Curriculum Vitae
Education
Performance Experience
Freelance
Orchestra
Chamber Music & Ensembles
Recordings
Premieres
Teaching Experience
Private Harp Instructor, Salzedo & Suzuki methods to harpists of all ages. Students have won top prizes in solo competitions such as the Midwest Harp Festival competition, the Houston Symphony League Concerto Competition, as well as positions in the Texas All-State Ensembles. Several graduates have gone on to receive music degrees from Baylor University and the University of North Texas. (1998 - Present)
Founder & Co-Director, Sparkle City Harp Ensemble [Spartanburg, SC]
Harp ensemble for students of all ages and abilities. (2019 - Present)
Guest Harp & Yoga Instructor, Longhorn Music Camp - The University of Texas at Austin [Austin, TX]
Arpasana yoga classes, assistant harp ensemble director, and individual harp instruction to high school harp students. (Summers 2011, 2012, 2013, 2018, & 2019)
Guest Harp Faculty, Summer Harp Workshop - Buffalo Suzuki Strings [North Tonawanda, NY]
Masterclass presenter, harp ensemble co-director, and music and movement classes for students ages 5-18. (August 2019)
Harp Instructor, Buffalo Suzuki Strings [North Tonawanda, NY]
Individual and group Suzuki harp instruction to students ages 3-18. (2014 - 2018)
Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator, Suzuki Early Childhood Music [Buffalo & North Tonawanda, NY]
Instructor and program coordinator for interactive Suzuki Early Childhood Education classes for parents and children ages birth through 3 years old at Buffalo Suzuki Strings and the JCC of Greater Buffalo (2015 - 2018)
Guest Clinician, Fredonia Harp Day - State University of New York [Fredonia, NY] (May 6, 2018)
Founder & Co-Director, Round Rock Independent School District Harp Ensemble Festival [Round Rock, TX]
An annual harp ensemble festival for RRISD harp students ages 8-18. (2010 - 2018)
Co-Director, Youth Harp Ensemble, 42nd American Harp Society, Inc., National Conference [Atlanta, GA] (June-July 2016)
Co-Director, Orchard Park Harp Ensemble [Orchard Park, NY] (2015 - 2017)
Adjunct Harp Instructor, Temple College [Temple, TX]
Individual harp instruction to music majors and minors at Temple College pursuing associates degrees. Harp major accepted as a transfer student Sam Houston State Univeristy as a Music Therapy major for fall 2014. (2013 - 2014)
Harp Instructor & Program Director, Round Rock ISD [Round Rock & Austin, TX]
Individual and group harp instruction to middle school and high school students. Administrative responsibilities included: daily liaison with district music directors at fifteen secondary school campuses; supervising other harp instructors; harp program budget oversight; database management; and maintenance for 17 harps (2009 - 2014)
Texas Music Educators Association Clinician
Harp sectionals clinician for TMEA All-State Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras. [San Antonio, TX] (February 2014)
Odessa TMEA All-City Harp Ensemble Director [Odessa, TX] (November 2009)
Harp Instructor, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp [Twin Lake, MI]
Harp ensembles director and individual harp instruction to middle school students (Summers 2007, 2008, & 2009)
Auxiliary Harp Instructor, Eanes ISD [Westlake, TX]
Substitute harp instructor during harp director’s maternity leave (2007 - 2008)
Chamber Ensembles Coach, Austin Chamber Music Center Summer Workshop [Austin, TX] (July 2006)
Harp Instructor, UH Moores School of Music Preparatory and Continuing Studies Program [Houston, TX]
Individual harp instruction to pre-college students and retired adult students (2001 - 2003)
Masterclass Presenter, Fort Bend ISD [Sugar Land, TX]
Monthly harp masterclasses at middle schools (2002 - 2003)
Graduate Teaching Assistant in Music History, UH Moores School of Music [Houston, TX]
Review session instructor, substitute lecturer, and assistant to professors in all areas of musicology research including early music and ethnomusicology (2001 – 2003)
Harp Counselor, Longhorn Music Camp [Austin, TX]
Assistant to UT harp professor Gayle Barrington, individual coaching on harp ensemble and orchestral repertoire, residential counselor to students ages 10-17 (Summers 1998, 1999, & 2000)
Related Experience
Contributing Author, The American Harp Journal
Symphony Spotlight: Suzanne Thomas (Volume 26 No. 3 Summer 2018)
Contributing Author, The Harp Column Magazine
