Eilidh McRae – Harpist

Eilidh McRae
Harpist

Galleryharpmbd2024-12-16T19:36:22+00:00

Gallery

harpnyc

Harpist available for weddings, events and recitals. Harp teacher of both lever and pedal harps. Based in Darien, CT, USA.

Happy Mother’s Day! I enjoyed introducing some c

Happy Mother’s Day! I enjoyed introducing some cuties to the harp as I played at the Country Club of New Canaan today! Such a great opportunity to take along some SparkHarps and watch the magic unfold! I hope one or two might remember the fun they had today and try the harp again at some point in their future! Maybe it will spark some to sign up for my SparkHarp camp@at the Darien Arts Center in late July! #sparkharp #darienct #darienmoms #newcanaan #newcanaanct #countryclubofnewcanaan #mothersday #opportunities #fairfieldcounty #harp #harpteacher #community #lovemyjob #musiceducation

My first studio work in the USA and it reconnected

My first studio work in the USA and it reconnected me with an old friend from college days - the very talented David Shenton! Beautiful meditative music by Erin Kamler who has planted deep roots in Thailand where I lived for 6 happy years. #recordingartist #studiomusician

An honor to perform on the clarsach for the Duke o

An honor to perform on the clarsach for the Duke of Edinburgh International and HRH Prince Edward at the Bank of America, NYC this evening! What a view and delicious meal! Traveling to the city and navigating loading docks that don’t have your name on the list made it a little more like ‘work,’ but the performance was just pure joy as I played all the music from my youth! HRH Prince Edward was so kind to take a moment to thank me for my performance. It’s always special to be invited to perform in the presence of Royalty but to play Celtic music whilst looking out at the skyscrapers at sunset was also very moving. I’m so grateful for all the people that have helped me build connections since arriving in the USA two years ago. After 19 years in Asia it was challenging and intimidating to build a new network - both personally and professionally. However, every time I take a step forward I am greeted with nothing but warmth and it leads me further into this incredible journey! Thank you Robert Currie for inviting me to play this special performance and I’m so thankful for making a new friend! #bankofamerica #onebryantpark #dukeofedinburghinternationalaward #celticharp #clarsach #luxuryevents #royal #hrh #nyc #nycevent #darien #darienharpist #harpist #gratefull

Investing in new equipment is sometimes a tough de

Investing in new equipment is sometimes a tough decision but let me tell you that giving clients options is invaluable! I just installed a pick-up on my Mark Norris Harp for an event on Monday. My Salvi Arianna I added pick-ups to last summer and I already had the Camac Electro-acoustic harp. My Bose speaker requires no outlet as it has an internal chargeable battery. I’ve taken the extra step to add a wireless transmitter/receiver so the speaker can now be placed more than 100 feet away when indoors! This decision was easy to make as at Easter I was playing at a country club in a foyer but the music would have been lovely if it could have been heard inside the dining room! Definitely consider the needs of your clients and use Amazon to promptly deliver solutions for your next gig!! #amazon #amplified #versatile #wireless #harp #weddingmusician #luxuryevents #bose #fishman #marknorrisharps #electricharp #investinyourbusiness #darienct

Different learners need different approaches. Make

Different learners need different approaches. Make your toolbox more versatile with some top teaching tips. This idea came to me out of nowhere as I was teaching today but I think it really helped! Let’s create a community of teachers top tips - share something that you like to use below! #harpteacher #harpteaching #harpist #harp #teachingmusic #teachingideas #musicteacher #harplife

