Exploring Life & Business with Alaina Stark of Alaina Stark, Harpist

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alaina Stark.

Hi Alaina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey with the harp has really been lifelong – I actually learned to read sheet music before I learned to read English. My training wasn’t traditionally classical; instead, I grew up learning through a series of mentors, shadowing performances, playing by ear, and even performing for tips. From early on, music didn’t just feel like something I did. It felt like my purpose.

I started with the basics as a child, then moved into Irish folk music, and eventually into classical repertoire around age 11. As I grew, I began pursuing a solo career across Northern California, performing in stage shows and house concerts. I think approaching music from a place of genuine love, rather than strictly classical training, really shaped my voice and led me to where I am now – working in contemporary, commercial, and film music.

I later attended the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, which introduced me to the Los Angeles music scene. I immediately connected with the community here. It’s incredibly collaborative and supportive, and I’ve been lucky to build relationships with people I not only create with, but genuinely enjoy life with.

Now, I get to spend my time doing what I love most, immersed in one of the most creatively inspiring music communities in the world.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges for me has been dealing with chronic injuries from playing. I first started experiencing tendinitis when I was about 14. I was spending every weekend playing for tips outside a local candy shop, and at the time I had no idea it would turn into something long-term.

By the end of high school, I was playing up to nine hours a day between gigs, recording for college auditions, YouTube videos, and just practicing. That was probably the peak of it, and it really forced me to take a step back and rethink how I was approaching everything.

When I got to UCLA, I started talking to other musicians who had gone through similar things, which was really eye-opening. Everyone had a different way of managing it, and that’s when I realized there isn’t one single solution. You kind of have to stay curious and figure out what works for your own body.

That experience has definitely shaped how I work now. I’m a lot more intentional, and I really see taking care of my body as part of being a musician. If I could go back and tell my younger self anything, it would probably be to stay patient, keep learning, and trust that slowing down when you need to is actually part of getting better.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Alaina Stark, Harpist?
My work is really centered around reimagining what people expect from the harp. I love creating a sound that feels contemporary, elegant, and modern, while still respecting the instrument’s classical roots. For me, it’s about finding that balance – honoring tradition, but also pushing boundaries.

A big part of what I do is working closely with clients to create a really personalized musical experience, whether that’s for weddings, proposals, corporate events, or recording sessions. I especially love curating playlists – there’s something really special about taking songs people already love and transforming them through the harp. One of my favorite reactions to hear is, ‘I didn’t know you could play that on the harp.’

My work spans a pretty wide range. Based here in Los Angeles, I’ve had the opportunity to score a short film, perform with orchestras, play for weddings and live events, and record for artists and film projects. I also share a lot of my work on TikTok, where I explore music from some of my favorite IPs and bring that into the harp world.

I think what sets me apart is that blend of versatility and perspective. I’m equally comfortable in classical, commercial, and digital spaces, and I really enjoy bringing the harp into places people might not expect. At the end of the day, what I’m most proud of is creating experiences that feel both elevated and approachable, and helping people hear the harp in a completely new way.

How do you think about luck?
I think luck in my life and business has really come down to the people I’m surrounded by. Most of the opportunities I’ve had have come through relationships and being part of creative communities.

Being in Los Angeles has played a big role in that. It’s such a dynamic place, and just being here naturally leads to new collaborations and ideas.

I feel really lucky that through my work, I get to be part of meaningful moments, whether that’s helping with a wedding, playing harp for Marcus Dobre’s proposal, or working with an artist on their sound.

So yes, there’s definitely some luck involved, but I think a lot of it comes from staying open, connecting with people, and showing up consistently.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alainaharp.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alainastarkharp/