Feature: Going Public - School Harp Programs (March/April 2019)
Sounding Board: Rules for Relocating (January/February 2019)
Feature: What Makes a Musical Role Model (November/December 2018)
Feature: Teacher's Pet - Pieces Teachers Love (September/October 2017)
Feature: Fitting In (November/December 2015)
Feature: One Big Happy Family - Tracing Your Harp Heritage (July/August 2015)
In Memoriam: Gayle H. Barrington (May/June 2013)
Music Review: Study Up, Two New Resources for Teachers and Students (January/February 2013)
Learning Curve: Hooked on a Feelin’ - Thinking in shapes instead of notes to improve speed (January/February 2011)
How To Play: 12 Practice Habits - A year’s worth of practice habits for everyone (January/February 2007)
How To Play: Going for the Goal - Start the School Year Off Right (September/October 2006)
How To Play: Incorporating Music Theory Into Practice & Lessons (March/April 2006)
Guest Performer and Storyteller, Buffalo and Erie County Public Libraries [Erie County, NY]
Presentations for children and families at multiple library branches with customized curriculum to suit the ages of children attending and season of the year. The interactive program includes: reading books, singing songs, live harp performances, answering children’s questions (about music and harps), and an opportunity for children to try the harp (2014 - 2018)
Social Media Manager, American Harp Society, Inc. (2014 - Present)
Workshop Presenter, Yoga for Harpists (2014 - Present)
Notable Workshops: May 2014 for the Austin Chapter of the American Harp Society. June 2014 for the American Harp Society’s 41st National Convention in New Orleans, LA.
Workshop Presenter, Basic Harp Care (2008 - Present)
In this hands-on workshop participants learn the basics of string replacement, efficient harp tuning, harp moving safety, how to keep harps clean, why you should have your harp regulated, and when to call a professional harp technician.
Harp Panel Judge, Texas Music Educators Association, Orchestra All-State Auditions (2007 & 2013)
Harp Auditions Chair & Harp Ensemble Organizer, Texas Music Educators Association, Region 26 (2010-2014)
Yoga Teacher, Certified in Dharma Yoga at the 300 hour level. Individual yoga sessions designed for musicians and harpists. (2011 - Present)
Festival Operations Coordinator, Texas Music Festival [Houston, TX]
Assisted Festival Director and supervised Festival staff. Responsibilities included: Database creation and maintenance (FileMakerPro); processing applications; organizing concerto competition and masterclasses; liaison with faculty and guest artists; coordinator for faculty chamber music series, planning festival orchestra tours; worked with university international office and Houston Consulates to arrange visas for international guest artists and festival participants (January 2002 – July 2004)
Assistant Summer Programs Coordinator, The University of Texas at Austin Longhorn Music Camp, [Austin, TX]
Assisted in recruitment of students; processed applications and contracts; arranged housing assignments; organized first day registration for 300 campers per session (2001)
Professional Affiliations
Suzuki Association of the Americas (2014 - Present)
Texas Music Educators Association (2009 - 2014)
American Federation of Musicians (2003 - Present)
Mu Phi Epsilon, International Professional Musician Fraternity (1998 - 2001)
American Harp Society, Inc. (1993 - Present)
Honors and Awards
Whit Dudley Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Harp, The University of Texas at Austin (1998 - 2001)
College Scholar, The University of Texas at Austin (1999, 2000, & 2001)
Volunteer Service
First Vice President, American Harp Society, Inc. (2016 - 2018)
Co-Chair, American Harp Society, Inc., Grants Committee (2015 - Present)
Education Committee member, American Harp Society, Inc. (2015 - Present)
Executive Committee member, American Harp Society, Inc. (2014 - 2019)
Grants Committee member, American Harp Society, Inc. (2013 - Present)
Director-at-Large, American Harp Society, Inc., Board of Directors (2013 - 2019)
Musician Mentor, Boys & Girls Club of Buffalo: Inspiring Great Futures [Buffalo, NY] (2016 - 2017)
President, Austin Chapter of the American Harp Society, Inc. [Austin, TX] (2004 - 2007, & 2011 - 2012)
Volunteer, American Harp Society, Inc., 9th Summer Institute and 19th National Competition [Denton, TX] (June 2011)
