Who is Sue behind “The Woodland Harp”?
Diffusé dans la Newsletter - Juin 2026
Could you introduce yourself in a few words?
After retiring 2 years ago, my days are now blissfully spent surrounded by music, family, hiking in the Australian bush and my vegetable garden. I am a wife, mother of 2 and grandmother of 2. I ride a motorcycle and practice yoga, and live in outer suburbia in the sub tropics of Queensland.
I am inspired by nature, both physically and spiritually. I have trekked in Nepal twice and visited India. I can spend literally hours playing my harp every day and being surprised at how much time has passed!
How did the harp enter your life, and what inspired you to begin playing ?
I had seen 2 harps in my entire life up until 2024, which was when I bought my first little lap harp. Those 2 which shaped my future were at a Medieval Fayre - I was captivated, both by the gentle sweet sound and the romantic image and vowed, when I retired from work, I would play that amazing instrument.
Since 2024, I have seen 3 more - those were being worked upon by the Luthier when my Salvi was regulated last year. Other than those 5, I have not actually seen harps in real life, other than on my TV or computer screen!
You mentioned being mostly self-taught — how did you learn and develop your playing over the years?
I started with the Learning The Harp on line resource in 2024, which provides pre recorded song video courses. I have not received any formal training or personal instruction, and am very aware my finger and hand positions need attention!
At age 12 I had very basic sheet music knowledge after a brief stint learning the piano accordian, so along with learning harp techniques I have also had a steep learning curve on understanding sheet music, again all via You Tube tutorials and perusing countless websites.
I learn solely through watching, listening and replicating. I aim to express the very essence and sensitivity of the music flowing through my hands, rather than note by note perfection. It feels right for me.
Which harp are you currently playing, and why did you choose this particular instrument?
My first harp was a mass produced Asian lap harp - I promptly proceeded to crack the soundboard on my very first attempt at tuning, 2 days into harp ownership!
I was mortified and thought prehaps I was not cut out to look after such a delicate instrument, however I persevered for 6 months all the time looking for a quality upgrade, dependant upon a lower price option as well as portability. I am quite small as well so the mid size harp suits me nicely.
I was tossing up between the Salvi Juno 27 and the 26 string Dusty Strings Ravenna, and it was actually a video of Eve reviewing the Salvi, which finally cemented my decision (thank you Eve!).
To my ears, this harp has a unique sound - metallic and ancient.
What musical styles or atmospheres inspire you the most when you play?
I love the ethereal atmosphere of old Welsh songs, of mist, mountains and longing.
I have the image of playing harp under an old spreading tree next to a gentle stream surrounded by deep nature, so anything magical or haunting, if it touches my heart, I'm in!
What do you hope to share through your YouTube channel “The Woodland Harp”? Do you have any future dreams or projects for it?
My channel is my avenue for inspiration and creativity. I am aware of my limitations being self taught and so am always pleasantly surprised when a new subscriber comes through.
I guess the ultimate would be reaching the magical 1000 subscriber count so it could create a little income, but that is not my main goal.
If I can reach out and inspire someone who is having a hard time, caught up mundane life - and give them a little magic, a little escape, a moment when they forget their day to day grind, that is my ultimate reward.
I also must sincerely thank my daughter and son-in-law for creating all of the beautiful thumnails, editing the videos and creating detailed descriptions, this channel is definately a family commitment!
What do you feel when you play or record music to share with people around the world?
To be honest, its not something I think of - I just focus on capturing the very essence of a song to the best of my ability.
I am basically a very shy person so don't really give thought to just how many people are watching, as it could very well create some performance anxiety .
At times I have gone into the You Tube analytics and discovered just where people are actually viewing from, this never fails to amaze and humble me!
I am beyond thankful that I have had this opportunity to learn such an amazing instrument, and create moments of happiness for people around the world, all from my little lounge room.
Thank you to Suzanne for this precious and heartfelt testimony.
You can discover Suzanne’s videos on her YouTube channel, And also on the new community page – YOU – on your website.
Eve McTelenn - Mai 2026