engaged and enjoyed some occasionally sweary banter. He donned some fetching flip up sunglasses. Turns out he’s got quite a collection of extravagant shades that make him look like a Banana Split. Watching the audience, I mused at how radically times have changed. Dotted within the sea of people, I could see small bright lights from mobile phones used to record the concert. In my day, we held lighters up or possibly even candles. I can’t remember.

We had to wait quite a while to leave Croxteth Park as there had been an incident on site. Just for fun, a section of the motorway was closed too. I missed the diversion sign and ended up going back towards Liverpool. I like Lewis Capaldi, but not that much! The free can of pop came in handy here and the bubbles dancing round my mouth gave me the headspace to keep going. Home at last and totally wired, I got to bed after 3am.

This, dear readers, is rock and roll, and I like it.

Croxteth Hall

Looked interesting

Festival flags

all aflutter

A blooming marvellous wedding

A perfect position to play Pachelbel’s Canon in D

surrounded by a few of my favourite things - books and blossom, and my Camac harp of course

I played for Emily and Josh’s gorgeous intimate wedding at Wortley Hall yesterday. I met Emily at a wedding fayre at Wortley Hall last year which she attended with her mum and her sister. A beautiful friendly dark brunette, Emily looked stunning in her amazing dress. She appeared magically at the wooden double doors before walking down the aisle after her bridal party.

I spy

That’s lovely Laurie at the far end. A key member of the Wortley Hall wedding team, there she is, efficiently ensuring everything’s in place before the ceremony

Emily wanted a combination of pop music that’s been featured in films like Twilight and Disney animation, as well as traditional classical music for her civil ceremony. This took place in the lounge, which was ornately decorated with gloriously oriental blossom trees. Her guests entered the room and I played some atmospheric background music as a backdrop for conversations between Emily’s family and friends as they awaited her arrival. The harp is the perfect choice if you want unobtrusive wedding music that’s soothing and uplifting.

For her entrance, Emily chose the timeless classic, Canon in D by Pachelbel. It’s an excellent choice to walk down the aisle as it’s calm and ceremonious, solemn yet rousing.

After the official ceremony came the signing of the register and the photos. It was the perfect opportunity for me to play Emily’s requests, A Thousand Years and Beauty and the Beast. You can listen to clips of all these pieces of music and more by clicking here:

The ceremony drew to a close and I played Allegro Maestoso by Handel for Emily’s exit with Josh. Celebratory and joyful, it’s a great choice as an exit piece. It was also performed at Princess Diana’s wedding so it’s got to be a good tune! It’s a significant moment, the first part of their journey as husband and wife, and choosing an optimistic upbeat piece of music is a good move. They walked out of the lounge directly onto the gardens, which looked like this:

Is it any wonder I love playing here?

The gardens are in full lush technicolour bloom right now. Doesn’t that giant shrub look a bit like a cake?

Beautiful dahlias

in the carefully tended gardens

Hearty artichoke plants

in the well stocked borders

Congratulations to the newly weds - wishing you every happiness for your future together!

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!

Freedom

Freedom - Just Like That! Image - John Steel Photography

It’s been another busy week here at Rhian Evans Harpist HQ. As the week has progressed, I’ve noticed I become more and more of a night owl. I’ve always been a late nighter ever since my days as an orchestral musician. It’s a job that demands that I’m at my peak between 7-10pm and I think that’s become ingrained. I’m most efficient in the evening and my best practice certainly happens at this time. More recently I’ve become an early morning person too, and I love a siesta! By Thursday night, supper time often happens after 11pm. I won’t even tell you what time bedtime is!

As a freelancer, every week is different and the past 10 days have meant that yesterday, a Thursday, was my day off. It’s usually a Tuesday but this week I had a few meetings to fit in. To cut a long story short, I find routines dull and difficult and I enjoy the variety a freelancer’s life offers. This means that occasionally, I’m unable to reply to emails and calls straight away but I always get back to anyone that’s interested in booking my services as a harpist and harp teacher. If you don’t hear back from me within 36 hours, there’s something seriously wrong!

