Hope Through Harp! - I AM A HARPIST

The “I AM A HARPIST” shows international harpists - working in different fields, genres of music, and walks of life - to communicate the sense of community, identity and confidence that the harp gives to anyone that plucks a string. The harp is the best vehicle to give a Philadelphia student, who perhaps has not found their voice yet, a feeling of pride, a community of friends and mentors, and an instrument to speak. Lyra has seen countless students come out of the shells, communicate through their music, and become a confident young person. This confidence then translates to their endeavors in school and beyond.

From Elizabeth Hainen, Founder & Artistic Director:

It might seem like everything is canceled: our schools, religious services, graduations, celebrations and concerts. But what isn't canceled is our ability to share our gift of music. This is why now, more than ever, we must take a stand to support the arts. 'I AM A HARPIST' is a message that the gift of the harp impacts the identity of each person no matter where their path takes them in life."

Sample of Lyra's Costs:

• $20: one harp book for a student
• $50: one private lesson for a student
• $170: one lever harp regulation
• $450: three students to play in All-City Orchestra
• $500: one pedal harp regulation; a full set of strings
• $2,000: full scholarship for one student per year
• $3,200: one new lever harp
• $11,000 - $35,000: one new concert grand pedal harp

Lyra during COVID

Thanks to the Lyra Family, we continue to work with our students by delivering harps to students’ homes and teaching weekly lessons virtually. Lyra teaching artists have given over 300 virtual lessons and classes since the start of our lockdown! This has kept not only our students, but also our teaching artists grounded and has given them something to look forward to. We have continued to pay all our staff in full. For almost all of our teaching artists, Lyra’s pay has been their only income, so we are grateful to all of you that have contributed to us!

Hear from Lyra student, María, 11th Grade:

"By putting a harp in my hands and incredible teachers by my side, the Lyra Society has made an irreversible impact on who I am and the person that I will become. Being able to play for Ms. Maryanne and simply connect, albeit virtually, is honestly what I look forward to every week. To the Lyra Society, thank you for bringing happiness to my home during this time. I am beyond grateful; words cannot do justice to the gift you have given my family and me - since the beginning, and especially during this time. I would like to extend this gratitude from the bottom of my heart to the friends and supporters of the Lyra Society as well; you, too, have given me this experience that I will never forget. Because of all of you, whenever I will think back on my time spent during the COVID-19 pandemic, I will first and foremost remember how blessed I was to be able to continue my study of the harp and continue having that source of peace, beauty, and inspiration in my life. I hope that you all have found your source of brightness, too, and that you and those you love are and will remain well."