Michelle Gwynne, Harp

As far back as I can remember, music has been an important part of my personality As a child, practicing was as much a part of my daily routine as sports, school studies, and being with friends. I love the sense of accomplishment that comes from bringing a project to fruition whether it is recording music, helping a student prepare for a performance, or planning music for an event.

One of my favorite ways to share music with people is through teaching. Over the years I've taught at several schools including: University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, The Center For The Arts, Wyoming(aka Wyoming Fine Arts Center) and the School for Creative and Performing Arts. Presently, I'm on the faculty at Northern Kentucky University where I've been since 1987. 

One way I introduce harp music is through "Harp Class with Michelle”. Here I give students the chance to play on a 19-string harp with beginner instruction.  Whether the student is learning a tune for personal satisfaction or for public performance, my fulfillment comes from helping them move in the direction of their choosing.

My first public performance on the harp was with my teacher on the school's "closed circuit" television as they called it in the 1960's. I'd only been playing for a few months, but the featured person was my teacher, Emily Oppenheimer. The program was part of a series called "Meet the Instruments".  The magic of those early times has continued to light my career. Many wonderful opportunities have come my way. My recording projects for the guests at the Riverview Restaurant where I performed nightly from 1982-2000, are still available at my current playing engagements.

I graduated college with a business degree and music degree.   After a short time touring with “Windsong”, I decided to get an advanced degree in Music, eventually earning a Master of Music degree in Harp Performance.  My ability to play so many styles of music with such ease comes from the years of study after school.  Music speaks to our emotions, truly transcending language. The listener can enjoy music or a song because of a special personal meaning - the musician enjoys music with the same inner verve.

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