LEARNING HOW TO PLAY THE HARP IS NOW EASY!

Elsa Anderson 

646-717-0529 | elsaanderson@icloud.com

Elsa Anderson has been playing the harp, in Vermont and in New York City, for more than 20 years. She started as the Vermont Youth Orchestra’s first harp student, and moved on to play solo and in orchestras and musical groups for many years, including the Orchestra Amadeus and Broadway Bach.

It means great deal to Elsa to be able to give back, by kindling the love of this instrument and music in aspiring harpists of any age, whether they seek novelty today or notoriety tomorrow! She is a member and registered instructor with American Harp Society. Elsa is available for beginner harp lessons on pedal and lever harp, with a focus on good technique and the Irish and classical harp repertoires.  

Eleanor Freebern

802-305-9194 I eleanor.freebern@gmail.com

Eleanor, a 17-year-old harper and composer, has been studying under New England harpist Dominique Dodge since she was 12. She has garnered acclaim for her performances, noted for their authenticity and consistency. Eleanor has toured Cape Breton with the Young Tradition Touring Group in 2023 and currently serves as the principal harpist with the Vermont Youth Orchestra.

Known for her ability to craft sets for her performances, Eleanor is currently collaborating with fiddler and Young Tradition Vermont Alum, Fern Tamagini O'Donnell, on an album for her senior capstone project. She is deeply passionate about education, embodying a fourth-generation educator's spirit, and is committed to providing individualized instruction to learners of all styles.

Eleanor's musical interests span various genres, with a particular focus on integrating contemporary arrangements with traditional music. She explores the Celtic harp's versatility and drama, drawing from her background in classical violin to emphasize precise technique, physical form, and musicality while maintaining the playful essence of music.

RACHEL CLEMENTE

614-395-3248 | rachelclementeharpist@gmail.com

New England based pedal and traditional Scottish harpist, Rachel Clemente, has had a passion for music from the early age of five. She began her harp training as a student of the Suzuki method. In addition, she discovered her love of Scottish music through events and competitions held by the Scottish Harp Society of America and the Ohio Scottish Arts School. Her musical education then continued at renowned arts boarding high school, Interlochen Arts Academy. 

In July of 2018, Rachel graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow with a bachelors degree in traditional Scottish music. Her accolades include winner of U.S National Scottish Harp Champion in 2016 and the winner of Princess Margaret of the Isles Clàrsach Competition (USA) in 2021.

Currently, Rachel is focusing on establishing herself in the New England folk scene as a soloist as well performing in her duo with bagpiper, Dan Houghton and she continues to enjoy working as a private harp instructor alongside beginning a journey into compositional work.

Jennifer J. Thompson

484-706-9371 | aplusharpist@gmail.com

Jennifer has been playing the harp for over 30 years both professionally and recreationally. She has her Bachelor's degree in music and has been teaching music for 24 years.  She studied with harpists from Eastman School of Music and also studied with the Principal Harpist of The Philadelphia Orchestra.  She currently teaches harp lessons online and provides private instruction and group theory classes.    

I am a strong believer that everyone, at any age, should be able to have a life of music. That's why I became a teacher. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced student needing guidance, let's explore music together!