I have been a home health nurse for 17.5 years, but recently became disabled due to Long-COVID. The past four years have been a long journey of slow recovery, filled with many challenges that I have worked hard to overcome. Music has always been a source of comfort for me, and over the past year, I have been able to return to playing my harp—a passion I have had since childhood. I started playing a Troubadour Lyon & Healy III Lever harp in grade school, learning mostly on my own since there were no harp teachers in my area. Through dedication and annual Suzuki Harp Institutes, I advanced enough to play music with my siblings but being on a lever harp slowed my progress and I dreamed of purchasing a pedal harp so I started saving for one. As I grew older, financial responsibilities and school loans made it impossible to purchase my own harp or grow that small harp fund. The lever harp I had on loan was aging. It developed major issues that caused me to stop playing for a time. Now, as I recover from Long-COVID and prepare to return to work, I have pulled out my old harp and, with some birthday money, had it repaired enough to play again. Playing the harp has been an important part of my rehabilitation and a much-needed outlet for stress. Despite new challenges due to my disability, I have worked hard to regain my skills and am now taking harp lessons for the first time in my life. However, my lever harp is now 41 years old with continued issues. Lever changes have also become a major struggle for me while playing advancing harp pieces. I looked into older pedal harps and learned they can come with costly repairs that can equal the cost of a new pedal harp.
After much research, I have found the perfect solution: a new Camac Clio-EX pedal harp. This harp is among the most affordable pedal harps, has a beautiful sound, and comes with its own maintenance tools, which will save money in the long run. With such a purchase come other expenses as well, including a transport case, harp trolley, stool, extra strings, and shipping. I will also need to repair my 2011 Honda Civic so I can safely transport the harp to lessons and performances. The vehicle repairs are a more affordable option than purchasing a larger vehicle, and will allow me to continue pursuing my passion for playing the harp. Your support of any amount, no matter how small, will help me reach my dream of owning a pedal harp, advancing in music, and performing for others. I would also like to eventually teach beginning Suzuki Harp in the Madison, WI area if my health allows. It is difficult to find a Suzuki Harp teacher that is available in my area, and I hope to share the joy of learning and playing the harp with others. Any support you can offer would mean so much. Thank you for considering supporting my journey and helping me bring more music to the community.
My harp video