Last night I started practicing at 6pm after another intense shift at the shop where I work part time. I hadn’t touched the harp since Sunday and yesterday I was asked to help restock the freezers. It’s one of my least favourite tasks as my hands take ages to thaw out afterwards, even with double gloves. I was feeling tired and a bit stale, so I decided to work on music I love for which I have a soft spot. After a creaky start, I felt myself free up, get into the zone and embrace the ebb and flow of the music. I could have kept going for hours. The increasing feeling of freedom was delicious and I felt reassured that I could still play. Gone are the indulgent days when I could easily rack up 4-6 hours practice without batting an eyelid. Like all musicians, practice doesn’t pay but performances do, so ideally we have to play for a minimum number of hours just to maintain the quality of sound and build confidence, and continue to play competently.

On Sunday I had a video call with a lovely couple whose wedding it is a week today. I can’t wait to play for them and their guests, and the unique piece of music they’ve chosen for their exit after their civil ceremony has met with their approval. Phew! This is a relatively new option I offer to couples if it’s an unfamiliar piece of music. It’s taken me a while to find ways to make the piece work on the harp but I’m pleased with the result. I think it’s recognisable. I might even make a short sound clip of it soon. So if you have a special request you’d love to have me perform for your wedding ceremony, go ahead and ask. Not everything works but I always try to accommodate your special requests given enough notice. And of course, the best way to listen to my harpbeat is at a live performance or wedding fayre.

The weather’s better isn’t it? And today marks the official start of Summer. Whoopee!

Wishing you a wonderfully warm weekend with lashings of delicious music!

Rhian Evans Harpist

Freedom

Deadlines

Changing Room

Victoria Baths

I must admit I’m a fan of deadlines. They seem to push me beyond the expectations I have for myself. I love the reminder that, even as I approach 50, I’m still capable of learning quite a lot of new things and retaining a significant amount of information, some of it useful and some less so. At times, I think my memory is like a sieve (a couple of weeks ago, I locked myself out of my own house - in fairness, I was preoccupied with what seemed like 50,000 thoughts going on at once and I was very tired), but when I consider how much knowledge my brain has to retain, I think I’m doing alright. Soon, I might make a list of things I’ve learnt so far this year. I think I’d surprise myself.

I’ve had my orchestral harpist head on since Wednesday evening and I’m really enjoying being immersed in that world once again. I’ve got a rehearsal and concert at beautiful Wakefield Cathedral tomorrow. I’m playing as part of the Amici Ensemble accompanying the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir directed by charismatic Andrew Padmore in two works by John Rutter, neither of which I’ve played before. I haven’t had the music for long and after an initial read through of notes and symbols that seemed to be written in a foreign language, I persevered, working as much and as often as time permitted.

To my relief, it finally started making sense last night. I started to breathe as I was able to bring longer passages together to form coherent intelligible lines and phrases. It’ll still be to the wire as there’s a lot of everyday busyness to be dealt with. The devil is in the detail and I’ve reached one of my favourite stages during which the music gets its technicolour finishing coat. The music sounds so very different by this stage with much more refinement. I kick myself gently yet firmly at something that proved so challenging that now seems a whole lot simpler once I’ve identified the cause of the difficulty. I’m almost enjoying the adrenaline that comes with my slightly augmented stress levels. In moderation, it’s a useful natural substance.

Pre concert

The stage is set

It’s been rather a musical week all in all and I really love how the focus has shifted to my passion, one of my main “raisons d’être”. Music. I attended a really inspiring concert at the stunning Victoria Baths in Manchester last Friday. It was given by the Juniper Project, a duo created by harpist colleague and friend, Eira Lynn Jones and her flautist partner, Anna Rosa Mari. Sitting in the waterless pool, we were quite literally immersed in music. It’s one of three pools in this spectacular building. It’s under renovation and thank goodness for that. I love the juxtaposition of old and new buildings but it’s all too easy to resort to demolition rather than reviving our architectural treasures.