Volunteer Usher, Conspirare: A Company of Voices [Austin, TX] (2005 - 2009)
Volunteer, Austin Junior Forum: Christmas at Caswell [Austin, TX] (2003 & 2004)
Volunteer Usher, Bay Chamber Concert Summer Series, Rockland Opera House [Rockland, ME] (Summer 2001)
- The University of Houston, Moores School of Music [Houston, TX]
Master of Music in Harp Performance & Pedagogy (2001 - 2003)
Studied with Paula Page - The University of Texas at Austin [Austin, TX]
Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance, with High Honors (1997 - 2001)
Studied with Gayle Barrington
- Salzedo Summer Harp Colony [Camden, ME]
Studied upon invitation with Alice Chalifoux (2001) - Suzuki Association of the Americas, Teacher Development Courses (2014 - Present)
Every Child Can with Dr. Laurie Scott - 6 hours [Austin, TX] (2014)
Harp Unit 1 with Delaine Leonard - 45 hours [Austin, TX] (2014)
Harp Unit 2 with Delaine Leonard - 30 hours [Austin, TX] (2015)
Suzuki Early Childhood Education Stage 1 with Sharon Jones - 30 hours [Stevens Point, WI] (2015)
Suzuki Early Childhood Education Stage 2 with Sharon Jones - 30 hours [Stevens Point, WI] (2017)
- Master Classes
Alice Chalifoux [Waco, TX] (1998)
Yolanda Kondonassis [Corpus Christi, TX] (2000)
Performance Experience
Freelance
- Harpist for weddings, church services, corporate events, and private celebrations (1997 - Present)
- Freelance harpist in Buffalo, NY (2014 - 2018)
- Freelance harpist in Austin, TX (2003 - 2014)
- Driskill Hotel, Harpist for Royal Victorian Tea and Holiday Brunches at historic hotel [Austin, TX] (2004 - 2007)
Orchestra
- Acting Principal Harp, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra - substitute position [Buffalo, NY] (January - August 2018)
- Principal Harp, Temple Symphony Orchestra [Temple, TX] (2007 - 2014)
- Principal Harp, Kingsville Symphony Orchestra [Kingsville, TX] (2007 - 2009)
- Acting Principal Harp, Waco Symphony Orchestra - one year substitute position [Waco, TX] (2005 - 2006)
- Substitute and Second Harp with: Asheville Symphony Orchestra (2019-Present), Austin Symphony Orchestra (2009-2014), Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (2016-2018), Corpus Christi Ballet (2007-2008), Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra (2006-2008), Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra (2019), Galveston Symphony Orchestra (2001-2003), Greenville Symphony Orchestra (2019), Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (2016-2017), South Carolina Philharmonic (2018), Spartanburg Philharmonic (2018-Present), San Antonio Symphony (2013-2014), Savannah Philharmonic (2018-Present), Waco Symphony Orchestra (2004-2010).
Chamber Music & Ensembles
- Sparkle City Harptet, professional harp ensemble [Spartanburg, SC] (2019 - Present)
- Brevard Music Center Community Concert Series [Brevard, NC] (February 2019)
- Buffalo Chamber Players, resident harpist [Buffalo, NY] (2015 - 2018)
- The Breve Duo, flute and harp ensemble [Austin, TX] (2004 – 2010)
- Austin Harp Choir, harp ensemble [Austin, TX] (2009 - 2010)
- Audio Inversions: a contemporary music ensemble, resident harpist [Austin, TX] (2005 – 2008)
Recordings
- Respighi: Roman Trilogy, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for the Naxos label (released February 2019)
- Built for Buffalo 2, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for the Beau Fleuve label (released December 2018)
- Wagner: Orchestral Music from Der Ring des Nibelungen, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for Naxos (released March 2018)
- The Music of Percy Grainger, Volume IV, The University of Houston Wind Ensemble for Mark Records (released July 2011)
- Driftwood, The Musical, The Driftwood Players - John Edson & Herman Bennett (released August 2009)
Premieres
- Curtains of Light: Eight Overlapping Soundscapes for mixed septet - Caroline Mallonée (World Premiere - May 25, 2017)
- When Cognac Hits the Light Serenadensatz for Flute, Bassoon, and Harp - P. Kellach Waddle (World Premiere - November 14, 2006)
- Before the Solstice for flute and harp - David Lefkowitz (World Premiere - September 16, 2006)
- Bits-O-Bugs: Reminisces of a Rabbit for flute and harp - Elizabeth Start (Texas Premiere - September 16, 2006)
Teaching Experience
