INVENTION AND ALCHEMY: A STORY OF PERSISTENCE: an Interview with Harpist/Composer Deborah Henson-Conant

Always pushing the boundaries in all that she does whether that is in her performing, composing, or even pushing the limits of her instrument, Deborah Henson-Conant is a force of nature. Her positivity, energy, and perseverance have inspired her fans and students.“That is the job of us as artists. To step out of our darkness with that light that we don’t even know how to shine and then to do the best we can and hope that by touching someone else it will illuminate it for us and for others.”As a teacher DHC, as she is lovingly called, works with her students to find the music within people and shows them how to bring that out.“Invention of a single person, the invention that happens in our mind. Because it is a beautiful thing, an invention, but It doesn't come to life until we are in collaboration with others.”Deborah has a wonderful TEDx talk about a collaboration she had with the French harp company, Camac, to bring about her vision for a portable electric harp. The DHC Camac harp is now one of the most sought after harps inspiring artists from around the world.“The instrument has allowed me to reveal myself and to give my hands a voice that they did not have and to be able to share that.”DHC’s online school has grown during this time of COVID-19 and has filled a need in the harp community.“ Because I have an online school and I know how to use the technology I was able to jump right in and connect with harpists from around the world and make that connection...It all happened because of the harp. It’s given me a voice that I didn’t have.”Perfection is really about hiding. As we become willing to let go of perfection and actually show ourselves and when we have a safe environment to do that, that is such an important part of this…It’s about touching another world. (playing music)Can I distill why I’m here and what I’m doing? I’m an ambassador to the world of music and imagination and that’s why I’m doing what I do.And anyone can be an ambassador to the world of music and imagination.Something whispered in our ears and we responded.Be sure to check out the premiere of her piece, Invention And Alchemy, on July 10th and the events leading up to the premiere. This is to raise money for The Grand Rapids Symphony.Website: http://www.HipHarp.comTEDx talk: https://youtu.be/EOtEkRtk5IAAcademy: http://www.HipHarpAcademy.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/HipHarpBlog: http://www.hipharp.com/blog/Twitter: http://twitter.com/HipHarpistYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/hipharpistLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/hipharpPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/hipharp/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hipharpist/