Basic Harp for Beginners

"I didn't know a harp could do that!" is a remark often heard at Laurie Riley's concerts. Known for her ability to make a harp sound like a whole new instrument, she can make it speak, make it laugh and cry. Audiences feel her music as a visceral experience.

A professional musician since the age of ten, Laurie has toured throughout the US, in Canada, and in Ireland. She plays selections from around the world, from historical times, as well as compositions of her own. "The richness of various cultures' musical styles offers endless ways to express what I play. Whether it's Celtic, South American, Scandinavian, Israeli, Ukranian... there is something new in each tradition."

Through her playing, the double-strung harp has emerged as an exciting new sound in the world of harps. She was instrumental in designing the modern double-strung harp which has become popular in recent years among harpers. Two rows of strings played at the same time make this instrument sound like a duet of two harps.

She has recorded eleven albums of harp music, authored five books, and made five instructional videos. She also judges harp competitions and teaches for harp organizations in the US and abroad.

"As a musician, I am gratefully aware that I hold in my hands the experience of music as a metaphor for life, which is offered as a gift to all who gather to listen."