Ariel Fulford, Harpist

I arrive early. The last thing you need during a special event is anxiety over whether your musician is coming in time! I bring everything I need with me, including my own seat. Good lighting is always a plus, so unless my client has a specific spot they want to me set up, I generally seek out the best lit corner of the room. For outdoor events, I look for the flattest ground. My harp doesn't like to sit in direct sunlight for long periods of time and cannot be in rain at all. Once I am tuned up, I usually start playing as soon as any guests arrive. I then proceed to provide beautiful ambiance throughout your event.

Once things have concluded, I generally pack up and leave in short order. If the event is something casual, like a company Christmas party, I may linger for a few minutes to chat with guests, but if the event is a personal moment like a wedding or a funeral, I make a point not to intrude.

I have been playing the harp for 17 years and love it more every day. I studied under Joan Holland, harp instructor at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. From her I learned the modified Salzedo method, a classical technique designed to maximize the acoustic capabilities of the harp while at the same time being very visually graceful.

My repertoire includes an array of ancient Irish, Scottish, Welsh, English and French folk tunes as well as selections by more recent pop and folk composers such as Andrew Lloyd Webber, John Denver, Sting, Rod Stewart, and Disney tunes. I also play classical wedding selections and hymns and holiday music on request.

Weddings are the majority of the events I play for, and it is my utmost priority that you are delighted with the music on your special day so don't worry if the song you want isn't on my repertoire list. I am always happy to write a new arrangement or learn a new song(s) on request. I also play at senior homes and offer a special discount for them.