Elizabeth Nicholson ~ Celtic Harp

"The Celtic harp is plucked beautifully by Elizabeth Nicholson"  

- Carol Wells, The Oregonian, Dec.5, 2009 (Portland Revels performance review)  

"Basically, anyone who appreciates Celtic music well-played and sung should appreciate Elizabeth's special interpretive qualities." 

- David Kidman, netrhythms.uk 

“Though (so I judge from photographs) a young woman, Nicholson is already a formidably skilled harpist and a striking vocalist besides…[her] instrumentals and songs [are] performed with the sort of resonance that separates masters from neophytes.”  

-Jerome Clark, rambles.net, March 2008, (Fly Not Yet review)  

“Wonderful… The fact that Nicholson plays harp, sings in a high soprano, and flavors Celtic music with world seasonings invites comparisons to Loreena McKennitt, but Nicholson's repertoire is even broader…a magical ten track release.”  

-Rob Weir, Sing Out! Magazine, Summer 2008, (Fly Not Yet review)  

“A stunning musical adventure…the harp work of Nicholson adds such depth to the music, and she has a sweet, lyrical voice that fits perfectly for the music offered here.”  

-Calvin Daniels, Yorkton (SK. Canada) This Week, Oct 15, 2008, (Fly Not Yet review)  

 “Phenomenal…The highlight, for me, would have to be the title track, where Nicholson is able to show off her wonderfully powerful voice.”  

-Lucid Forge Magazine, Canada, Summer 2008, (Fly Not Yet review)  

"Elizabeth Nicholson's vocals are beautiful and lilting and her harp playing is exquisite.”  

- Lew Jones, Positively Entertainment and Dining, December 2007 (performance review)  

"Lovely...Celtic jigs and reels in alteration with incredible singing.  Elizabeth Nicholson has a voice like nothing else I've heard."  

John McLaughlin,  Roots and Wings, WMUC-FM, College Park, MD (Fly Not Yet review)  

“Elizabeth voice lends a wonderfully personal flavor that’s complimented by her excellent harp and guitar work.”  

Ray Dorsey, Chaos Realm, July 2007 (Sink or Swim review)  

“This music is well-kept in the talented, passionate hands of Elizabeth Nicholson.  Her voice is pure and rich...she is one of the reasons Portland is known for it’s outstanding traditional music community.”  

Gayle Jewell, The Celtic Hour, KBOO Portland (performance review)  

“Powerful...Beautiful voice, nice harp playing...she has a lot in common with Loreena Mckennit....”  

Rich Warren, The Midnight Special, WFMT Chicago (Sink or Swim review)  

“Her voice recalls misty moors...her harp tunes are like sparkling bits of light...mesmerizing.”  

Tom Nelligan, Dirty Linen Magazine June/July 2007 (Sink or Swim review)  

“Her harp playing reveals a sure and expressive touch.  There are no jagged edges.  All of which offers an ideal compliment to the sweet but unsentimental sound of her individual voice.”  

Joseph Urbinato, Grammy winner (Sink or Swim review)

Client Testamonials:

"I want to thank you for the program you presented for the Welsh Society of Portland December 7th. Your playing showed your technical mastery of the instrument and of the Celtic style, but of real impact was the emotional spirit you evoked. The whimsy of Ireland was there, the songs with a slight 'tear' in the voice; we could always hear your pleasure in playing your harp and in the music. Your ability to communicate to the audience was strong, and the opportunity to ask questions and comment during the performance really added to everyone's enjoyment. I'm happy that I 'discovered' you at the Rose Garden, and that your playing for the Welsh Society came off so well!" 

-John Evans, Portland Welsh Society 

"Elizabeth brings to the table a rare combination of warmth, expressiveness, musical adroitness and consummate professionalism.  Each and every time I've hired her -- often in the context of very unusual, custom-request gigs— she's risen to the occasion with a great deal of skill and graciousness, always accommodating every weird thing I've asked of her. On the music business end of things, she's a pro of the highest caliber.  I've also had the pleasure of singing and playing personally with Elizabeth.  She's great at both solo and  ensemble playing, and also possesses a rare knack for vocal harmony."

-Jen Bernard, owner at "The House of Cards" music booking agency

"Thanks you so much for the beautiful music you played at our wedding. Your gentle presence added so much to the ambiance of the evening....  We are both so grateful for the grace your music contributed to the wedding we were dreaming of." 

-Jennifer and Robin Wells 

 "As the Associate Music Director of Portland Revels, I count Elizabeth as one of my go-musicians for special events and stage shows.  She plays with intuition and passion, is professional and reliable, and is also a lot of fun to collaborate with.  Whether you need driving dance tunes, or achingly beautiful airs and ballads, Elizabeth can deliver."

