 meditations with harp music. the sense of fellowship with all living things, our little brothers and sisters to whom Thou has given this earth as their home in common with us. May we realize that they live not for us alone, but for themselves and for Thee, and that they love the sweetness of life even as we, and serve Thee better in their place than we in ours. --St. Basil the Great Information-Classes-Fees Our Fur Family Testimonials Profile and Credentials Harp Meditation Harp Workshops | Music Book Editing Augusta Case History I do not diagnose or treat any type of dis-ease. The energy work I do is not a substitute for medical treatment. Please go to your doctor if you have a medical condition that persists. The work that I do is supportive, and should not be your only form of self-care. |
Short Bio: Mary began harp studies with Jeanne Henderson
in the Milwaukee Public Schools. She taught public school music
before moving to Houston where she free-lanced and subbed with
the Houston Symphony and Ballet orchestras. Mary has served as
regional director of the AHS, president of the Scottish Harp
Society and the ISFHC, and interim editor-in-chief of the Folk
Harp Journal. In the 90ís Mary and husband John Gill established
Afghan Press and Melody's Traditional Music, both named for their
beloved hound Melody (1987 - 1998). Active in Afghan Hound and
Golden Retriever Rescue. She also studied string bass and voice. In 1977 she earned degrees in applied harp and music education from Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI. During the next 10 years she taught elementary general music, elementary band, high school orchestra, choir and music theory. Along with teaching in the public schools, Mary taught harp privately, and at one point had 41 students. She is also a certified Yamaha keyboard instructor. Mary free-lanced in Houston for 11 years, playing an average of 4 events per week, and during that time she served as substitute harpist with the Houston Symphony and second harpist with the Houston Ballet Orchestra. She has served as president of the San Jacinto Chapter of the American Harp Society, SW Regional director of the American Harp Society, and president of the International Society of Folk Harpers and Craftsmen. She chaired the International Folk Harp Conference held in Galveston in 1998. Mary is the immediate past president of the Scottish Harp Society of America. She served as editor-in-chief of the Folk Harp Journal for a six-issue interim. In 1993 Mary and her husband John Gill opened Melody's Traditional Music & Harp Shoppe, a harp specialty store in Houston, TX. Mary instituted the harp events at the TX Scottish Festival in Arlington, and has chaired the harp competition events for the Houston Highland Games. She was a winner in the Florida Summer Harp Seminar pop harp competition in 1994, and is the 1995 Texas champion Scottish harper. She performs and gives workshops throughout the country on harp techniques for relaxation, ensemble ideas and improvisation. In 1999 Mary and husband John established Afghan Press, specializing in harp music publications. Afghan Press is named after John and Mary's beloved Afghan Hound, Melody. (1987 - 1998). Mary is an advanced Reiki practitioner currently in training as a Reiki Master. She is well-versed in the Bach Flower Essences, and has a certificate in Veterinary Homeopathy (currently working on DVetHom) from the British Institute of Homeopathy. She is a certified Dahn healer and also studied for 2 years with Shirley Williams of Houston. Mary and John reside in Cypress, TX. with dogs (all rescues) and one cat.
Resume: Currently: Melody’s Traditional Music is one of the few harp stores in the world, and carries one of the largest selections of harp print music in the country. Afghan Press now carries the music of over 50 artists with over 100 titles. It is one of the few publication companies which supports original compositions. Mary’s claim to fame, though, is that she played for Clint Black and Lisa Hartman’s wedding. She has also played for Prince Charles, worked with Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Doc Severinsen, Melissa Manchester, and a host of other known musical stars. Mary is able to connect and breathe with her audience as she plays the harp. She has performed and given workshops throughout the country. Mary practices her music relaxation and healing skills on her own pets and has observed significant results. She has also played for the passing of a beloved pet, making it a sacred, solemn and at the same time joyous occasion. |
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