What makes this versatile musician special? What is the magic that begins to build once her fingers touch the strings? Jan has that rare ability to pass along her innate love of the harp to the listener. We become part of the notes, harmony, and rhythm of her seemingly endless repertoire.
Jan Jennings was introduced to music with five years of piano lessons as a child. She studied harp with Marie Mellman Naugle in Harrisburg, PA for seven years, but did not intend to pursue the harp as a profession.Jennings chose banking, not music, as her career. However, increasing demand for her talents as a harpist allowed her the unique opportunity to blend vocation with avocation, and she “retired” from her management position to become a full time harpist. For almost ten years, she performed nightly at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando.
Jan’s background in business continues to serve her well. She was interviewed and quoted in a new book, “The Savvy Musician” by Dr. David Cutler (visit www.savvymusician.com).
Jan was featured in a segment of “Radical Sabbaticals” on the cable television Fine Living Network. She was also on the cover of “Harp Column” magazine and the subject of an in-depth interview in the May 2002 issue.
Currently a free-lance harpist based in Orlando, she has been the featured artist at prestigious venues in the US and Europe.
Achievements, Awards, and National Recognition:
1st prize winner, Lyon & Healy International Pop and Jazz Harp Competition (1988)
Author, “The Harpist’s Complete Wedding Guidebook” and “Effortless Glissing.”
Music Review Editor and former Assistant Editor for a national industry magazine for harpists
Published arranger of solo arrangements for both pedal and lever harp
Concert artist and clinician for national and international events
Past Director and Treasurer of the World Harp Congress
Past Director-at-Large and Treasurer of the American Harp Society
Jan has played for every conceivable occasion. Her audiences have included mayors, governors, US Presidents, and notables such as Robert Goulet, Carl Reiner, Carol Burnett, Henry Mancini, Tony Bennett, Billy Joel, and others.
Jan Jennings with President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter
Jan Jennings has been resident harpist under contract at these venues:
Sabal Point Country Club, Longwood, FL (1994-1998)
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, (La Coquina) Lake Buena Vista, FL (1984-1993)
Montreux Palace Hotel, Montreux, Switzerland (Summer, 1988)
Harbor Hills Country Club, Lady Lake, FL
Orlando Plaza Hotel, Orlando, FL
Park Suite Hotel, Orlando and Altamonte Springs, FL
Buena Vista Palace Hotel (Arthur’s 27), Lake Buena Vista, FL
Resorts International Hotel/Casino, Atlantic City, NJ (1983)