-Betsy Branch, Portland Revels

"I just wanted to thank you for again for your performance at our Company Christmas Party.  You played beautifully and we received many compliments regarding your talent." 

-Karen Cone, Practical HR solutions 

"For nice things and polite favors it is easy to respond with nice words and polite thanks.  More difficult, however, is finding the adequate words to thank you for your extraordinary gifts....  Music is important in our lives; in earlier years many formal concerts, and always records and CDs.  So to have a world-class concert, personal and informal, on our very own front porch!  Beyond words totally!" 

-Douglas Lynch, commenting on Elizabeth’s performance for his 93rd birthday party. 

“...The music was perfect; in the church, I could have sat for hours listening to the harp; it was breathtakingly beautiful. The musical selections at dinner were also beautiful and quiet, and felt like a medieval feast. It was like a dream....” 

-Mary Mulcrone, bride 

“The selections from your folk repertoire for the reception and classical arrangements for the dinner proved to be just the right combination. Your range was lively, yet unobtrusive, and thoroughly enjoyed by our guests...your harp and performance added a very special quality for our evening to create a most memorable occasion. I am happy to recommend you to others...." 

-Stacy P. Robinson, office administrator, Louisiana Pacific Corporation 

 “Over the past 5 years I have hired Elizabeth to play at my coffee shop, at my wedding, and for my father’s funeral. I cannot sing her praises enough, she is just an enormously talented musician with an incredible feel for her instrument. My customers raved about her, and my family and friends have tremendously appreciated her contribution to those two important events in our lives....” 

-Holly Lutz, former owner- Mojo’s Coffee Den 

"Elizabeth plays once a week at our clinic while patients are receiving acupuncture. Delicate, resonant, and incredibly soothing, her music creates the perfect atmosphere for healing and reflection. Patients love it and so do we." 

-Lisa Rohleder and Skip Van Meter, Window of the Sky Acupuncture clinic 

“Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful job you did at our wedding...  My family still recounts how wonderful it was to hear you play. My wedding was even more memorable because of you.” 

-Toni Chapelli, bride 

"Elizabeth Nicholson is an exceptional performer...beautiful tunes played on a blue electric harp, delightful vocals and an engaging way of interacting with her audience. I recommend her highly." 

-Donna Godwin, research assistant for the Oregon Brain Aging Study, commenting on a performance for seniors involved in the study 

"...with people we talk to, many have said that it was the nicest wedding they'd been to. They ALWAYS bring up the music. When we were planning, we decided we wanted music to be central in the whole day. I'm so glad we ran into you guys; we love what you do. Those old hymns never sounded so beautiful and the vocals duets in the open air at the reception -- SUBLIME.  This may be an odd thing to say but really, you guys expressed something intangible we wanted to say on our wedding day. God blessed us that you helped everyone enjoy themselves and celebrate with us -- what a gift!" 

-Rick and Sheryl Wagner, commenting on their wedding music performed by Elizabeth and multi-instrumentalist Bob Soper 

"On behalf of the members and volunteers of the Celtic Heritage Alliance, I am passing on our sincere gratitude for for recent perfomance at our “Harvest by the Sea” concert.  We were delighted with the turn out and elated by the performance.  It was truly a pleasure to host you her in Newport and to havee had the opportunity to enjoy your music and get to know you one on one.  Several of our attendees related to us how much they enjoyed listening to and watching you play and I am certain performances such as this will only inspire more.   We look forward to working with you again in the future!" 

-Belinda Goody, president of the Celtic Heritage Alliance on  Elizabeth's performance with duo partner Bob Soper 

"Hi Elizabeth, I just wanted to email you and say a huge thank you for the music at our wedding. Everything you all did was so amazing, it really made our day complete. We had so many compliments from our guests on how perfect the music was and I can only wholeheartedly agree! My dad particularly enjoyed the harp, but we heard from many people that you were the best wedding band they had ever heard. In addition, I know it was more work than usual to do the ceilidh but it was a huge success because of your beautiful music. Thank you SO much, you made our wedding the best it could be!" 

-Andrea Fuchs, bride, on the "Rose and Thistle Band"

Student Testamonials:

Elizabeth, we've loved watching and listening to you interact with Ellie at her lessons. You are a natural teacher. Your positive energy and encouragement keeps Ellie focused and in the moment. We think of your teaching style as gentle, intelligent and deep. I know Ellie values how you've taken the time to get to know and understand her -- as a student, and as a whole person. You find appropriate challenges for her. We appreciate your professionalism, your thoughtful way of being, and the warmth you bring to our home. You have also made a bright, personal impression on Ellie that will be with her forever. As parents, we are so grateful! 
-- Nikki S., mother of Ellie (13yrs) 

