Hi there, it’s Ramzy, Layla’s brother. This year I’m reaching out to Layla’s closest friends and family to fundraise for a special birthday present: a harp.

If a harp seems a little out of the blue, here’s some context: a few years ago, I noticed Layla would pick up my guitar to play, but instead of strumming on her lap, she would turn it 90 degrees to play the strings like a 6-string harp. Taking note of her burgeoning desire to make music and pluck strings, I built her a small 9-string box harp in 2021. This scratched an itch, but I could tell she needed to spread her musical wings. For her next birthday, I rented her a full-size harp for three months. She played every day, and her enthusiasm and skill grew exponentially. Sadly, the three months flew by and before long it was time to say goodbye. Ever since, she’s been dreaming about owning her own harp, but she hasn’t been able to justify the expense.

So, with your help, this year, I want to give her the real thing: full size, 34 strings, and hers to keep forever. I have a feeling it would bring her immense joy for years to come.

The harp in question is called the Allegro. It has a full scale of 26 strings, features a birch soundbox with an ash frame, and is handmade by Dusty Strings, a world-renowned instrument maker based here in Seattle. In short, a quality instrument to last her a lifetime.

If you give any amount at all, I'll make sure Layla knows that you helped make this dream a reality.

Join me in giving the gift of music to Layla!