Though I play a number of instruments (including the piano, guitar, mandolin, pennywhistle, recorders, bodhran, and djembe), I never dreamed I would ever play the harp! At a friend's home in 2001, I came across a sweet 22-string handmade lap harp, and after one pluck I was sold for life. This encounter has led to an undreamed of future playing, performing, and teaching the lever harp. You never know what God has planned! In 2005 the same craftsman, Dave Proven of Manitoba, built for me a custom-designed 30-string lever harp (G2-A6), adding increased versatility and range to the beauty, mobility and warmth of my first harp.
Over the years I have played for weddings, receptions, funerals, wine tastings, church services, nursing homes, and fancy hotels (including the Glacier Park Lodge), and have received my greatest compliments when my listeners cry or fall asleep. Wherever I have lived I have passed on my passion for this simple, lovely instrument to numerous students of all ages, several of whom are teaching the harp themselves. It is quite catching!
My ever-growing repertoire includes three hours of traditional Celtic music (with lively jigs and haunting aires), classical pieces, movie soundtracks, romantic themes, and worship music. As long as it fits the range and keys of my harp, I can also figure out and perform any piece you like.
For a very affordable, professional, and elegant addition to your special event around Montana and Alberta, to sign up for up-coming recordings, or to inquire about lessons on this delightful instrument (or any instrument I play), contact me through the link below!
The Celtic/folk/lap/lever harp is far closer to the historical harps of Europe than the classical harp? It is also smaller, portable, more graceful, and way less expensive!
The Celtic harp is diatonic, meaning it can only play the white keys of the piano unless individual strings are otherwise tuned or sharping levers are flipped?
Players of the Celtic harp in the traditional style are harpers, whereas players of the classical harp are harpists?
The Celtic harping tradition was so integral to Irish identity that it was banned and nearly exterminated by the English in the 17th century?
The simplicity of the Celtic harp makes it the easiest instrument to learn after the piano? (I'm serious!)
Did You Know?
To listen to and purchase my new solo harp recording Aura of the Celtic Harp,
go to my Harp Recordings page.
To view and purchase my book of original arrangements of traditional Celtic tunes for the lever harp, go to my Harp Resources page.
To download a PDF list of the tunes I play, click on the Repertoire link below.
To download a form that will aid you in planning the music for your event, click on the Event link below.
An excellent website on lever harps, sheet music, and accessories is
If you are looking for an affordable, quality lever harp, I recommend Dusty Strings. DO NOT get any Mid-East Mfg harps - they are flimsy products you will regret buying (I sure did!).
Harp Links!
Copyright © 2011 Laura Welker. All Rights Reserved.