“For harp, textbooks all talk about the range, they talk about the pedals, they talk about glissandos and some extended techniques. Most of the unplayable music I get has nothing to do with any of that.”
As a new music harpist, Danielle Kuntz is dedicated to bringing new music to life. Danielle believes that the longevity of the classical music industry relies on living composers. She has focused her career on connecting these composers with new audiences by commissioning them and performing their music. Danielle also works to make the harp a more accessible instrument for composers through lectures, workshops, and individual instruction. She is also the harpist and Marketing Director of the Midwest-based new music ensemble The_____Experiment. Danielle holds degrees from the University of North Texas and is currently based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Danielle and I have gotten to know each other quite well in the last few months. We have had several lengthy conversations. almost entirely through video calls, including this one on the podcast. One thing I have learned about Danielle is that she is very excited about connecting new music with pretty much anyone; whether that is through collaborating with a composer on a new piece or coaching them through writing for the harp, performing music, and interacting with audiences, even her social media presence is incredibly inviting. Be sure to follow her for great tips on writing for the harp!
We talk a lot about what it means for Danielle to create and promote new music, as well as the virtual workshop she founded called Toolbox Sessions, which is a series of presentations by collaborative performers on how to effectively write for their instruments - which takes place May 19-21, 2022. We also talk about expanding the accessibility of new music to wider audiences, and so much more on episode 29 of the Making Noise Podcast.
I hope you enjoy it!
Follow Danielle's work: daniellekuntz.com
Follow her on the socials: IG/FB @daniellekuntzharp and Twitter @daniellekharp
Toolbox Sessions website: Toolboxessions.com
Follow the Toolbox socials: IG/Twitter @toolboxsessions and FB @composertoolboxsessions
Watch the podcast on YouTube
Listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, iHeartradio, and my website
where you can listen to music, purchase scores, and learn how to commission a new piece for your ensemble.