Hi, my name is Eden and I have recently studied with Elizabeth. I'm an adult learner and last year, I heard Elizabeth playing the harp beautifully and I said I would love to do that. I didn't know she was a teacher. When I started to look for a teacher I ran into problems because you see I'm totally blind. Many music instructors are reluctant to take on this task saying to me how will you find the strings if you can't see and making me feel inadequate. Elizabeth was honest and told me she'd never taught a blind student, but she was willing to try. After only less than 2 months with Elizabeth, I've been praised by people who have been harpists for years for my flawless hand and finger positioning. I'm still new at playing so don't always find the right notes, but Elizabeth has worked with me on methods of doing so and has always been patient. Whether you have sight or are blind, whether you are young or old, no matter what your music background, Elizabeth will make you feel confident you can indeed play the harp, and indeed if you take lessons with her, I'm certain you will find your harp playing technique and repertoire grow in leaps and bounds. 
-- Eden K. 

I came to Elizabeth with no previous musical experience and a little later in life than is common for someone hoping to gain some (I was 29). I did have a desire to though it competed with my others which had been long established. What was wonderful in working with Elizabeth is that she was committed to that desire despite what else would interfere (read: when I wasn't as faithful to practice). I was always thankful for her patience even as I would lose mine at my inability to master a piece. From the beginning it was an encouraging atmosphere with mindful critiques that made me realize how genuinely invested she was. In moving from Oregon I knew that Elizabeth's classes were one thing that I wouldn't easily be able to replace though I am grateful for my time with her and the music that carries on as a result. 
-- Sloane S. 

Elizabeth is a wonderful harp teacher, she is skilled at finding just the trick that works for me, she has a great way about her. Elizabeth is a seasoned professional and will get the best out of you. Elizabeth's style is just right for me, a combination of patience, humor and pushing me to improve my skills. She does expect that one comes to a lesson prepared and practiced which I really appreciate, it is a pleasure studying harp with Elizabeth! 
-- Renée S. 

Elizabeth has been a great teacher for my 11 year old daughter. She is a calm, patient, and wonderfully positive role model with a wealth of musical knowledge and experience. We struck gold when we found her! 
-- Jennifer L. 

Elizabeth is a dedicated, talented and patient teacher who makes learning how to play the harp fun and interesting. I've always wanted to learn how to play the harp and finally decided to act on it (at age 29) when I saw her harp was for rent through Craiglist. After a pleasant email exchange she said she could take me on as a student. Having only one year of middle-school band experience under my belt, I was very novice. But I never felt intimidated thanks to Elizabeth. In each lesson she gave me just enough information and encouragement to make small, but meaningful progress. I looked forward to our lessons and was really excited as I began to play songs I knew. Elizabeth's genuine praise and passion for the harp gave me the confidence to continue. I highly recommend her as a teacher and encourage any one who wants to learn the harp to contact her. 
-- Kate C. 

I studied harp with Elizabeth for something like 6 years all together, during and after college. When I started out with her, I was at a pretty basic level, but with her excellent teaching I advanced fairly quickly. Elizabeth's teaching style is very fun, and interactive and sometimes non-traditional. She is also very open to the changing and varied interests of her students and encourages musical exploration. I worked with Liz on Irish dance tunes, ballads and how to accompany various genres including bluegrass and American folk music. She really pushed my musical comfort zone by writing my own arrangements, and stressed understanding the music I was playing and being able to improvise. Working with Liz was always a blast, and thanks to her, I have come a long way as a harp player. 

-- Morgan B. 

I am an older harp student and had some hesitation about learning to play this lovely instrument. Elizabeth quickly alleviated my concerns and I have now grown from her instruction for three years. She is patient, positive, and professional! 
-- Rhondie E. 

Elizabeth is a truly gifted music teacher. She is patient, kind and has the depth of experience that makes you feel comfortable placing your trust in her hands. I started out not knowing if I was capable of learning to play the harp, or any instrument for that matter, but thanks to Elizabeth's skillful guidance, I am beginning to believe that I can do it. I would recommend Elizabeth to anyone who is interested in not only learning to play music, but also those who want to understand music 
-- Shaina T. 

We have been taking harp lessons with Elizabeth for over a year now. Elizabeth is a talented, patient and motivating teacher. There are struggles with learning an instrument, Elizabeth has help our daughter work through them. There is joy and celebration in learning a piece of music and we have had that also. The harp has become daily moment of beauty and peace in our home. Elizabeth is a fantastic musician and teacher. I enthusiastically recommend her. She is among the best in Portland. 
-- Maxwell R., father of Vivian (8 yrs) 

I have been taking lessons from Elizabeth for nearly four years starting as a beginner. She is very knowledgeable and gives a very professional lesson in a relaxed setting. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a harp teacher at any level of play. 
-- Larry K.