Muckle Music
About Me
About Me
I began my musical studies in piano and organ in Whitby, Ontario. I graduated, a piano major, from the University of California, Berkeley. At Arizona State University I continued piano studies with Steven de Groote and studied harpsichord there with John Metz. I began harp studies in 1990 with Katherine Ely in Victoria, B.C. and continued studies with Sarah Davidson in Toronto. Under the tutelage of Barbara Ross in Ottawa, I completed an ACCM in vocal performance from Conservatory Canada.
After completing an A.R.C.T. and B. Ed. at the University of Toronto, I taught classroom music in the 1970’S, within the St. John’s, Newfoundland school system, before opening a private studio in St. John’s.
Since them I have maintained private music studios in Nanaimo B.C. and in Ottawa. In all three cities I was affiliated with the local and national chapters of the Canadian Federation of Registered Music Teachers. I have prepared students for RCM examinations and Kiwanis Music Festivals in all three locations.
I encourage my students to compose, arrange and perform their own music. My students have participated in the performing and music writing classes of the Ottawa Canadian Music Showcase, and in the Canadian Federation of Registered Music Teachers’ music writing competitions. I have a particular interest in ensemble work for harp combined with other instruments. I have written many arrangements for harp, harp and voice, and harp ensemble as well as original compositions for voice and harp. My most recent publication by Afghan Press is “Harp and Soul – A Harp Ensemble Tutor” This book is a compilation of harp ensemble pieces written for my students over a 25 year period of teaching. Please see Publications for further information.
I am a performer on both lever (Celtic) and pedal (Orchestral) harps. I am the harp accompanist for the Welsh women’s penillion choir, Cantorion Cerdd Dant in Ottawa and director of the Ottawa Youth Harp Ensemble. I was director (1998-2006) of The Ottawa Harp Choir, an ensemble of adult harpists.
What people are saying
“
Mary makes music so much fun. She tells us the history behind the song, uses imagery and creativity. There’s always a story behind the music. She helps me make a piece my own.”
y.”
Marianne Lin