Check Out Christine Vivona’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Vivona.

Hi Christine, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started private weekly harp lessons in New York with a teacher, Geraldine Ruegg. She was the assistant to Mildred Dilling, a very well-known harpist. She was not only called “The First Lady of the Harp” but was the teacher of many famous harpists including Harpo Marx! I studied with her at monthly Master Classes she held in her NYC penthouse. I have been the Associate harp professor at Arizona State, an intermittent Associate Professor at the U of A as well as having a large teaching studio in Tucson. Some of my students have received intention awards and performances.

I am a Grammy-nominated harpist. I play standards from Classical, Jazz, the Great American Songbook, Popular music, Celtic, Broadway favorites, Christian or others. I have my Master’s Degree from The Juilliard School and a Doctorate in Music from the U of A. I am Principal harp in the Tucson Chamber Artists, Harp II in the Tucson Symphony since 1986 and I play for parties and weddings at the resorts and event places in town. I have several CDs of my own and am a featured harpist on such artists as Linda Ronstadt and Nils Lofgren (Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band guitarist). I have played harp on a CD that received two Grammy nominations and one win.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have always loved studying and practicing for new opportunities. The struggle has come from making sure that there were enough gigs and performances to support our family. My husband is also a musician and we raised two boys in Tucson. We expanded our opportunities by obtaining our Real Estate licenses over seven years ago. This was such a blessing during the past almost two years when the music business dried up and the real estate biz soared!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am proud that I can play in any situation since I not only read music but improvise. This has helped me on many occasions, especially when in the recording studio.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love living in Tucson! The small-town feel is awesome. I do love performing throughout the Phoenix area especially for Musical performances, Broadway shows and the recording studios I have played in over the past 30 plus years.

Pricing:

• Weddings $400
• Solo Harp $225/1st hour $100 each add hour

Contact Info:

• Email: chrisvivona@comcast.net
• Website: www.ChristineVivona.com
• Instagram: christinevivona
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/christine.vivona

 Image Credits
Taylor Noel, Photos