Olivia higgins~ Harpist
Olivia is a freelance harpist and instructor in the Union Bridge, MD area. She began her musical studies at the age of seven under the guidance of Elaine Bryant. Olivia was awarded the Wagnild Music Scholarship from Gettysburg College, where she completed her Bachelor of Music degree in Harp Performance. It was here that she studied with Professor Elizabeth Asmus in 2015 and Professor Astrid Walshot-Stapp from 2016-2019. Throughout her education she was given the opportunity to perform in several masterclasses with prominent harpists such as Nadia Pessoa, Principal Harpist of the United States Army Band “Pershings Own,” and Bridget Kibbey, international performer and instructor at New York University, The Center for Ballets and Arts. She also participated in orchestra and ensemble experience throughout college, performing with the Gettysburg College Wind Symphony, Gettysburg College Symphony Orchestra, as well as several high school pit orchestras in the surrounding area of Gettysburg.
Olivia attended the Young Artist Harp Seminar during the summers of 2017 and 2018, where she was given the opportunity to study with renowned harpists such as Susan Bennett-Brady, Emily Levin, Angela Schwarzkopf, Katherine Siochi, and Kimberly Rowe.
While in high school, Olivia joined the Frederick Symphony Orchestra, performing with them for three consecutive seasons. During this time, she performed works such as Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov, the Planets by Holtz, La forza del Destino by Verdi, and many other major works. In 2015, she was invited to perform and record Symphony No.4 by Maslanka with the Messiah College Wind Symphony.
As a freelance harpist and instructor, Olivia shares her talents through educating others and private performances. For more information regarding lessons or to hire Olivia for your next event, please contact us!