We were lucky to catch up with Kirsten Agresta Copely recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kirsten, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

From the very beginning, my mother was my greatest champion. At just 18 months old, she sat me on her lap and introduced me to the piano, which shaped my early life in immeasurable ways. When I fell in love with the harp at age five, she found ways to turn every opportunity into a stepping stone. One of my earliest standout moments was appearing on NBC’s Junior Hall of Fame. Years later, in a full-circle moment, the show’s host, Erik Smith, revisited my journey in a Then & Now segment when I won the Bronze Medal at the first-ever USA International Harp Competition.

My parents drove me to orchestra rehearsals, carefully loaded and unloaded my harp across the UK during my first tour, and made sure I had access to the best education possible. They made endless drives back and forth to Indiana University so I could study with the legendary Professor Susann McDonald, and later booked flights to New York so I could train with Nancy Allen at The Juilliard School.

Mom never missed a single performance—until, one day, she physically couldn’t anymore. Her unwavering love, support, and belief in me shaped not just my career but also the person I am today. Her dedication—from my first piano lessons on her lap to the milestones of my professional life—made all the difference.

Kirsten, 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?

I am a Grammy-nominated harpist and composer who has spent a lifetime exploring the many sides of this incredible instrument. My journey with the harp started at a young age, and it has taken me on some incredible journeys—whether soloing at Carnegie Hall, performing at the White House, or collaborating with artists like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Enya. I love finding new ways to bring the harp into different musical spaces.

As a freelance artist, I bring elegance with a modern edge to high-profile events, galas, corporate functions, and celebrity weddings. What sets me apart? Versatility. I move seamlessly between classical and contemporary music, and challenge the common perception of the harp as a purely classical instrument—it can do a lot more than just glissandos!

In addition to performing, I compose music that blends the harp’s natural beauty with ambient influences, creating immersive soundscapes that resonate with listeners. My Grammy-nominated album ‘Aquamarine’ was inspired by my late mother and our shared love of the ocean; I poured so much of myself into it, and hearing from listeners who say the music helped them navigate their own grief—that’s the kind of impact no award or accolade can match. It evolved into a stunning live show with oceanic visuals by OBIE Award winner Laurie Olinder, which I was lucky to perform in venues like 54 Below in New York City and
World Cafe Live in Philadelphia. This summer, I look forward to performing “Into The Mist” from Aquamarine with Symphony of the Mountains in a full orchestral arrangement. Hearing the music take on a whole new character will be like watching a painting come to life in real time. I can’t wait for audiences to experience the music on this scale.

If you’re discovering my work for the first time, I hope my music brings you inspiration, transports you somewhere unexpected, or adds something special to a meaningful moment in your life. You can explore more at www.kirstencopelymusic.com or follow along on social media for new music, performances, and insights into the world of a modern harpist.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Absolutely—one book that really changed the way I approach business and negotiations is Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss. You wouldn’t think that a former FBI hostage negotiator would have much to teach a musician, but let me tell you—his strategies are gold when it comes to booking gigs, negotiating contracts, and even navigating the “so… what’s your budget?” conversation. As musicians, we often hesitate to advocate for ourselves. Voss’s book taught me how to communicate value with confidence—because negotiating isn’t just about money, it’s about respect and relationships.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to create something that deeply resonates with others. One of the greatest joys is hearing how my work has impacted someone—whether it’s a bride who remembers her wedding day through my performance, a listener who finds solace and peace in my compositions, or a young musician who feels inspired to pursue their own path.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.kirstencopelymusic.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kcopelymusic
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/kcopelymusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kcopelymusic
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kirstenagrestacopely

Image Credits

Drew Bordeaux
Natasha Barbieri