Photo by Dutch Huff
Spreading the Harp Love
The harp can be an intimidating instrument to composers, songwriters, recording artists and pretty much anyone who’s ever been asked to help move one. Samantha loves to make the harp more accessible (and less scary) by working with anyone interested in writing for the harp, incorporating it into their recordings or using it in a performance setting. Basically, Sam’s excited about any collaboration that expands people’s minds about the role of the instrument.
In addition to consulting with professional composers and songwriters on their music, Sam has worked with composition students at the University of Pennsylvania and Lehigh University to help them learn about writing well for the harp and make their harp compositions a reality. She’s also worked on several different recording projects for individuals and bands, contributing arrangements and input on how the harp could best be incorporated into songs, whether as an essential part or for texture. A lover of all the arts, she’s been involved with a variety of performance projects that blend harp and other artistic elements, such as theatre, dance and film.
COMPOSERS/SONGWRITERS
Sam consults with composers and songwriters who are interested in honing their harp music writing skills. She provides demonstrations on different playing techniques, input on the harp’s musical strengths and weaknesses, suggestions for how to get the most out of the instrument, and feedback on specific compositions.
The sample below features a trio of songs that she consulted with University of Pennsylvania composition student, Kai-Young Chan, to refine and record.
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RECORDING ARTISTS
In addition to working with composers and songwriters, Sam works with musicians who are interested in adding harp to their recording projects. These projects can range from using the harp as an integral part of the recording to simply adding it for texture or effect. For recording artists who are uncertain how best to integrate the harp, Sam helps them determine how best to use the instrument to achieve their goals for the recording.
Below are two pieces from The Facebreaker’s self-titled album, on which Sam worked with songwriter and recording artist Dutch Huff to develop his musical sketches into a fully fleshed out harp part.
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