For Ella Webb ‘22, her learning the harp was originally only out of convenience for her parents. Now, as a senior, she still plays the instrument consistently. 

When Webb was five years old, her brother decided to start taking piano lessons at a small music shop in Minnesota. 

Since she was too young to stay home alone, Webb attended these lessons alongside her mom. 

“Since he [Webb’s brother] was learning piano I obviously had no interest in learning piano,” she said. 

‘‘When I found out they offered harp lessons I decided to give it a go,” Webb said.

However, her playing did not stop with those lessons. 

“I decided to stick with it because I liked how cool it was. As a five year old, I was obsessed with all things princess-y, and the harp was no exception,” she said.

 “Despite moving shortly after starting, we were able to find a teacher in Michigan so I was able to stick with it.”

When she first started playing the harp, it was particularly difficult because she had to learn how to read music and and actually play at the same time, since she didn’t start with piano. 

Webb normally tries to practice the harp at least once a day. 

She prefers to master her older material, before tackling something new.

“I usually spend time practicing the music I have already learned before jumping into new stuff.”

Although she doesn’t have a set performance schedule, she usually has a couple gigs during the holiday season, including one at her church. 

She enjoys performing, but will often get nervous when playing a show.

 “No matter how much I practice, I always get nervous right before playing,” Webb said. 

Amidst playing the harp, music has been able to introduce her to a whole new community of people she, otherwise, might’ve never met. 

“Spending three consecutive summers at Interlochen Fine Arts Camp was the first time I was ever totally immersed in a larger music community,” Webb said. 

“Despite there being some pretty significant language barriers, music was able to transcend all of that and connects me with people who share a passion for music.”

When compared to other instruments, playing the harp is relatively unique. 

“Being able to casually drop that I play the harp in conversation is really fun to do because most people are not expecting me to say that.”

For Webb, the harp is something she hopes to continue into her college years, although she is not absolutely sure what that will look like.

“I won’t be majoring in music, but if possible I would like to have opportunities to play, whether that be in an orchestra or on my own.”