The harp, of course, is utilized by many cultures worldwide. Here, our focus is on its status as the national instrument of Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and hence of Celtic culture generally. Its usage by Celtic peoples dates back to at least the 12th century A.D. Originally, it was something of an aristocratic instrument, primarily played for royal households and events. Over time, the once-renowned skills of harp playing died out in Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. Our goal, along with those many other harpers in the U.S. and elsewhere, is to recreate and rediscover this great Celtic harping tradition. Thanks to the undying efforts of so many harp students and teachers now engaged, there are probably more harpers active today than ever before in history.
This is no slight to fans of the Paraguayan harp, by the way; that instrument has a long and proud tradition of its own. Originally brought to the New World by missionaries, harps of the Middle Ages were modified into new forms which produced very distinctive sounds. The Paraguayan harp possesses particularly deep rich sounds in the bass, and almost chime-like qualities in the treble. In Paraguay, the instrument is frequently used to lead dance bands, and many renowned harp soloists have come from Paraguay. Terri often plays the Paraguayan harp at private engagements and concerts.