Generally when eight- year-olds are asked what they want for Christmas the answers can range from a shiny new Barbie Dream Hotel to a semi-automatic Nerf Gun. However, for Emily Carpenter, the answer was a harp. Although she didn’t actually receive the instrument until Christmas Day, a year later, she knew from the second she plucked her first note she had found something that would change her life.
“I don’t know what prompted me, they always had interested me. The first one I got was two feet tall, and I loved it,” said Carpenter.
Carpenter immediately began to take lessons in order to learn all the sharps and flats the instrument possess. The harp is not like any other instrument by looks or sound produced. The instrument is composed of several strings running along an angle and is played by plucking the various strings. It has been said that the sound a harp produces creates a gentle, calming sound and can even be therapeutic to play or listen to.
“I intend to make a career out of it, and playing for people and seeing their smiles because of it is my absolute favorite thing to do. It makes me happy to have made them happy,” said Carpenter.
The young harpist takes every opportunity to play for any audience willing to listen. Unfortunately her long time music teacher moved to Texas to attend college. Before her departure, Carpenter played in approximately three recitals per year along with the other students also taking lessons from her teacher.
Carpenter also plays her harp in the school band on some occasions. In order to take her skills to the next level Carpenter has considered going to The Juilliard School located in New York City. This particular school is world renowned for their musical program.
“I’m considering it. I’ve heard both positive and negative things about their harp department, but it’s definitely in consideration. It’s such a prestigious school and I’d be honored to attend.”
Attending Juilliard can create career opportunities because of the level of prestige the school maintains. Like in most colleges, advisors at the school meet with students to access potential career paths.
“They say to make sure your career is something you’ll enjoy, and I can’t see any reason why I’d ever stop enjoying it. Playing for different events such as weddings, parties, and church events are always new and exciting, so it’ll never get boring.”
