Harpist ~ Teacher ~ Composer
Laura Zaerr has taught both pedal harp and folk harp at the University of Oregon for 18 years, where she also obtained her bachelor’s degree in music performance and composition. She holds a master’s degree in harp performance from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Eileen Malone. Over the past 20 years Laura has produced several solo CDs featuring original compositions and arrangements of Celtic tunes as well as recording collaboratively with various musical groups. She currently plays harp for Evergreen Hospice and is a member of ArtsCare, which sponsors musicians to play at bedside in the hospital. She has played in local groups Chuva Boa (Latin Jazz), and currently with Compass Rose (Folk / pop), and plays regularly with the Eugene Opera Orchestra, Orchestra Next and the Oregon State University Symphony orchestra, and the Oregon Renaissance Band .
Laura draws inspiration for her composing from all styles and eras. She especially loves classical composers and Celtic traditions. Much of her original music has a classical form and language. She loves using the rhythms of a Latin Montuno, or a West African drumming pattern. She explores the modal variations in Celtic and Medieval music. She loves interweaving various voices in a bouquet of counterpoint lines. Laura has written for several ensembles including full orchestral arrangements of Celtic and Appalachian tunes, bell choir pieces with harp and flute, string quartets, voice and harp, and a-capella choir. She is equally at home with the pedal harp and the Celtic harp.
As well as maintaining a studio in Corvallis, Laura travels throughout the Northwest giving workshops and concerts. In her spare time she enjoys white-water kayaking, painting, and playing with her young son.