Private Harp Instructor, Salzedo & Suzuki methods to harpists of all ages. Students have won top prizes in solo competitions such as the Midwest Harp Festival competition, the Houston Symphony League Concerto Competition, as well as positions in the Texas All-State Ensembles. Several graduates have gone on to receive music degrees from Baylor University and the University of North Texas. (1998 - Present)
Founder & Co-Director, Sparkle City Harp Ensemble [Spartanburg, SC]
Harp ensemble for students of all ages and abilities. (2019 - Present)
Guest Harp & Yoga Instructor, Longhorn Music Camp - The University of Texas at Austin [Austin, TX]
Arpasana yoga classes, assistant harp ensemble director, and individual harp instruction to high school harp students. (Summers 2011, 2012, 2013, 2018, & 2019)
Guest Harp Faculty, Summer Harp Workshop - Buffalo Suzuki Strings [North Tonawanda, NY]
Masterclass presenter, harp ensemble co-director, and music and movement classes for students ages 5-18. (August 2019)
Harp Instructor, Buffalo Suzuki Strings [North Tonawanda, NY]
Individual and group Suzuki harp instruction to students ages 3-18. (2014 - 2018)
Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator, Suzuki Early Childhood Music [Buffalo & North Tonawanda, NY]
Instructor and program coordinator for interactive Suzuki Early Childhood Education classes for parents and children ages birth through 3 years old at Buffalo Suzuki Strings and the JCC of Greater Buffalo (2015 - 2018)
Guest Clinician, Fredonia Harp Day - State University of New York [Fredonia, NY] (May 6, 2018)
Founder & Co-Director, Round Rock Independent School District Harp Ensemble Festival [Round Rock, TX]
An annual harp ensemble festival for RRISD harp students ages 8-18. (2010 - 2018)
Co-Director, Youth Harp Ensemble, 42nd American Harp Society, Inc., National Conference [Atlanta, GA] (June-July 2016)
Co-Director, Orchard Park Harp Ensemble [Orchard Park, NY] (2015 - 2017)
Adjunct Harp Instructor, Temple College [Temple, TX]
Individual harp instruction to music majors and minors at Temple College pursuing associates degrees. Harp major accepted as a transfer student Sam Houston State Univeristy as a Music Therapy major for fall 2014. (2013 - 2014)
Harp Instructor & Program Director, Round Rock ISD [Round Rock & Austin, TX]
Individual and group harp instruction to middle school and high school students. Administrative responsibilities included: daily liaison with district music directors at fifteen secondary school campuses; supervising other harp instructors; harp program budget oversight; database management; and maintenance for 17 harps (2009 - 2014)
Texas Music Educators Association Clinician
Harp sectionals clinician for TMEA All-State Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras. [San Antonio, TX] (February 2014)
Odessa TMEA All-City Harp Ensemble Director [Odessa, TX] (November 2009)
Harp Instructor, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp [Twin Lake, MI]
Harp ensembles director and individual harp instruction to middle school students (Summers 2007, 2008, & 2009)
Auxiliary Harp Instructor, Eanes ISD [Westlake, TX]
Substitute harp instructor during harp director’s maternity leave (2007 - 2008)
Chamber Ensembles Coach, Austin Chamber Music Center Summer Workshop [Austin, TX] (July 2006)
Harp Instructor, UH Moores School of Music Preparatory and Continuing Studies Program [Houston, TX]
Individual harp instruction to pre-college students and retired adult students (2001 - 2003)
Masterclass Presenter, Fort Bend ISD [Sugar Land, TX]
Monthly harp masterclasses at middle schools (2002 - 2003)
Graduate Teaching Assistant in Music History, UH Moores School of Music [Houston, TX]
Review session instructor, substitute lecturer, and assistant to professors in all areas of musicology research including early music and ethnomusicology (2001 – 2003)
Harp Counselor, Longhorn Music Camp [Austin, TX]
Assistant to UT harp professor Gayle Barrington, individual coaching on harp ensemble and orchestral repertoire, residential counselor to students ages 10-17 (Summers 1998, 1999, & 2000)
Related Experience
Contributing Author, The American Harp Journal
Symphony Spotlight: Suzanne Thomas (Volume 26 No. 3 Summer 2018)
Contributing Author, The Harp Column Magazine
Feature: Going Public - School Harp Programs (March/April 2019)
Sounding Board: Rules for Relocating (January/February 2019)
Feature: What Makes a Musical Role Model (November/December 2018)
Feature: Teacher's Pet - Pieces Teachers Love (September/October 2017)
