Laura Vaughan

 Ensemble Experience

San Diego Symphony, San Diego Opera, Starlight Musical Theater, San Diego Comic Opera, La Jolla Symphony, Baja California Orchestra, University of Oregon Collegium Musicum

 Freelance Experience

Westgate Hotel, Hotel del Coronado, Timken Art Gallery, St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral; hundreds of private events such as weddings, corporate parties, holiday parties, retirements, funerals, churches, etc.

 Background

Laura Vaughan began her study of music on the piano at age five with her mother, harpist and pianist, Donna Vaughan.  She excelled on the harp at an early age and started studying with Sheila Sterling, former principal of the San Diego Symphony, at age nine. As a young adult, she took lessons with Elena Mashkovtseva, current principal harpist of the San Diego Symphony.  Ms. Vaughan has also studied under the direction of  Lou Anne Neill, principal harpist of the L.A. Philharmonic.  As part of her formal studies as a student at the University of Oregon, Laura traveled abroad to enhance her mastery of the harp. She studied at the Universität die Musik in Vienna, Austria with Adelheid Blovsky-Miller, former harpist of the Vienna State Opera.  Ms. Vaughan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Harp Performance from the University of Oregon School of Music. 

 Awards and Affiliations

• Ruth Close Harp Scholarship at the University of Oregon School of Music for four consecutive years, annual $6,000; awarded based on auditions and experience as a harpist
• H.B. Goodlin Foundation Scholarship for Young Musicians in San Diego $3,000, spring 2002; awarded based on outstanding performance of two selected pieces of standard repertoire
• University of Oregon School of Music and Dance Achievement Award for undergraduate scholarship in Music History—2006
• Current member of the American Harp Society and American Musicological Society

 Fitting Events for Harp 

• Weddings (ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner)
• Corporate Party
• Holiday / Seasonal Party
• Funeral
• Private Dinner / Social Event
• Club Function
• Birthday Party
• Church Service
• Any Special Occasion

 The harp is very versatile and works in combination with many instruments.  Please feel free to inquire about ensemble options as Laura regularly performs with some of the finest musicians in San Diego.

 Laura Vaughan has been performing as a professional harpist since 1999.  Her mother, Donna Vaughan, is also an accomplished harpist with over 30 years of professional experience.  Please visit the Contact page for booking information.