Miriam Johnson – Harp

Miriam Johnson, harpist, has lived all over the country, but primarily grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and various towns throughout Michigan. She began her musical career at age seven, starting with piano training.  At age twelve, she moved to Michigan and began taking private harp lessons through Meg Rodgers.  By her freshman year of high school, she was the principal harpist of five orchestras within St. Joseph Public High School and the Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra, all conducted by Stephen Reed.

Her sophomore year of high school she attended Interlochen Arts Academy to study with Joan Holland.  Throughout her time there she was able to focus on music theory, pedagogy, orchestral and solo repertoire, and attend master classes with Yolanda Kondonassis, Nancy Allen, and Emmanuel Ceysson.  She ended her time at Interlochen being named one of the top five outstanding seniors of the 2010 graduating class.

She decided to continue private harp lessons under Joan Holland for her collegiate studies at the University of Michigan. From teaching students in high school, she found her passion in education and added music education to her major. Miriam has experience teaching grade levels K – 12 in Choral, Orchestral, and Band settings, working with students privately, in sectionals, and full classroom conducting and guidance.  She performed with the University Bands and Orchestras and was a substitute harpist for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.  She was also given the opportunity to perform in master classes with Doug Rioth and Naoko Yoshino.

Miriam currently holds teaching certificates in music education in both Michigan and Illinois.  She teaches harp and pursues performance opportunities through wedding performances and events.