Feature: Fitting In (November/December 2015)
Feature: One Big Happy Family - Tracing Your Harp Heritage (July/August 2015)
In Memoriam: Gayle H. Barrington (May/June 2013)
Music Review: Study Up, Two New Resources for Teachers and Students (January/February 2013)
Learning Curve: Hooked on a Feelin’ - Thinking in shapes instead of notes to improve speed (January/February 2011)
How To Play: 12 Practice Habits - A year’s worth of practice habits for everyone (January/February 2007)
How To Play: Going for the Goal - Start the School Year Off Right (September/October 2006)
How To Play: Incorporating Music Theory Into Practice & Lessons (March/April 2006)
Guest Performer and Storyteller, Buffalo and Erie County Public Libraries [Erie County, NY]
Presentations for children and families at multiple library branches with customized curriculum to suit the ages of children attending and season of the year. The interactive program includes: reading books, singing songs, live harp performances, answering children’s questions (about music and harps), and an opportunity for children to try the harp (2014 - 2018)
Social Media Manager, American Harp Society, Inc. (2014 - Present)
Workshop Presenter, Yoga for Harpists (2014 - Present)
Notable Workshops: May 2014 for the Austin Chapter of the American Harp Society. June 2014 for the American Harp Society’s 41st National Convention in New Orleans, LA.
Workshop Presenter, Basic Harp Care (2008 - Present)
In this hands-on workshop participants learn the basics of string replacement, efficient harp tuning, harp moving safety, how to keep harps clean, why you should have your harp regulated, and when to call a professional harp technician.
Harp Panel Judge, Texas Music Educators Association, Orchestra All-State Auditions (2007 & 2013)
Harp Auditions Chair & Harp Ensemble Organizer, Texas Music Educators Association, Region 26 (2010-2014)
Yoga Teacher, Certified in Dharma Yoga at the 300 hour level. Individual yoga sessions designed for musicians and harpists. (2011 - Present)
Festival Operations Coordinator, Texas Music Festival [Houston, TX]
Assisted Festival Director and supervised Festival staff. Responsibilities included: Database creation and maintenance (FileMakerPro); processing applications; organizing concerto competition and masterclasses; liaison with faculty and guest artists; coordinator for faculty chamber music series, planning festival orchestra tours; worked with university international office and Houston Consulates to arrange visas for international guest artists and festival participants (January 2002 – July 2004)
Assistant Summer Programs Coordinator, The University of Texas at Austin Longhorn Music Camp, [Austin, TX]
Assisted in recruitment of students; processed applications and contracts; arranged housing assignments; organized first day registration for 300 campers per session (2001)
Professional Affiliations
Suzuki Association of the Americas (2014 - Present)
Texas Music Educators Association (2009 - 2014)
American Federation of Musicians (2003 - Present)
Mu Phi Epsilon, International Professional Musician Fraternity (1998 - 2001)
American Harp Society, Inc. (1993 - Present)
Honors and Awards
Whit Dudley Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Harp, The University of Texas at Austin (1998 - 2001)
College Scholar, The University of Texas at Austin (1999, 2000, & 2001)
Volunteer Service
First Vice President, American Harp Society, Inc. (2016 - 2018)
Co-Chair, American Harp Society, Inc., Grants Committee (2015 - Present)
Education Committee member, American Harp Society, Inc. (2015 - Present)
Executive Committee member, American Harp Society, Inc. (2014 - 2019)
Grants Committee member, American Harp Society, Inc. (2013 - Present)
Director-at-Large, American Harp Society, Inc., Board of Directors (2013 - 2019)
Musician Mentor, Boys & Girls Club of Buffalo: Inspiring Great Futures [Buffalo, NY] (2016 - 2017)
President, Austin Chapter of the American Harp Society, Inc. [Austin, TX] (2004 - 2007, & 2011 - 2012)
Volunteer, American Harp Society, Inc., 9th Summer Institute and 19th National Competition [Denton, TX] (June 2011)
Volunteer Usher, Conspirare: A Company of Voices [Austin, TX] (2005 - 2009)
Volunteer, Austin Junior Forum: Christmas at Caswell [Austin, TX] (2003 & 2004)
Volunteer Usher, Bay Chamber Concert Summer Series, Rockland Opera House [Rockland, ME] (Summer 2001)