Help Kristan get an ELECTRIC harp!

Help Kristan get an ELECTRIC harp!

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UPDATE SEPT 20: Lyon & Healy Harps / Salvi Harps saw my fundraiser and have reached out to send me the harp on loan! I'll get to use it for 6 months with the option to buy at the end of its loan period. The total amount for this harp is still a bit overwhelming, so if you're looking to support, any amount received will go towards the harp's payment. I am SO thankful for everyone who has already contributed! Thank you so much for being here and for your support, it means so much to me! Much love!

Kristan

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Why do I need one?

A few reasons: It has been a lifelong dream of mine to own an electric harp! Since stepping into the world of content creation, I have discovered my love of performing music from Video Games, Films, Pop, Rock, to even Heavy Metal - not only performing it for myself but for millions of people. Levelling up my videos and live performances with an electric harp seems like the next step in my career. I do not only want this instrument for myself, but for everyone I have touched with my music, and I genuinely believe I will be able to reach a much greater audience with an electric harp.

As a professional harpist, my livelihood is teaching music and performing. Since the pandemic, work has been scarce for freelance musicians worldwide. This was when I started sharing my music on social media - not for income, but because I missed that feeling of sharing my music with the world and bringing a smile to someone’s face. I then decided to jump into social media full-time and make content for the world for free. I have shared over 2100 videos (wow, I never counted until now) across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. When people see my number of followers or views on a video, they often assume I make a lot of money from it. However, I cannot join the creator fund on TikTok or Instagram because I am Canadian, so views do not equate to income. This past summer, YouTube has indeed started paying out for views, but due to most of my videos being song covers, most of the monetisation from videos goes directly to the original publishers from copyright claims.

I decide to keep my videos free and continue sharing daily on my channels because I love being able to connect with everyone, making the harp accessible to as many as I can, and because I love teaching others about the harp! I love seeing the joy it brings to so many. My videos help bring awareness to classical music, inspire those to learn the harp, and encourage people to support the arts. Part of my mission is to make the harp relatable to everyone, and because of this, over the past few years I have shifted gears on the type of music I perform - this is why I feel an electric harp is the next step!

What is an electric harp?

This is the Salvi Delta C!

It is a small, portable, electric lever harp. This harp weighs 8.3 pounds and has levers, compared to my bigger pedal harp which weighs 81 pounds and uses pedals. It is light and made of carbon fiber, so it can be worn standing with a strap. Compared to my pedal harp, it has much more travel options, live performance locations, and weather conditions. Because it is electric, it has an option to plug in so I can amplify the instrument and use cool pedal effects!

What will your contribution be used for?

All contributions made will go directly towards purchasing this electric harp! The end goal includes the cost of the harp + carrying case + strap + custom stand + stomp pedal for sound effects + PA system + cables + taxes/shipping/fees.

Once this instrument is in my hands, I want to contribute more to the world of lever harps, as many more harpists play lever harps than pedal harps:

All this will be given freely with my time and resources - I am so happy and excited to give back to the community this way!

Thank you!

This gofundme is for those willing and able to give – please do not feel pressured to help! I understand times are tough for many right now, and I know what it is like to feel low on money. I am so happy to have you here and am beyond thankful for any support you offer, be it by writing an encouraging message, continuing to watch my videos, or sharing this fundraiser with a friend! I am incredibly grateful for all the support I am constantly shown! Please know I will continue to make and share videos for free whether you contribute or not, and I will continue to offer as much as possible to the world as a harpist!

I am overwhelmed by the support and encouragement I am shown daily by you all. It assures me I am right where I am meant to be. I am so happy to bring you along in my journey as a harpist through these great social media platforms – keep being awesome!!

Yours lovingly,

Kristan (@HarpistKT)