International Harpist

So I moved to Orange County USA 2.5 years ago.  When I arrived there wasn't much I enjoyed besides the amazing weather and being close to my family again.

I play & teach harp for a living.  I suppose to most people it sounds like a great life and to others it might just be strange.

What I can't get over is the crazy stereotype that harpists get paid 'a lot' of money for what they do.  Seriously folks, we are typically underpaid based on what it costs to maintain being a harpist.

Speaking on my behalf, I wouldn't want to put words into other harpists mouths.  Not only do we have to own a very expensive instrument, we need the following:

a dolly to move it around

covers to protect it from damage

a large, gas-guzzling car to move it around in (not like the smart car I want to be driving!)

a full set of strings, just in case one breaks

business insurance

liability insurance

harp insurance

yearly maintenance fees (technician, strings, etc...)

an adjustable bench

sheet music - a lot of it!

a music stand

and quite a bit more...

enough space in my home to store all of this stuff

I am now working a part-time job and taking on additional piano students to try and cover the costs of being a harpist and the high rent here in Orange County.

This takes away from the beauty of being able to take a job with great music and enjoy it.

Sometimes when people see me moving my harp they ask, "Why don't you take up the flute instead?"  I am starting to agree with them...