Welcome to another “5 Questions with…” I saw Orlando harpist Elizabeth Louise perform at the Lyon & Healy Harptacular Orlando event.
After the Fischarper interview with harpist Christine MacPhail, Elizabeth & I were in touch via Twitter (are you following me?), & she agreed to do this email interview!
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Keep reading, because Elizabeth drops some really great info. (Plus she spills a little on her gig at Disney World!)
How would you describe your job as a musician?
I would like to answer this question with the perspective that “job” is less an occupation and more of an obligation to myself and those who follow.
My first job as a musician is to be the best I can be at my craft.
I have been given this gift to play music, so I didn’t want to squander it, or take it for granted, or worse, throw it away. This entailed the obligatory practice, rehearsals, networking, and everything else involved in being prepared for each gig.
My second job as a musician is to be true to the music as it relates to the composer, arranger and myself.
This involves research. How was it meant to be played? How has it been played in the past? What interpretations are considered appropriate, and should I stretch those limits? Each piece has a history, brief or lengthy, and it is our job as the artist to make that history come to life. We have this gift to share a very raw and emotional moment with the listener, so each note matters. How we shape that phrase will be felt by each listener.
The funny thing is, the receiving end of our music is highly subjective. I recently played a concert where I played a very French, light and filigree textured piece followed by a more atonal, angular American piece. I received general feedback on the two pieces, but one young 11 year old girl especially loved the American composition. When I asked her why she liked it, she struggled to find an explanation. We like what we like, whether or not we can explain why, which makes it this primal connection and reaction.
It is our job as a musician to connect with the piece on this level to make it real. Don’t just play the notes on the page, make them yours! When all that research on the composer and the past practice of the piece is said and done, it then becomes a special moment to make that piece ours. The way I play a piece will be different from any other harpist, because it comes from my fingers, my mind, my heart and soul.
My third job as a musician is to impart this love to others, either through a performance or formal education.
What is art if it isn’t shared in one form or another? Several years ago I made a decision to share this knowledge with others through a free beginner harp course offered through Harp Academy Online (currently through Udemy). The seed was planted and the idea continues to grow with additional courses for a flat fee, but I wanted to reach an audience that had neither the resources nor the time to devote to a formal education in harp. The feedback has been heartwarming, from people all over the world that always wanted to learn but couldn’t afford it. What I have to offer is of value to me, but I leave it up to those who receive it to decide for themselves.
What are your tips for making a music profession work?
I have a phrase I like to tell my students, “Chance favors the prepared.”
One of my first tips for making a music profession work: practice!
This seems simple, but let’s be honest, what’s your practice schedule like, do you stick to it, and how efficient is it? If you cannot dedicate yourself every single day (minus a day or two off to recover physically and mentally) to focused, efficient practice, then don’t expect good results. And don’t be proud. Find a teacher, a mentor, someone you look up to so you can improve your skill. There is always room to grow.
Secondly, network.
My mother used to say “It’s not always what you know, but who you know.” Be a decent person, kind, humble and dedicated. (**singing Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind”**) Smile! Instead of griping when you’re in a less than ideal work situation, figure out how you can see the glass half full and take it as a lesson to improve your situation the next time you have a gig. This positive attitude will be a ripple effect in your community and you will stand out as someone who will adapt and overcome as opposed to someone who wallows. And as you continue to adapt and overcome, take names! Get to know your fellow musicians, conductors, composers and arrangers. Get to know the other harpists in your community. Get to know them by making observations that will help your community grow.
Finally, engage.
Be mentally present with everything you do. Just like we don’t play only the notes on the page, don’t just show up to a gig, play, and go home. Engage with your guest, your audience, or your client. Take that extra step to walk up to the bride and groom and thank them for the opportunity to be a part of their special day. Connect with your client on a personal level, this small gesture makes a huge impact.
On the topic of a profession in music, what’s it like being a harpist at Disney World?
Being a harpist at Disney World is magical! (sorry, had to) 🙂 I fully acknowledge how blessed I am. As society enters what is considered more of a gig economy (even though musicians invented the gig economy), I am truly blessed to be in a position where I can play my harp indoors, with a set schedule, and not worry about when and from where my next paycheck will come. It doesn’t end there. The best part of my gig is the guests. This isn’t a platitude, it truly comes from the heart.
The restaurant where I play, Victoria & Albert’s, is a AAA five diamond, Forbes five star rated dining experience. We see couples and families celebrating special occasions, birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, engagements, etc. on a nightly basis. One is surrounded by momentous occasions, and it warms the heart to see that love night after night. I take great care to notice the guests and tailor my setlist for them. For nearly 13 years at the same restaurant I have taken note of our regular guests and their song preferences so that every time they come back, I play their favorite tunes. I get to meet people from all over the world in many professions without leaving my seat behind the harp. I enjoy making these connections and working towards making a better dining experience for them each and every time.
What is your favorite genre of music to play & why?
Over the years I’ve found myself drawn to Indie groups so of course my love translates to playing this particular genre. It started with Ben Folds, and grew to Regina Spektor, Imogen Heap, Death Cab, Mumford and Sons, Postal Service, and Bon Iver, just to name a few. It makes sense to me that the music I love listening to the most should be my favorite to play. They lyrics drive the music, but it’s a true artist that can shape those lyrics with beautiful harmonies and melodies. I love playing this genre because each artist offers a different compositional style and I enjoy finding the best technical approach to make that style speak.
Do you have any advice to share with other musicians?
Oh the advice!
Make it yours, and don’t get caught up in the rat race, or the competitive nature of the game.
I speak for myself, but wish someone had said this to me as a younger student. Some are motivated by competition, generating great success trying to be better than their counterpart. I do believe a little competition can be healthy, but also understand that it’s ok not to want to compete.
Secondly, be kind to yourself!
I say this to my students all the time. It’s so easy to beat ourselves up, but take a moment to be good to yourself, be good to your mind. Love yourself, give yourself the best chance to succeed at whatever you choose: get sleep, breath, find a way to relax, go slow, eat healthy, exercise, especially in the mental game. I have a daily list of affirmations that I say to myself which include “I have the right to determine my own priorities”, and “I have the right to change my mind.” Your list of affirmations will be different than mine, but these will prepare your mind, and in turn your attitude and outlook for the day, week, and months ahead.
Lastly, know that your voice is important!
We spend our youth and then some trying to define that voice. Spend time acknowledging that that voice is important. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. As we begin to find our voice, we will imitate those that we look up to, but then we will alter and adjust that behavior and voice to make it true to ourselves. When you are true to yourself, and you have found that voice, don’t be afraid to yell it from the rooftops! Someone who needs a helping hand will be listening and will take great comfort from your voice.
And there are “5 Questions with…Elizabeth Louise.” What was one thing that especially resonated with you? Would love for you to share it in the comments below.
And be sure to say hi to Elizabeth on Facebook, Twitter, & YouTube!
-Barbara
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Barbara Fischer runs Fischarper, LLC and loves her job as a harpist and private music educator. She enjoys blogging about various aspects of the music field on fischarper.com/blog. For more music resources, check out the Fischarper store. Find out where you can find Barbara on the interwebs here. And you can sign up to receive Fischarper updates by joining the email list.