Meet Hope Cowan | Professional Harpist and Harp Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hope Cowan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hope, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work life balance is always difficult for musicians, because we put so much of ourselves into our work. I have always struggled with wanting to say “Yes!” to every opportunity, because I do love to teach and play music. I am not sure I have found true balance yet, but have been trying to schedule leisure time. I also look forward to traveling more in the next few years. I find that travel can be a great way to make sure I take time off, because I can’t take my harp with me!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a professional musician, I wear many “hats”, and love that variety in my career. I teach private harp lessons to students of all ages. I also perform as a soloist, event harpist, chamber musician, and orchestral musician. I love that I get to perform all over the greater Houston area, for all types of events. Music helps me to connect to my audiences and students, and I really value those interpersonal connections. The pandemic really showed me how much I miss performing live, and I am very excited to be able to perform more in the coming months. The harp is a really special instrument, and its wonderful to see people’s faces light up when they hear it played.

I have a Bachelor’s of Music from University of Houston, and a Master’s of Music from Rice University. Those formal degrees helped me really build my skillset and craft. Since becoming a full time freelancer, I have had to add business, marketing, and administrative skills to my toolbox. I now have a teaching studio of around thirty students, and am an active performer all over the city. This schedule keeps me on my toes, and I am always learning new music and new skills.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Houston is such a fantastic place for eating and drinking, and has so many hidden gems! Any visit would include going to my favorite local Tex-Mex restaurant (Ray’s in Katy, TX), and my favorite brewery (No Label). I also love taking guests to Katy Asia Town, where there is a wonderful variety of excellent restaurants and dessert places.

I love hiking, and the state parks in our area are great, so I would definitely want to take them to Brazos Bend State Park to see some alligators, and also Galveston State Park for some beach time.

For an arts experience, I love the Menil Collection, it not only has amazing art, but the park setting and the Rothko Chapel are so beautiful. It is also free, which is amazing. I love going to shows at Houston Grand Opera. Its wonderful to see some of the best musicians and singers in the world right here in our city, and every seat in the house has great sound.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to credit my harp teacher, Paula Page, for teaching me so much not only about how to play the harp, but also how to be a professional musician. She is always so interested in her students and committed to their success, and I try to take that spirit into my own teaching.

Website: hopecowanharp.com

Instagram: @hopecowanharp

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopecowanharp

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFWmK3Vg-G2sEVC-q9tVA-A

Image Credits
Mychelle Levan Haley Stage