SparkHarp at Reflections, The Residence at Selleck

SparkHarp at Reflections, The Residence at Selleck’s Woods, Darien. What a joy to take these harps and create music and memories today! On this beautiful spring day we learnt Hot Cross Buns and Lavender’s Blue together, as well as a little about the origins and development of the ancient and beautiful instrument. For some it was just a sensory experience listening to the soothing tones of the harp, touching the silky strings or feeling the vibration of the wood. For others it was a reconnection with music after many years - one lady was previously an opera singer! For others it was the joy of trying something totally new - ‘I’ve always wanted to try the harp but don’t think I’ve ever touched one’. ‘I want to learn! I need a new hobby!’ said one caregiver. This is the beauty of SparkHarp - offering everyone the opportunity to play the harp whilst building confidence and connections. My bucket is well and truly filled today. I hope you find your spark today. #sparkjoy #sparkharp #darien #darienct #residenceatselleckswoods #seniorliving #darienmoms #harp #community #music #fairfieldcounty #memory #localbusiness #darienharpist #lovemyjob #smiles #findyourspark

700 guests, ice sculptures, delicious treats and f

700 guests, ice sculptures, delicious treats and families celebrating together! A real pleasure to be a part of the Easter celebrations at The Country Club of New Canaan yesterday. #ccnc #easterbrunch, #newcanaan #newcanaanct #newcanaan_moms #countryclub

Family coming through for me when I really needed

The first thing any budding harpist wants to learn

The first thing any budding harpist wants to learn to play on the harp is a magical glissando! SparkHarp also teaches simple songs, rounds and two part arrangements which help reinforce the basic elements of music: sound, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, melody, harmony, and texture. The foundation of the intricate harp technique is also taught through a fun and creative approach. No prior musical experience needed and workshops are available for children or adults. To learn more click the link in the bio. #darien #darien_moms #fairfieldct #fairfieldmoms #greenwichmoms #darienct #sparkharp #harp #harplessons #harpteacher #harpist #musiclearning #newcanaanmoms #harps #learning #musicteacher #funwithfriends

SparkHarp! Offering small group workshops to child

SparkHarp! Offering small group workshops to children and adults. The harp is limiting due to its size and cost, but SparkHarp makes the oldest and most beautiful instrument accessible to all! Learning is always more fun with friends! Schools, libraries, senior residencies, birthday parties, company team building, adult learners, music teachers, harp enthusiasts - DM me if you have a group interested in a workshop or regular classes. See link in bio. #darien #darienct #westportmoms #westportct #stamfordct #stamfordmoms #greenwichmoms #greenwichct #fairfieldcountyct #fairfieldct #fairfieldmoms #sparkharp #musicteachers #musiceducators #nycmusicians #harp #harpteacher #learning #funwithfriends #tillypond #harpist #harplessons #kids #kidsactivities #senior #seniorliving #trynewthings #community #harpmusic #harps

#weddings #ceremony #weddingday #longislandwedding

#weddings #ceremony #weddingday #longislandwedding #nywedding #ceremonymusic #harp #weddingharp #weddingharpist #weddingmusic #countryclubwedding #darien #ctbridestobe #ctwedding #ctweddings #ctmusic #harpist #spring #instawedding

With over 25 years of professional experience play

With over 25 years of professional experience playing at venues all around the world from rustic barns to Thai palaces I have an eye for that perfect sweet harp spot when I walk into the room. But it isn’t always easy to balance when the event managers have their ‘normal’ place for musicians. In this stunning room overlooking the golf course the manager suggested the harp go behind the guest chairs at the back of the room, where it would be easy for him to signal without entering the room. This was worked for him…. But was it REALLY the best spot for everyone else? My student self would have simply complied politely. What would you have done when you see another spot silently screaming at you? I asked ‘have the couple expressed where they might like the harp?’ It’s always important to think of their vision. ‘How large is the bridal party?’ Find out logistically if there is a reason why the harp cannot be at the front. ‘Might I suggest since it’s a family wedding that I set up in the front corner as it would be special for the guests to SEE the harp while waiting’ - give a personal reason why you think another place might work better. ‘If you can give a thumbs up for the bridal party entrance I can then use my professional experience to smoothly transition to the bridal entrance and she already has a recording of the song so knows there is plenty of time to chose her moment to begin the procession’. This shows you’re confident in your ability but also that you’ve gone above and beyond to liaise with the bride regarding her special moment. Then after agreeing the front corner was possible they moved away a little sofa and table. It was then all about the angle - how do you want the harp to look as guests enter and as they are seated? The harp aways looks more elegant from side on rather than facing straight forward. I made sure the guests could see my face and wore my dress backwards so the elegant shoulder drape was on the left side rather than the right! The speaker and stand I placed as far away from the harp as possible so it wouldn’t be in any photos. angled the speaker toward the guests to deliver the sound to them. It’s all in the small details!!!

