What you should know before hiring a harpist

Almost anyone can advertise them self as a "harpist." Worse yet, almost any harpist can label themself as a "professional" harpist. Like other types of musicians, there is no requirement that harpists attain a certain level of education or be licensed or otherwise certified. Therefore, the consumer in the market for a harpist must proceed with caution.

Many people shopping for a harpist simply start by calling a harpist - - any harpist - - and asking for a price quote or a referral to another harpist. This can be a mistake for a number of reasons. First, the potential difference in musical ability from harpist to harpist is substantial and merely shopping for the cheapest harpist available on a given date is, at best, a gamble with your event. Second, a referral from one harpist to another is only as good as the judgment of the referring harpist, about whom you may know nothing.

• How many years of lessons/degrees does the harpist possess?
• The most important information to find out from the harpist is: 
• How long has the harpist been playing professionally?
• Can you listen to a sample of the harpist’s music?
• What type of harp will the harpist be bringing (full-size (46 or 47 strings) or a small harp)?
• Has the harpist won any awards or competitions?

With this information, you will be able to decipher an excellent harpist from a harpist who will arrive in a pretty dress with a pretty harp and can barely play the harp.

Contact Celia via e-mail (celiaharp@aol.com) or by phone/fax at (909) 799-1116