Redefined View of Harp and Self

Angel Munoz-Avila, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Music 

When I began my capstone, I was excited to play my harp in a way that I haven’t played before. I wanted to explore something unconventional in my field: how to blend my classical harp background with my passion for music production and electronic music in general. I wasn’t just experimenting with sound, but I was rethinking what the harp could be for me and my future, and in many ways, who I could be as a musician.

 

This project pushed me to imagine new possibilities beyond the traditional expectations held on me by professors, and even people in my life. The harp is seen as a classical instrument, and being a classical music performance major, my path was geared towards learning how to play one way and fit into one box. This experience as a whole challenged me to take creative risks I hadn't considered before.

As I dove into research and experimentation, I discovered both technical challenges and creative opportunities. I studied the history of the electric harp, explored different microphones and software, and learned how tools like Ableton Live and MIDI controllers could interact with my acoustic harp. Even without owning an electric harp, I developed ways to blend live harp with digital effects, using extended techniques that are unique to the harp. These include harmonics, pitch bends, and soundboard knocks to create a fuller, more experimental sound palette. The process was full of so much trial and error, but every misstep led to a breakthrough. I took failure as a step closer to a final product.

One of the most powerful lessons I learned was to trust my artistic voice. I stopped trying to fit into the predefined box of an “orchestral harpist” or “classical harpist” and created my own path that was entirely my own. An electronic harpist! My piece Strung Away became a turning point. It begins with traditional harp and gradually breaks away, layering effects, drums, and textures that reflect my personal journey. It’s more than just a performance; it’s a story of my transformation throughout college. From someone who just played classical songs already written, to now composing my own pieces and innovating what’s possible!

This project redefined the harp for me. I started playing when I was 9 years old and all I knew was classical music. If you told me at 9 I would be playing harp in a completely different way, writing my own music, or even pursuing this as a career with the success I’ve had, I would be shocked. Not only did my harp experience change, but more importantly, it redefined me. I walk away from this experience more confident in my playing, more curious on how I can innovate, and more committed to shaping my own path. I feel like my own person and I’m proud of what I’ve created. I’m excited to keep pushing boundaries in the future and see where this journey will continue to take me!