Well loved

Indoor picnic

These two accomplished musicians regaled us with their stunningly simple musically sensitive interpretations of varied repertoire with an aquatic theme flowing throughout. There really was something for everyone, including a little bit of Rutter, funnily enough. His works certainly are popular and he always writes satisfyingly substantial harp parts.

Talking of deadlines, I’ve got 10 good minutes left before I fall into a sleepy stupor. I’ve got another deadline for Sunday evening, but more about that in another blog post.

Have a super smashing weekend with some wonderful music. I know I will, because, let’s face it - I love being in harpist mode!

Kiss me quick!

A slightly bizarre scene in one of the pools

It’s Down to Business - A Clean Slate

Rhian Evans Tourist

It’s all go here at Rhian Evans Harpist HQ. I had a great holiday and although it was all too brief, I’m still feeling inspired and stimulated by my time away in Sardinia. It’s said that a change is as good as a rest and I’ve returned reverberating resonant ideas around my business. The day before my departure I had a positively fruitful meeting with mentor, business advisor and friend, Gareth Boot. A man of many talents, he’s just the person to help me gain some much needed clarity, focus and motivation. Find out more about Gareth here:

Technically challenged

Gareth putting his creativity to good use on my first video shoot

Drop him a line if you need help with your challenges, be they professional or personal. Our meeting helped get me on point and get my priorities straight for the next trimester. It’s with this meeting in mind that I’ve decided I need to streamline and simplify the many facets of my offerings as harpist, educator and writer. I’ve tidied up my website and you may have noticed I now have a News/Blog page.

This may well be the last blog post I write here for some time. I’ve reached the conclusion that I simply must devote more time to practicing and learning new music. Writing has to take second place for the time being. I have some musical projects lined up for the next few weeks that won’t go well or happen at all unless I sit down and do my work. As you might know, I love writing so this isn’t an easy decision, but I love making music and playing my harp more and I genuinely miss time sat studying my scores and exploring my instrument. It’s my haven and my therapy and I need that as much as I need food and water!

My aim now is to use this page to let you know about any engagements, performances and promotional events I’m doing so you can listen to my harpbeat! I’ve left the most popular creative blog posts up as well as a few posts that are close to my heart. Most importantly there’s still a lot of information about weddings.

If you’ve enjoyed reading my blogs, do let me know, especially if you know someone who might even pay me to do some writing for them!

Thank you for reading and have a great Summer!

Rhian

La Dolce Vita

Enjoying being in holiday mode. I really could get used to it! Anyone need a travel writer?

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…

Choosing Your Wedding Music

“Are you feeling confused about your choice of wedding music? Perplexed at the overwhelming array of options available to you? Here are a few tips on one of the most important aspects of your celebrations which sets the tone throughout your day”

I really love playing for weddings and it's a privilege to be closely involved in your special day.  Music is such a vital part of any celebration and especially the celebration of a loving relationship.  Over the years I’ve played at countless ceremonies and weddings and I know first hand the powerful impact the right piece of music can have.  My role is finding out which piece of music makes you tick and then adapting it to make it sound great on the harp.  To do this well and to give my own unique spin on a piece of music you love can take a while. From first listening to it to downloading a printed version online to making the piece yours can be a pleasantly time consuming process.  This means that you get your very own version of the song that has such significance for you.  This could be the first song you danced together to, or a song that was popular at the time you met.  

I recently met a couple at a wedding event who liked my playing and my music and they want a reggae classic for the bride's entrance music.  Intrigued, I asked if they could send me a link to the song to see if I could make it work.  Having listened to it, I know it’ll work and I feel quite excited about it.  With great lyrics, it's a lovely loving tribute from bride to groom, and most importantly I think it will sound gorgeous on the harp!

