Why I Teach and Play the Harp

When I was 6 years old my father wanted one of his three children to play the harp. My older sister did not want to and my brother was not asked. Dad was not going to miss with me. When I was six he took me to a church service where there was a harp ensemble playing. He asked me if I would like to do that. It was glamorous to a six year old girl and I said yes. Little did he know or I know what would happen. Here I am 80-some years since then still teaching the instrument. When I was younger and performing I loved the attention as well as the beautiful dresses I got to wear. Why this has become my life story I do not know. However it tells you that you little know what talents you have until you try. Sometimes the most foreign occupation may become the one you never dreamed. So as young people, try what desires come to your mind. You will never know unless you try. I have had life experiences few have received: playing in Washington D.C. (not for the President but many notables when I was young) and studying at Curtis Institute of Music. Young people try-- now is the time.

Marjorie Chauvel

Lecturer in Music

If you have a Stanford Story you would like to share, contact melissas@stanford.edu.