#wedding #harp #weddingmusic #ceremony #ladygaga #

#wedding #harp #weddingmusic #ceremony #ladygaga #maverick #familywedding #ceremonymusic #stonebridgecountryclub #longislandwedding

Incredible to reconnect with Maire Ni Chathasaigh

Incredible to reconnect with Maire Ni Chathasaigh tonight in NYC after probably 30 years (or more?!!) I have such fond memories of learning all her fabulous arrangements at Edinburgh harp festival, her harp course in Ireland and at Lomond. Her patience as she taught us by ear was unbelievable and she was such an inspiring harpist and mentor throughout my youth. Her tunes are ingrained in my fingers and memory, and bring me so much joy! Wishing her and Chris Newman a healthy and successful second half of their USA tour. Big, big hugs xxx #folkmusicny #folkmusic #harp #celticharp #reconnecting #inspiration #irish #irishharp #irishmusic #memories #nycmusicians #touring

Do you know a school or community organization tha

Do you know a school or community organization that might be interested in a harp workshop? The sound of children taking a large intake of breath and saying ‘WOW’ as I wheeled out the pedal harp is always something magical! The combination of a beautiful story with music and playing a hit song from ‘Wicked’ was perfect for these young listeners. I enjoyed answering their thoughtful questions and hope they can get a bit more hands on soon - new project is in the pipeline so watch this space! #musiceducation #thelittlebookofjoy #harp #harpist #harpistlife #stamfordct #darienct #darienmoms #musicclass #kidsconcert #musician #teacher #postivethinking #schoolconcert #fairfieldct #ctmusic #ctmusicians

How to ‘hook’ kids when playing for a school c

How to ‘hook’ kids when playing for a school concert? Keep it short! Play something they recognize! Make sure it is appropriate for the age group. Use special effects. I added some very simple harp percussion to make it a little more fun! Although I love dress up I will refrain from painting myself green! #wicked #defyinggravity #wickedmovie #wickedthemusical #schoolconcert #musiceducation #musiceducator #gooddog #ctmusic #darienct #darienmoms #practice

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been recogn

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been recognized as a Best of Zola 2025 vendor! It’s recognition that I’m one of a select group that has gone above and beyond for our couples, with the five-star reviews to prove it. I’m honored that @zola counts on me to deliver the same exceptional experience to all my future couples and can’t wait to make your biggest day your best day. #BestofZola2025 #ZolaForVendors #ctweddingsandevents #ctwedding #nycweddings #nycwedding #weddingmusic #weddinginspiration

@casaciprianinyc

@casaciprianinyc

My first wedding in NYC - not a bad place to start

My first wedding in NYC - not a bad place to start at Casa Cipriani! Where’s the most amazing place you’ve played a wedding and what made it so memorable? My favorite flowers are peonies and orchids so I felt utterly spoilt to be surrounded by them - even in the bathroom! #nycwedding #casacipriani #nycluxury #wedding #weddingmusic #weddinginspiration #weddingideas #weddingvenue #harpist #weddingharpist #luxurywedding #weddingmusician

#metroharp #stamfordct #darienct #darien #choralmu

#metroharp #stamfordct #darienct #darien #choralmusic #ct #fairfieldct #livemusic #practice #paulus #britten #somanynotes #metroharpnyc

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