Not Just Another Stringed Instrument

Let’s Learn About the Harp

When you hear harp music, what images come to mind? Maybe heavenly angels or perhaps a magical creature from Greek mythology. The origins of the harp date back to 15,000 BC, making it one of the oldest instruments in the world. Join UMS teaching artist Brittany DeYoung as she showcases this unique instrument, awed for both its physical beauty and its dulcet, harmonic tones.

To learn more about the harp, explore the accompanying slides and worksheets.

About the Artist

Harpist Brittany DeYoung, has worked as a classical performing artist and harp teacher for over 20 years. Brittany is the harp instructor at the University of Michigan-Flint and the Flint School of the Performing Arts. She performs regularly with many orchestras in Southeast and Central Michigan including the Lansing, Ann Arbor, Flint, and Toledo Symphony Orchestras. In addition, Brittany has performed across the United States as well as internationally, being featured in concerts in Spain, France, China, and South Korea.

As a teacher, Brittany works with students of all ages and ability levels. Her students participate in school and regional youth orchestras, regularly win top scholarships at the Flint School of Performing Arts and have been accepted as harp majors at music schools around the country. Brittany is currently working on writing the first complete graded method series for beginning harp students.

Brittany has a passion for chamber music and loves workshopping new music with composers. Some of her notable chamber music performances include the Debussy Sonata for flute, viola and harp, Ravel Introduction and Allegro, Tournier Féerie, del Agila Submerged as well as her own transcription of the deFalla Suite Populaire Espagnole for viola and harp. As a concerto soloist, Brittany has performed Handel’s Harp Concerto in B-flat, Rodrigo’s Concierto Serenata, and Saint-Saëns’ Morceau de Concert. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Michigan and an undergraduate degree from University of Arizona where she studied with professors Joan Holland, Lynne Aspnes and Dr. Carrol McLaughlin.

In her free time, Brittany enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and three young children.

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