Monica Schley - Events Harpist, Wedding Harpist, Funeral Harpist

One Summer’s Day As a Harpist

Posted on July 31, 2025August 27, 2025

This is one summer’s day as a harpist. I couldn’t ask for more perfection weather-wise. Blue on blue. Gentle waves and breeze. Seventy degrees. My ferry docks and so begins my work day.

The Arrival

Today’s wedding is in Issaquah at a mansion/estate/farm on a once mellow country road. Now, there are paragliders floating down the blue mountain foothills in the distance. Next to that, is a park and ride, full of RVs and cars, from tourists, commuters, and some probably camping out. The traffic is a non-stop flow of suburban stop and go.

On the drive there, I think to write a theme in B, calling it “Blue Cascade.” But I am looking for my exit, not a melody. Perhaps this will make a nice assignment for myself later.

Harp Escape vol. 10 (Fly Me to the Moon)

Posted on May 29, 2025August 27, 2025

For Harp Escape volume 10, I played Fly Me to the Moon, the well-known jazz standard by Bart Howard. Originally, Harp Escape vol. 10 was recorded during quarantine times for a feel-good relaxing offering of harp music. I did a mix of contemporary cover songs, traditional Irish, classical, and this jazz tune.

How To Publish A Book of Sheet Music

Posted on April 10, 2025August 27, 2025

this article is published in April 2025 issue of Musicland, newsletter of the Musicians Association of Seattle

Many musicians, especially those who have taken music history classes and read sheet music, are aware of who Hildegard von Bingen was. I was first introduced to Hildegard’s music as a teenager by my organ teacher, when I was playing for mass. Fast forward a few years, and I went to university where I heard about her again (in music history). I even ended up writing a paper on her. Thirdly, I came across Hildegard’s music when I played harp in hospital and hospice as a Certified Clinical Musician.

Who Was Hildegard von Bingen?

Hildegard von Bingen lived from 1098-1179 in Germany during the Middle Ages, at a time when education and literacy were controlled by the Catholic Church. Hildegard was “given” as a tithing to the church, not an uncommon practice of the time. When she was 14, she was sent to live a life of religious devotion in Disibodenberg.

Lakewold Gardens 2025 Poetry You Will Love

Posted on February 28, 2025August 27, 2025

Usually, I am hired to play harp at venues like Lakewold Gardens, but this year, my poetry has brought be there. I am so pleased to be included in Lakewold Gardens’ 2025 Poetry in the Gardens. Each year, Lakewold invites local poets to submit original poems to the Winter Garden Poetry competition. My poem, “An Edible Garden” was accepted and is now installed in the Garden’s self-guided tour. You can listen to the collection of 10 poems on the website as well.

Between March and through the end of summer, you can listen to the poetry as you wander the gardens. Watch for the signs and scan the QR codes with your phone. Its an absolutely stunning historic venue in south Tacoma. By chance, I’m also booked for a wedding at Lakewold Gardens in May!

What a Medieval Mystic Can Teach Us About Wellness

Posted on January 31, 2025August 28, 2025

Hildegard von Bingen was an visionary artist, herbalist, healer, writer, philosopher, poet, and composer born at the end of the 12^th Century. Her wisdom elevated her to be a highly respected and well-known within her lifetime. What a Medieval mystic can teach us about wellness today is linked to music and plants as medicine.

Like Hildegard von Bingen, I believe herbs (and music) can soothe and heal the body, mind, and spirit. Herbs may or may not cure an ailment, but they can be a balm to what ails you, just as therapeutic music plays a part in a healing process.