Thanks to technology and the internet now, the possibilities are endless.  I played for a civil ceremony in March and the bride was due to come and hear her request at a wedding event.  I was disappointed to find out at the last minute that the venue had decided to have a pianist instead without letting me know, putting me in a slightly awkward position with the bride-to-be who had planned to come and hear me play.  I got my thinking cap on and arranged a video call with her.  My lovely client was delighted with the end results! If you can’t meet me at a fayre, there are ways around this.

It's worth bearing in mind not everything works well on the harp and I'm happy to guide you in your choice of music.

If you're considering having live harp music at your wedding, here are some of the options I can offer:

Civil Ceremony

I’m set up and ready to play from 30 minutes before your ceremony and I play soothing background music from my repertoire list while guests await your arrival.  One of the key moments musically is your entrance.  It's important to get this one right so have a good think about this. You may have a specific piece of music in mind or you may need some ideas - either way I can help you choose the right piece for the mood you want to portray.  I then play for the signing of the register and while you have your photos taken, and finally I play a piece of your choice for your exit together.  

Registrars and venue staff are always delighted when you engage professional musicians - it takes the pressure off them having to press that button and it ensures the smooth running of your ceremony.

Drinks Reception (1 hour)

After your ceremony I can provide background music for you and your guests as you all enjoy your drinks and have your photos taken.  Please note that due to the unpredictable British weather, I don't play outside.  Some harpists do. I don't. The heavens could open either way at any moment and the worst things for my harp are direct sunlight or water.

Wedding Breakfast

Having live music can make a world of difference to the atmosphere while you have your meal, and again I can play from my broad selection of tried and tested pieces.

Church Ceremony

I love playing in the sacred and slightly more solemn setting of a church.  I set up well in advance of your ceremony time and I can play while your guests congregate.  A bridal march is appropriate and I have also played other requests in church.  

I can perform your hymns. Usually the church organist plays them - it goes with the setting and tends to rouse more singing!  I can play suitable background music while you sign the register and have your photos taken.  I can also play your exit music, or again you could have the organist play.  It all comes down to your personal preference.

I can offer a combination of the above options, although I don't do more than 2 elements. For example, Ceremony and Wedding Breakfast is fine but I wouldn't play for your Ceremony, Drinks and Wedding Breakfast - you can have too much of a good thing in my opinion.

The Money Question!  

My prices start from £250.  If you think this sounds like a lot, bear in mind the basic running and development costs of my business - website construction, hosting and updating, advertising, publicity photos and promotional materials, transport costs, harp strings, insurances and maintenance, buying sheet music, appropriate clothing and footwear, practice and training time, the dreaded tax bill, the list is long...  These expenses all contribute in providing you with the best wedding music experience I can possibly offer.

The easiest way to find out more about your choice of wedding music is by attending a wedding fayre, showcase or event and I do as many of these as I can.  If you have any questions you can get in touch by using the link to my Contact page above.  

I have plenty of wedding pieces in the Music section on this website and I update these on a regular basis. You can also view my videos here:

and listen to other sound clips here:

If social media is your thing, you can find out more about wedding fayres and my work on these platforms:

And if you see me looking quite intense and focused as I play at an event, do hang around for a chat - I occasionally come up for air and I'm much friendlier than I look when I play!

“I look forward to meeting you soon at a wedding fayre near you!”

To Hull And Back

Humber Bridge - am I the only one who sees harp strings?

It’s been another busy week here at Rhian Evans Harpist HQ. It was great to get away last weekend and be in orchestral harpist mode once again for a couple of days. I made a guest appearance with the Hull Philharmonic, playing the harp part for the hauntingly beautiful and challenging Viola Concerto by William Walton.

Velvet toned violist Tim Ridout took centre stage with authoritative humility. His performance featured some beautifully poignant characterful playing. The sturdy musician-ship of the Hull Phil was ably steered by Andrew Penny and it was an exciting performance. I realised I haven’t performed with orchestra since February and I felt a bit disorientated at first. I gradually allowed myself the spaciousness to absorb the multi-sensory experience of working within an unknown ensemble of musicians in the stately splendour of Hull City Hall. Feeling more relaxed by the second rehearsal, I really could get used to that role again, one I fell in love with at the tender age of 15 when I first played with Clwyd Youth Orchestra. Those were the days!

