LEARNING HOW TO PLAY THE HARP IS NOW EASY!
STUDENT TESTIMONIAL
“Everyone has been absolutely fantastic! I took the beginner harp class with Sara, which was amazing, and ended up preordering a special order harp and purchasing a Harpsicle! The enthusiasm that both Sara and Oren have for the harp and making sure you have the right harp for you is phenomenal! Their passion for the harp is contagious. They delight in aiding you on your “harp adventure,” sharing in your joy and excitement. This has been one of the most positive and fulfilling purchases I’ve ever made! I would highly recommend the entire staff of Vermont Violins to anyone interested in pursuing any stringed instrument! Thank you from th bottom of my heart!”
Have more questions? Please reach out to us by filling out the below form.
RACHEL CLEMENTE
614-395-3248 | rachelclementeharpist@gmail.com
New England based pedal and traditional Scottish harpist, Rachel Clemente, has had a passion for music from the early age of five. She began her harp training as a student of the Suzuki method. In addition, she discovered her love of Scottish music through events and competitions held by the Scottish Harp Society of America and the Ohio Scottish Arts School. Her musical education then continued at renowned arts boarding high school, Interlochen Arts Academy.
In July of 2018, Rachel graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow with a bachelors degree in traditional Scottish music. Her accolades include winner of U.S National Scottish Harp Champion in 2016 and the winner of Princess Margaret of the Isles Clàrsach Competition (USA) in 2021.
Currently, Rachel is focusing on establishing herself in the New England folk scene as a soloist as well performing in her duo with bagpiper, Dan Houghton and she continues to enjoy working as a private harp instructor alongside beginning a journey into compositional work.
Jennifer J. Thompson
484-706-9371 | aplusharpist@gmail.com
Jennifer has been playing the harp for over 30 years both professionally and recreationally. She has her Bachelor's degree in music and has been teaching music for 24 years. She studied with harpists from Eastman School of Music and also studied with the Principal Harpist of The Philadelphia Orchestra. She currently teaches harp lessons online and provides private instruction and group theory classes.
I am a strong believer that everyone, at any age, should be able to have a life of music. That's why I became a teacher. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced student needing guidance, let's explore music together!
Eleanor Freebern
802-305-9194 I eleanor.freebern@gmail.com
Eleanor, a 17-year-old harper and composer, has been studying under New England harpist Dominique Dodge since she was 12. She has garnered acclaim for her performances, noted for their authenticity and consistency. Eleanor has toured Cape Breton with the Young Tradition Touring Group in 2023 and currently serves as the principal harpist with the Vermont Youth Orchestra.
Known for her ability to craft sets for her performances, Eleanor is currently collaborating with fiddler and Young Tradition Vermont Alum, Fern Tamagini O'Donnell, on an album for her senior capstone project. She is deeply passionate about education, embodying a fourth-generation educator's spirit, and is committed to providing individualized instruction to learners of all styles.
Eleanor's musical interests span various genres, with a particular focus on integrating contemporary arrangements with traditional music. She explores the Celtic harp's versatility and drama, drawing from her background in classical violin to emphasize precise technique, physical form, and musicality while maintaining the playful essence of music.
VENUE:
5 Green Tree Drive (Unit B); South Burlington, VT 05403. T: (802) 862-0349.