Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsey Hansen
Chelsey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always had a determined spirit, something I credit to being the youngest of six children, with three older sisters to look up to. My journey with the harp started when I was about six years old. One Christmas, my oldest sister had an ornament of an angel playing the harp, and she immediately declared that she wanted to learn the instrument. Soon, all of my sisters and I followed suit, saying we wanted to play the harp too. While my sisters eventually moved on to other interests, my desire to learn the harp never faded.
I was persistent, and at the age of nine, after much begging, my mom made a deal with me: if I took piano lessons and stayed committed for two years, I could start harp lessons. I was determined, and after fulfilling that commitment, my harp journey began. My mom was my biggest supporter, encouraging me to perform at weddings, farmers’ markets, and retirement homes, which gave me invaluable experience from a young age.
Eventually, I pursued my passion professionally, attending the University of Utah for Harp Performance and later transferring to Utah State University, where I completed my degree in 2020. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of performing at some incredible venues, including The Grand America for Tea Time, Michael Ballam’s Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre Gala, and Idaho National Laboratories.
One of my fondest memories is from eighth grade when we had to complete a career project. I confidently told my teachers that I would become a professional harpist. They nearly laughed, thinking it wasn’t a realistic goal—but here I am, living my dream. Today, I love teaching harp and have expanded my business by adding Harp Associates to bring the beauty of harp music to more people across Utah. My journey has been everything I hoped for and more, and I’m excited to see where this passion takes me next.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Growing up in Boise, Idaho, where harp teachers were scarce, I feel incredibly blessed and led by God to have found the ones I did. My first teacher was actually my sister’s best friend, and from there, I eventually moved on to study with my teacher’s own instructor. Before long, I had outgrown their skills, and just at that time, a professional harpist from the East Coast moved to Boise to become the Boise Philharmonic’s Principal Harpist.
Although a very talented harpist, I’ve come to realize through my college training that there were certain gaps in my earlier education. These gaps weren’t the fault of my teachers—they simply didn’t have the resources that harpists in larger cities might have had. That said, I felt incredibly fortunate to have been accepted into two prestigious university harp programs. However, it was difficult not to compare myself to my peers, who had access to a wealth of resources and top-tier training from a young age.
Despite those challenges, I’m so grateful for my journey. My family didn’t have much money, yet my parents found a way to provide me with both a harp and lessons. My mom was particularly supportive, encouraging me to share my talent even when she might not have known how strongly I’d pursue this path. I vividly remember asking her when I was little “What I would be when I grew up,” and she confidently said, “You’ll be a professional harpist.” Her belief in me has never wavered.
I’ve learned to see the struggles and gaps in my training as opportunities for growth, both personally and as a teacher. I strive to provide my students with the resources I didn’t have, to ensure they can reach their full potential. In every challenge I’ve faced, I’ve felt God’s guiding hand, helping me turn my weaknesses into strengths and my struggles into a fulfilling career.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What do you do, what do you specialize in, and what are you known for?
As a professional harpist, my work encompasses many facets. I teach weekly harp lessons, practice and learn new songs daily, write arrangements for both solo harp and harp ensembles, and perform at weddings and other events throughout the year. In addition, I’m constantly planning new business projects—whether it’s creating and selling merchandise, developing new harp arrangements, or producing music videos. I also manage my online presence by designing content for social media, updating my website, and sharing my work with a broader audience.
I like to say I specialize in performing at high-profile events and weddings, and I’m known for my unique approach to arranging harp music that incorporates all of the percussive elements of the harp. You can see these elements in action in my harp ensemble arrangements, which are featured in my music videos available on YouTube and my website.
What are you most proud of?
There are several accomplishments that I’m really proud of. First, graduating with my music degree was a significant milestone for me, as it marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. I’m also incredibly proud of my harp studio, where I’ve been able to share my passion for teaching with my students and watch them grow as musicians.
Another highlight has been creating and producing four harp ensemble arrangements, which I also planned and turned into music videos. This was an exciting project that allowed me to explore my creativity and share it with the world. Finally, my recent rebrand, which included adding Harp Associates to my team and organizing a styled photoshoot, was a major step forward for my business and something I’m thrilled to have accomplished.
What sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart is a combination of my determination, creativity, passion, love for people, and business mindset. These qualities drive everything I do, from teaching to performing to developing new ideas for my business. I find immense joy in serving others through my music and my work, and that sense of purpose fuels my desire to continue growing, both as a harpist and an entrepreneur.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always social—my mom can vouch for me when I say I’ve always been a talker, and that hasn’t changed! I was also incredibly creative and loved anything related to art. Whether it was drawing, painting, pottery, photography, modeling, or of course, music, I was always either doing it or signing up for classes.
I was never afraid to try new things, as long as they didn’t involve too much adrenaline—like jumping off cliffs! Being the youngest of six kids pushed me to try those kinds of things, but I hated it every time. I remember once on a family trip to Moab, we went mountain biking, and I ended up falling into a cactus! So while I’m not an adrenaline junkie, I’ve always enjoyed a good hike or spending time in nature.
I like to think I had a good sense of humor, though I’m sure that’s up for interpretation! As a preteen, I made a decision not to worry about what others thought of me. I pushed myself to just be me, even if that meant I might look silly in a photo or embarrass myself doing something. That mindset has stayed with me throughout my life.
Pricing:
- Wedding Ceremony Service Starts at $950
- Background Music Services Start at $700
- Harp Lessons Start at $33 per half hour
- Harp Rentals Available starting at $70/month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://harpmusicbychelsey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harpmusicbychelsey_utahharpist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarpMusicByChelsey
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@harpmusicbychelsey