I had quite a scary moment at the end of the rehearsal when I couldn’t find my car keys despite emptying all my bags and pockets thrice. I dashed down to the security desk where Nick, the super friendly security guard handed them to me with a knowing look. The bench provided wasn’t adjustable so I went to the car to get mine. I was already in harpist mode and, preoccupied by thoughts of music, left my keys in the car door. Lucky me! Hull City centre on a Friday evening isn’t such a bad place after all!

Duck plant

Garden bed-side at Wortley Hall

On Sunday, the wedding fayre I’d been looking forward to didn’t quite go as I’d intended. I’d hoped to meet dozens of clients as excited and enthusiastic about my music as I am. My morning started well, with two sets of clients I met at the most recent Wortley Hall wedding fayre, who had come to finalise their music choices. Other than a little interest for 2020 and 2021, it was a bit of a damp squib despite the glorious weather.

Wisteria hysteria

at Wortley Hall. Artichoke plant in the foreground

People drifted past as I played to my harp’s content, and my music seemed to have little or no effect on them. Perhaps they’re drafting their enquiry emails as I type. Or maybe I need to buy a guitar and take singing lessons. I know from experience these things can take time and I’m optimistic I’ll get a couple of bookings eventually.

Idyllic car park

Wortley Hall just visible through those amazing trees

It was lovely to work with Wedding Fayres Yorkshire again, who ensured proceedings ran smoothly as always. I’m extremely grateful to Paris Tyrell of WFY who, with lightning speed, generously filmed and uploaded a short videoclip of me playing A Thousand Years to Instagram. I then shared it to Facebook so I’m learning slowly but surely. It might eventually make its way to YouTube. It hasn’t gone viral yet but it certainly looks like I’m down with the millennials. Well, as down with them as a 40 something harpist can be.

I’m generally an optimist and I prefer to look at the bright side, but I admit I’m struggling musically at the moment. I have no paid playing work until mid June, a thought that worries me. I’ve sat down and done some rough calculations and as it stands, I’m not breaking even with my harp performance work. I’m afraid I’ve lost a bit of motivation too, possibly due to this. I’m a teeny tiny individual trying to integrate a gigantic competitive hungry industry, and therein lies my problem. I don’t have the business acumen or financial backing necessary to kick start my wedding business in this day and age. This has led to me losing my musical mojo momentarily. I’m not commercially driven in the slightest. I love to play, and trying to build my business has taken me so far away from my playing that I scarcely practice anymore, let alone play for my own pleasure. I haven’t touched the harp since last Sunday, and I don’t like that one bit. I’ve taken on an additional 10 hours of shop work this week to secure June, and having that work is an absolute blessing. It keeps me sane and in the black.

Obsessed with music

Bloody rusty wrought iron treble clef from a recent walk run

One thing I’ve found to be an excellent substitute for performance and sharing my music is exercise. It must be the adrenaline and the endorphin rush that follows. In a similar way to practice, it’s awkward and uncomfortable at first, but after a while I find my rhythm, and there are even moments I enjoy feeling my body jiggling about, my feet slamming the tarmac vigorously. Having been told I don’t have a runner’s physique, I’m honouring the rebel within. I love the freedom, power and independence running offers me. Besides, it’s far healthier than some other options available!

Next week I’m off and if I have time, I’ll be putting my version of an out-of-office sign up here. I’m going AWOL and I can’t wait. I desperately need a change of scene to gain some clarity about my situation and perhaps some inspiration regarding a way forward. So there’ll be no blog post next week as I’m turning off my laptop and letting it gather dust for a few days.

See you again in June, and remember to keep loving live music! And maybe even living love music - think about it…

Wortley Hall skyline