Hilary Maslin Harpist
I am a professional harpist and an experienced teacher based in Kent. If you have any queries, then please feel free to contact me.
Wedding Fairs
The Mercure, Tunbridge Wells
Sunday 7th January 2024
Sunday 7th April 2024
Holiday Inn, Bexleyheath
Sunday 24th March 2024
I have recently taken part in a virtual wedding fair. Please click the link below to discover more about what I can offer you on your big day.
The Kent Wedding Fair | Facebook
I can also offer you a private Zoom meting if you contact me directly.
About me
Harpist
A question I am often asked is why I chose harp.
To this day I can remember staring at the radio, transfixed by the magical sounds of a piece being played by Marisa Robles (a world-renowned harpist, who greatly encouraged my training as a student). I then began to systematically beg my parents - in true, child-like terms - to allow me to take up lessons. Who, at the tender age of 10, considers the cost of a harp, the large car required, or the cost of lessons? However, a small pedal harp was discovered, lurking, dusty, in the back of a storeroom at my local music centre. It was meant to be!
I have been lucky enough to be taught by some of the country's most renowned teachers. My serious training began at the Royal College of Music, Junior Department with Daphne Boden. During this time I became a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain touring both this country and abroad, culminating with a performance at the Proms. I completed my studies with David Watkins at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
My professional work has taken me to most of this country's major concert venues with such companies as the English Touring Opera, Bolshoi Ballet, Ballet Rambert, and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Freelance work in London's West End has included performances in South Pacific, Oliver, My Fair Lady and, currently, The Phantom of the Opera. I have performed as a soloist on both television and radio.
I have played extensively for weddings and functions and have entertained many members of the Royal Family, including the Queen on a number of occasions, as well as various Prime Ministers.
Weddings
The harp has become a popular choice of live music to have at weddings. Its mellifluous tones do not intrude on your day but enhance the character and ambience.
Music can be played before and during the ceremony, at the drinks reception, the Wedding Breakfast or for any combination of these, ending with the speeches.
Every wedding is individual and this is the opportunity for you to select your own music according to your personal tastes. I am happy to guide you and help suggest repertoire. Everybody is welcome to come to one of the many wedding fairs I attend throughout the year where we can meet and discuss your ideas. You will be able to hear the music played live on my beautiful maple and gold harp.
Ceremony
Before the ceremony I will play for about 15-20 minutes as your guests are taking their seats. This creates an ambience and helps calm any nerves.
As the ceremony begins you will be required to choose a piece for the bride's entrance, 2-3 pieces for the signing of the register and exit music for the bride, groom, and their guests.
Drinks Reception
Following the ceremony, your guests may be offered drinks whilst photographs are being taken. I can help create a soothing atmosphere and you can relax in the knowledge that your guests are being entertained.
Wedding Breakfast
I will play throughout the wedding breakfast, culminating with the clearing of the dessert course. Music played during this part of the day will encompass a variety of lighter styles which often leads to guests playing along with "Name That Tune"!
Here is a selection of popular pieces, but the choice is yours!
Entrance Music
Wagner // The Bridal Chorus
Pachelbel // Canon in D
Christina Peri // A Thousand Years
Clarke // Trumpet Voluntary
Purcell // Trumpet Tune
Faure // Pavane
Signing of the Register
Delives // Flower Duet
Massanet // Meditation
John Legend // All of Me
Shania Twain // From This Moment
The Carpenters // We've Only Just Begun
Ed Sheeran // Perfect
Elton John // Your Song
Guns N' Roses // Sweet Child o' Mine
Exit Music
Mendelssohn // The Wedding March
Handel // Arrival of the Queen of Sheeba
Beethoven // Ode to Joy
Clarke // Trumpet Voluntary
Purcell // Trumpet Tune
Bruno Mars // Marry You
Teaching
Teaching has always proved extremely rewarding to me, watching pupils develop and improve over the years.
As a qualified harp teacher, I have developed a wealth of experience teaching both pedal and lever harp ranging from beginners to graduate level. I always encourage those who can, to perform whether as a soloist, as part of an ensemble or with an orchestra and for some, this has culminated in membership of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
The harp appeals to all ages (I have taught children as young as 6 and adults as mature as 80!) although I advise any prospective student to have a basic understanding of music before embarking upon lessons. This enables the pupil to concentrate on technique and the enjoyment of playing.
Should you wish to go down the traditional route my exam history is exemplary - no pupil having ever failed and over 90% gaining a distinction at Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. I have had pupils accepted at all major music colleges in this country. However, I always endeavour to make the lessons enjoyable for both pupil and teacher alike. Individual lessons can be taken at home or with the schools and colleges where I have developed a good teaching practice.
Music
My repertoire ranges from light classical and romantic harp music, through to show tunes and classic pop tunes.
Below is a sample of my repertoire. This is by no means all of my music but includes some of the most popular choices for weddings. I will always try to accommodate any special musical requests. Please contact me to discuss this further. An amplifier is available for use at larger venues.
