We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah Wood. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah below.
Sarah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?
I believe that harp music should be both accessible and meaningful. While many in the industry believe that the rarity and elegance of the harp justify premium pricing, I don’t think beautiful music should come with an exclusive price tag simply because we can charge more. I fully support fair compensation for musicians, but I believe the focus should be on creating unforgettable experiences rather than maximizing profit.
I frequently get contacted by other harpists encouraging me to raise my prices, but I’m happy with my affordable rates because I truly love what I do. For me, performing isn’t just a job—it’s a privilege to be part of people’s most special moments. I don’t just play music; I create an atmosphere that elevates weddings, ceremonies, and events, making them feel magical and memorable. My passion drives me to offer high-quality performances that are both professional and heartfelt, ensuring that harp music is not just heard, but felt—and, most importantly, affordable for those who want to include its beauty in their special day.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Sarah Wood, and I’ve been playing the harp for 17 years. I’m a Suzuki-trained harpist and harp teacher with a special focus on weddings and events. For the past 15 years, I’ve had the joy of performing at weddings and other special events, creating beautiful, memorable moments through my music.
What truly sets me apart is how much I love the harp. It’s not just a job for me—it’s something I’m deeply passionate about, and I find that the time just flies when I’m playing. Whether it’s the elegance of a wedding ceremony or the peaceful atmosphere of a special event, I put my heart into every performance.
I keep my rates affordable because I believe harp music should be accessible to as many people as possible. While some may charge premium prices because the harp is a rare instrument, I focus on providing high-quality, heartfelt performances without the high cost.
What I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the impact my music has on their special days. I’m here to make every event feel unique and unforgettable, and I want my clients to know that I’m always committed to delivering the best possible experience with warmth, professionalism, and a true love for what I do.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I was teaching English in a private school, and while I loved helping students, I often came home feeling completely drained. It became clear that something was missing—it didn’t feel fulfilling in the way I had hoped. I realized that my true passion was music, particularly playing the harp. It wasn’t just a hobby for me; it was something that brought me joy and a sense of peace.
So, I decided to take a leap of faith and focus on what I truly loved. I shifted my career toward playing the harp professionally, and although it’s still work, it never feels like work to me. The joy I experience while playing, especially at weddings and special events, is unlike anything I had imagined. Now, when I play the harp, time flies by, and I’m energized by the music rather than drained. It’s a career that truly aligns with my passion, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the path I’ve taken.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I couldn’t start my own business and that I wasn’t capable of doing it. For a long time, I thought starting a business was too risky or that I needed some special skill set I didn’t have. I doubted my abilities, thinking I needed more experience or credentials before I could take the leap.
But I realized those were just self-imposed barriers. When I started my business as a harpist, I learned that I didn’t need to have everything figured out from the start. I just needed to take that first step, trust my passion, and believe in myself. I’m still growing and figuring it out, one step at a time. Running my own business has shown me that perseverance, a willingness to learn, and a love for what you do are more important than waiting for everything to be “perfect.” I now embrace the idea that I’m capable of creating my own path, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing along the way.
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