Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Palmieri.
Hi Laura, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My mother always wanted a little girl who could play the harp. When my father passed away from ALS when I was 10 years old, she signed my sisters and me up for music lessons. I would attend concerts of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in grade school and be drawn to the harpist playing. I had a favorite cartoon anime called Swan Lake that I would watch, and I would listen to the harp parts over and over again. I remember telling myself I would be the harpist playing in the Swan Lake ballet someday! It’s still a secret dream of mine. I played my first professional wedding on harp at 10 years old and studied piano and guitar when I was about 8 years old. My first harp teacher told my mom that I would never become a harpist and that I should stop taking lessons. I remember feeling so hurt and confused at such a young age because of her comments. My mom did not give up and found another wonderful harp teacher that would come to my house and teach. She believed in me and taught me discipline and patience. I then went on to work with another teacher who lived to be 103 years old and studied with one of the greatest harpists Carlos Salzedo. She taught me not to care what people thought of me and to always play with guts and passion. She said I can be whatever I want as long as I work hard for it. I always appreciated her wisdom and consider her one of greatest mentors in life. I obtained a music scholarship to Oakland University where I was one of the only harp students at the time. I have been so fortunate to have traveled to France and Switzerland on music scholarships to study with some of the greatest harpists of our time. I received my B.A. in Music in 2011 and worked hard as a nursing assistant from the time I turned 16 years old to be able to purchase my very first concert grand harp completely paid for when I was 25 years old.
Since then, I have played for numerous weddings, concerts, and events in Michigan. I graduated in 2014 with my BSN in nursing and I am principal harpist and board member with the Detroit Medical Orchestra. I have found my greatest joy in bringing healing through music to all those around me and volunteer at Beaumont Children’s hospital and for countless church and nursing homes. It brings my heart happiness seeing how much people love to listen to the harp. Seeing smiles in the room and even tears in some eyes tells me I did something to bring out a much-needed emotion.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I definitely can say it has not been a smooth road! When my father died, my mom had to manage as a single parent raising three girls alone. My first language was Spanish as well and I was teased in school for not being able to speak English. Both my mom and I learned English together while watching Oprah and Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood! My father had multiple foster care home businesses. I learned at a young age how to work hard, and be grateful for all the little things. I can say that my sisters and I were so fortunate to have a god-fearing mother who believed and encouraged us to do our very best and to do good for others.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a professional harpist and registered nurse. As a nurse, I specialize in vascular access nursing and place difficult IV lines, midlines, and PICC lines to patients in the hospital. I also work at Oakland University in the nursing school department as a SIM lab facilitator and help guide nursing students in their SIM lab experience. I remember when I was in nursing school, I was the odd duckling for being a musician. Being a harpist definitely has set me apart from others! I am proud that I have been able to share music to so many people and that it has brought them joy and peace. In this crazy world, that’s one of the best things one can bring to another, peace. And being able to let my students and those I encounter that having a career and passion in life is totally possible. Music is something that I could not imagine life without having especially after a stressful day in the hospital. Music is what makes my heart skip an extra beat and what fires up my soul.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I have my own website now and have been working with many musicians in the metro Detroit area that I have collaborated for CDS, for Christmas, Sacred and therapy music, and also just because music to bring healing and peace in my home state. I love the city of Detroit and my great mitten state that also looks like my harp!🧤You can follow me on Instagram @mitten_harpist!
Contact Info:
- Website: Mittenharpist.com
- Instagram: @mitten_harpist
- Facebook: Laurapalmieriharpist
Image Credits
Stephanie Elizabeth Photography
Killer Creations Photograpy