Wagner // The Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride)
Mendelssohn // The Wedding March
Handel // Arrival of the Queen of Sheeba
Pachelbel // Canon in D
Clarke // Trumpet Voluntary
Purcell // Trumpet Tune
Rachmaninoff // 18th Variation from Rhapsody on a Theme of Pagannini
Bach // Air on a G String
Bach // Prelude in C
Massanet // Meditation
Vivaldi // Selection from 'The Four Seasons'
Delibes // Flower Duet from 'Lakme'
Puccini // O My Beloved Father
Offenbach // Barcarolle from 'The Tales of Hoffman'
Faure // Pavane
Rachmaninoff // Themes from 2nd Piano Concerto
Westlife // Beautiful in White
Elton John // Your Song
Ed Sheeran // Perfect
Desree // Kissing You
Bruno Mars // Marry You
Guns N' Roses // Sweet Child O' Mine
John Legend // All of Me
Christina Peri // A Thousand Years
Taylor Swift // Love Story
Snow Patrol // Chasing Cars
The Carpenters // We've Only Just Begun
Elton John // Can You Feel The Love Tonight
Shania Twain // From This Moment
DJ Sammy/Brian Adams // Heaven
Extreme // More Than Words
Westlife // You Raise Me Up
Celine Dion // My Heart Will Go On
Barry White/Billy Joel // Just The Way You Are
Eric Clapton // Wonderful Tonight
Diana Ross/Westlife // When You Tell Me That You Love Me
Elvis Presley // The Wonder Of You
Lonestar // Amazed
Phantom of the Opera
Les Miserables
The Lion King
Cats
Oliver
A Little Night Music
West Side Story
The Sound of Music
Disney Films
The Godfather
Twilight
Skyfall
For Your Eyes Only
Trainspotting
Wizard of Oz
50 Shades of Grey
Garner // Misty
Wonderful World // Louis Armstrong
Lou Reed // Perfect Day
Gates // If
Gershwin // Embraceable You
Gershwin // Ain't Misbehavin'
Sherwin // A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square
Kern // The Way You Look Tonight
Rodgers // My Funny Valentine
I Get a Kick Out of You // Porter
Albert // Feelings
Kern // Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
Jarre // Lara's Theme from 'Dr Zhivago'
Myers // Cavatina
Warren // Amore
CONTACT ME
I’d love to hear from you. Email me now at h_maslin@hotmail.co.uk or send a message using the form below I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
Feedback
“Thank you for all your beautiful music that has enhanced our day and made it even more special.”
Rebecca and Andrew
“Thank you so much for yesterday. The music was beautiful and we could not have asked for better”
Lydia and Joel
“I just wanted to email and say thank you SO much for Saturday. You were amazing, sounded perfect and just set the romantic tone. We are so happy we found you and would recommend you to anyone looking for a harpist. All of our guests have commented on how fantastic you sounded and how genuinely lovely you are as a person. We absolutely loved having you share part of our day with us.”
Catherine and Danny
“Just to say what a fantastic day we had, you did us proud, everybody loved your music and they are still talking about it now! I hope we can meet you again one of these days and listen again to the beautiful music. I can't get that fascination song out of my head.”
Lesley and Kev
“Thank you so, so much for your beautiful music on the day, we had so many great comments from guests re the beautiful tunes and it really added to the ambiance of the day.”
Siobhan and Nick
“We would just like to thank you for playing the harp at our wedding on the 10/08/17 at Crabbs Barn. Everyone complemented how lovely it sounded and how different it was to have a harpist. We would highly recommend you to any family and friends in the future!”
Gemma and Rocky
“I had been so excited to hear you play at the wedding since we booked you August 2017 and you really didn’t disappoint. You were definitely memorable to us and guests on our special day. The guests were so amazed by how you played. Words from one friend “ Everything was beautifully placed, she played so well and every song was perfect.” People loved your presence and said you are the best harpist they have heard. As the bride and Groom we cannot thank you enough for making our day so special, for travelling and for playing as beautifully and perfect as you did. Thank you for learning Halo, certain bridesmaids had tears to their eyes. Sadly the day is over but your playing will be in our hearts forever so thank you so much for your 5* Service. Thank you also for your patience during the mishap at the beginning of the service.” “Just to say what a fantastic day we had, you did us proud, everybody loved your music and they are still talking about it now! I hope we can meet you again one of these days and listen again to the beautiful music. I can't get that fascination song out of my head.”
Kirsty and Karl
“Right from meeting you Hilary at a wedding fair House last June, through to meeting with you again on our wedding day, it was an absolute pleasure to liase with you. The choice of music you played was exemplary and we also know that a couple of the guests asked for requests which you were happy to play for them. Our daughter enjoyed watching you and was quite mesmerised by the harp. The videographer Alan recorded a short clip of you playing Hilary but as he panned the room he has managed to filter out most of the background noise somehow and all we can hear is your beautiful harp music.I am so pleased, as it was difficult to take in all the wonderful sights and sounds that day and so that little clip reminds us how wonderful the music was. My Aunt and Uncle have just watched the DVD - (unfortunately they couldn't be at the wedding, as they live in Australia); and they too commented on the wonderful harp music. I am sure you will remember my Grandfather Hilary. He couldn't stop enthusing about your music and kept coming over to talk to you. He is 88 years young and has been to many weddings in his time, but said that was the first time he has seen a harpist at a wedding and even now, 8 weeks on, he keeps saying how wonderful it was :)
All in all, a truly perfect day for Mark and myself and our 2 young children. We wanted a harpist at our wedding right from the start and you certainly lived up to, if not exceeded, our expectations!! We would recommend you to anyone Hilary. You were very professional, very friendly and hard-working. You played during the reception drinks, during the wedding breakfast and during the after dinner coffees and I do remember your fingers were hurting at the end, but we would never have known - you were a true professional.”
Julia and Mark
CONTACT ME
h_maslin@hotmail.co.uk
