Heather chats with learner harpist Zee about discovering the harp later in life and how music became part of a deeply personal healing journey.

They explore Zee’s musical background, performance anxiety, the role of music theory in learning, and how the harp has supported growth, creativity, and wellbeing.

In this episode:

• Zee’s first encounter with the harp through medieval reenactment and why the sound stayed with her for years

• How previous experience in singing, guitar, and music theory helped her approach learning the harp

• Reflections on performance anxiety following conservatory training and how this influenced her learning journey

• How the How To Harp mind pathway helped rebuild confidence and support performance in a safe environment

• Writing original music as part of processing grief and emotional experiences

• Research into historical ideas about music and healing, and how music can support wellbeing

• Zee’s hopes to use harp in therapeutic and hospice settings in the future

This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about identity, healing, creativity, and becoming a harpist later in life.

Host:

Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To Harp

Guest:

Zee Bishop - learner harpist and How To Harp member

Learn with us:

https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow!

#HowToHarpPodcast #HowToHarp #HeatherDownieHarpist #AdultHarpLearner #MusicAndHealing

Heather and Angela chat about why music theory matters for harpists and how it can support real, practical progress at the instrument.

They discuss how theory helps with communication, sight reading, memorisation, independence, and understanding music more deeply, as well as why learning it at the harp can feel far more engaging than traditional approaches.

In this episode:

• Why every harpist is already learning some theory, whether they realise it or not

• How theory helps you communicate more clearly with teachers and other musicians

• Why theory can make memorising music easier by helping you recognise patterns and meaning

• How theory supports sight reading and helps you understand the root of common reading difficulties

• Why theory can help learners become more independent and self-sufficient

• How learning theory away from the harp can still strengthen your playing

• Why theory can be enjoyable, practical, and directly connected to real music-making

This is a lively and encouraging conversation for harpists who want to feel more confident, capable, and well rounded in their learning.

Host:

Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To Harp

Guest:

Angela Boraston - Harp Tutor at How To Harp

Learn with us:

https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow!

#HowToHarpPodcast #HowToHarp #HeatherDownieHarpist #MusicTheory #SightReading

Heather chats with Gwenllian about building a professional harp career while navigating doubt, burnout, performance anxiety, and the pressure to prove yourself through difficult repertoire.

They explore teaching, composition, chamber music, Welsh musical roots, and the importance of choosing music you genuinely love.

In this episode:

• How Gwenllian came to the harp after starting first on violin and piano

• Learning with her mother, then moving on to other teachers who shaped her path

• Doubts about becoming a professional musician and why languages nearly won out over music

• Burnout after study and competition, and how stepping away helped her reconnect with the harp

• Performance anxiety, mindset shifts, and finding ways to make performing work for her

• Why teaching is such a central and meaningful part of her career

• Writing and publishing music for students, including her upcoming collection The Curved Path

• Chamber music, commissions, and performing with flautist Sirius Chau

• Her advice to learners: play something you love

This is a thoughtful and honest conversation about making a musical life on your own terms and staying connected to the music that matters most to you.

Host:

Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To Harp

Guest:

Gwenllian Llyr - Harpist, Teacher, Composer, and Guest Tutor in the How To Harp Membership

Learn with us:

https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow!

#HowToHarpPodcast #HowToHarp #HeatherDownieHarpist #ProfessionalHarpist #HarpTeaching