Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Interview with Mariela Flores
F E A T U R E
Interview with Mariela Flores
How old were you when you first learned to play the harp?
I was 13 years old when I started learning the harp. A year earlier my parents enrolled my sister and I in a music school near our home in Costa Rica. During the first year we learned theory and music appreciation. After a year we could audition to learn an instrument. To be honest, I had never seen a harp before! But the harp instructor said I had potential and soon I started my harp lessons.
What has been your musical journey?
I believe music completely changed my life. In music and in the music school I found a place where I felt happy, capable and motivated. I wanted to keep making music so I sought opportunities to grow and keep improving as a harpist.
The first time I came to the United States I attended a music festival in North Carolina. A year later, I was granted a scholarship and moved to Kansas to finish my undergraduate degree… After 3 years in Kansas, I moved to Boston for my masters.
Other than in Costa Rica and the US, I have had the opportunity to perform in Canada, Brazil, Colombia and El Salvador. So, my musical journey has taken me to many places and I have had the opportunity to meet people from around the world which is something I very much enjoy.
Does anyone else in your family play a musical instrument?
One of my sisters plays the cello. As mentioned before, we started studying music at the same time and she also became a professional musician.
For years we have lived in different cities so we don’t get to play together often. But here is a video of us playing The Swan by Saint-Saens: https://youtu.be/O6yP49co4qk
Do you play any other musical instruments?
I always liked the piano and I have taken piano lessons over the years as well. Many harpists started playing the piano but for me it was the opposite. Piano comes easier for me because the reading and coordination are similar than when playing the harp.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
To inspire young and adult students to keep learning and making music. And to see them thrive and love music as much as I do.
When you’re not performing or teaching, what other hobbies or interests do you have?
I consider myself a foodie, I am always looking for new restaurants to check out. Lately, I enjoy hiking or just going on long walks with my husband.
To learn more about Mariela, visit her Teacher Page.
I was 13 years old when I started learning the harp. A year earlier my parents enrolled my sister and I in a music school near our home in Costa Rica. During the first year we learned theory and music appreciation. After a year we could audition to learn an instrument. To be honest, I had never seen a harp before! But the harp instructor said I had potential and soon I started my harp lessons.
What has been your musical journey?
I believe music completely changed my life. In music and in the music school I found a place where I felt happy, capable and motivated. I wanted to keep making music so I sought opportunities to grow and keep improving as a harpist.
The first time I came to the United States I attended a music festival in North Carolina. A year later, I was granted a scholarship and moved to Kansas to finish my undergraduate degree… After 3 years in Kansas, I moved to Boston for my masters.
Other than in Costa Rica and the US, I have had the opportunity to perform in Canada, Brazil, Colombia and El Salvador. So, my musical journey has taken me to many places and I have had the opportunity to meet people from around the world which is something I very much enjoy.
Does anyone else in your family play a musical instrument?
One of my sisters plays the cello. As mentioned before, we started studying music at the same time and she also became a professional musician.
For years we have lived in different cities so we don’t get to play together often. But here is a video of us playing The Swan by Saint-Saens: https://youtu.be/O6yP49co4qk
Do you play any other musical instruments?
I always liked the piano and I have taken piano lessons over the years as well. Many harpists started playing the piano but for me it was the opposite. Piano comes easier for me because the reading and coordination are similar than when playing the harp.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
To inspire young and adult students to keep learning and making music. And to see them thrive and love music as much as I do.
When you’re not performing or teaching, what other hobbies or interests do you have?
I consider myself a foodie, I am always looking for new restaurants to check out. Lately, I enjoy hiking or just going on long walks with my husband.
To learn more about Mariela, visit her Teacher Page.