Ep 22: Sunita Staneslow | How To Harp Podcast

This week’s episode is all about how a life shaped by travel, curiosity, and community can transform the way you learn, play, and share harp music. Sunita Staneslow joins Heather to talk about her journey from classical foundations into folk, arranging, therapeutic harp work, and creating music that connects deeply with people and place.

In This Episode:
• Sunita’s early musical life in Minnesota, and how the harp found its way into her world
• Studying music alongside a broader academic path, and how travel shaped her career choices
• The shift from classical training into folk music, arranging, and playing more by ear
• Moving to Shetland, community music making, and how quiet spaces can fuel creativity
• Using the harp in therapeutic settings, and why sharing beauty really matters

If you’re an adult learner looking for inspiration to find your own musical voice, this conversation will help you reconnect with what you love, and give you fresh perspective on what progress can look like.

Host:
Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Founder of How To Harp

Guest:
Sunita Staneslow - Harpist, arranger and therapeutic musician

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If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow. See you next week!

#HowToHarp #HarpPractice #HeatherDownieHarpist #ShetlandHarp #HarpArranging

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Founded by Scottish harpist and educator Heather Downie, worldwide renowned performer & Principal Harp Tutor at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. How To Harp blends world-class teaching with inclusive, flexible learning. Our aim is to make harp learning joyful, accessible, and achievable at any age or stage.

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