Heather chats with Karen about carving out a meaningful harp life as an adult, from rediscovering the instrument after college to building a career centred on service, teaching, and creativity.

They explore therapeutic music in hospitals, hearing and using modes by colour, and what makes the double strung harp such a freeing instrument to play.

In this episode:

• How Karen went from violin and pedal harp at school to finding lever harp as an affordable way back into playing

• How an in-person harp event became the turning point for choosing an instrument and a direction

• Therapeutic music in hospitals: what the training involves, what the work is like, and how to avoid burnout

• A thoughtful discussion on volunteering vs getting paid, and how to donate your fee without taking paid work away from others

• Modes as colour and mood: comparing modes by keeping the same tonal centre for clearer “light and shadow” hearing

• Karen’s Dorian work and arranging approach, plus where to find her resources

• Why she chose the double strung harp, how she adapted to it, and the musical benefits of having two string courses

• Highs and lows of learning therapeutic music, including the reality of making mistakes with a vulnerable population

• Karen’s advice to adult learners: stop stopping, practise recovering, and build confidence through continuity

This is a warm, practical conversation about making music that serves, learning with curiosity, and giving yourself permission to play with more freedom.

Host:

Heather Downie – Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To Harp

Guest:

Karen Peterson – Harpist, Teacher, Certified Music Practitioner

Learn with us:

https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

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