We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Betania Rodriguez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Betania, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents did not have many opportunities growing up. Their ultimate goal was to give my siblings and I the opportunities that they weren’t able to have. Growing up, my parents allowed me to try anything and everything I desired whether that was piano, harp, soccer, gymnastics, cooking lessons, etc. they never said no. I was extremely blessed to have parents who could provide for my siblings and because I understand that may not be the case for everyone, and for that, I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate. My mom never let me quit however, she was not a “pushy” mom nor was she a “stage” mom. However, she also understood that most children don’t quite know what they want and many times parents make decisions based off what the child wants, and once the child grows up, will ask their parents “why did you let me quit.” Parents should be their child’s biggest supporter and encourager. I started playing piano when I was 6 years old, and to be completely honest, I did not enjoy piano. I begged my mom to let me quit and every time her answer was “you’re going to thank me when you’re older” and she was completely right. She allowed me to quit piano under one condition: I had to try a new instrument and stick to it. It was perfect timing considering I had been begging her for harp lessons & looking back, I wouldn’t be the harpist I am today if it weren’t for my parents and their commitment to my career as a musician. I wouldn’t have the opportunities I have now, and I wouldn’t have the business I have now. They were my biggest supporters and always ensured I had the proper outlets to succeed.

Betania, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Betania Rodriguez. I am a 22 year old harpist from San Diego, California. Learning the harp had always been one of my ultimate goals in life. Growing up with 2 older siblings who were musicians, I was exposed to music at a young age. I started playing the piano when I was 6 years old and quickly knew I wanted to be a harpist. My sister had a violin teacher who would invite us to her concerts, and my mom would take my siblings and I to watch. It was at those concerts that I can recall the very first time I saw a harpist perform live. I was intrigued at how beautiful the instrument was and at how elegant the musician looked while playing. After the concert, my mom took me to talk to the harpist and she gave my mom her information.
A few years later I began to take my very first harp lessons. As the years went by, I began to advance and began to study under Elena Mashkovtseva. I was quickly advancing and falling more and more in love with the instrument. I began to play with the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory at 15 years old, and was a part of the San Diego Harp Society where I would perform yearly recitals. I even did a few competitions and ended up winning first prize for one of them.
At 17 years old I played at my very first wedding. My mom and dad had a harpist at their wedding and my mom had always been a fan of the instrument. She used to always tell me when I first began to play, “you will play at weddings one day”, and although the idea kinda scared me, those words later became reality.
I now offer live harp music for weddings, birthday party’s, funerals, etc. I have turned my love for the instrument into a growing business. This business has been years and years in the making and years of hard work and dedication to the instrument. Hours of private lessons, hours of orchestra practice, hours of rehearsals, and years of having to miss out on friends birthdays, events, etc. just to get to where I am now.

For wedding ceremonies I provide background/prelude music as the guest arrive, a song for the bridal party to walk down, a song for the bride to walk down to, as well as an exit song. I take special requests as well.
Whether you are celebrating love, a new year old life, or celebrating a loved-ones life, you can be assured that having live harp music adds such a special and unique touch. Not only is harp music stunning to hear, but the instrument in itself is beautiful to look at, adding a beautiful aesthetic to your special day. It is an added touch that your guest will forever remember.
I am always willing to work and be flexible with all my clients to ensure that their special day is truly memorable and that they receive high-quality harp music for their events.
I am beyond thankful for all my clients who have given me the opportunity to share my love for music with them and for trusting me to deliver high-quality harp music for their events. I love what I do, this is a dream job for me. The harp and I, we just click. We get each-other. I have so many goals for the future that I would love to fulfill, but for now, I know the little 6 year old who begged for harp lessons would be proud.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I originally made a IG account specifically to upload all my harp content. I never intended for it to be a business page where clients could DM to inquire for bookings. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I began to upload a lot of harp videos due to the fact that I had so much free time and most of us were just home all the time. I would upload harp covers such as Disney songs, Elvis Presley covers, etc. I Immediately noticed the amount of followers I began to receive. I don’t have thousands of followers, but every follower matters to me. It’s not just a number, it shows me that people actually love my content and are choosing to support me on this harp journey of mine. I then made it a habit to take a picture with my harp at every wedding/event I do. For every event I play at, I love dressing in the dresses that I like, and doing my makeup the way I like, it allows me to stay confident and perform to my fullest potential. Staying true to who I am especially on social media is very important in gaining an audience. They will follow you for YOU.

I am still learning but have definitely learned so much over the years. My advice to those just starting would be to know your worth, stay true to who you are, and stay consistent with posting.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Seeing how I am able to make an impact on someones special day. When clients send me pictures or videos that someone took of me from their event, repost my content, send me a positive text or review. It makes it all worth it.
Being a musician has its challenges, the musical world is very competitive and it’s so easy to compare yourself. But when people follow you for YOU, when they hire you for YOU, and when they send you positive reviews on how your music was able to impact their event is just so rewarding. Every day is extremely humbling for me and I don’t think I’ll ever get over the fact that people actually want my music for some of the most important days of their lives.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @betaniarodriguezharp
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Photographers: Aly Famoso, Kingston’s Photography, Ken Jacques Photography