Today we’d like to introduce you to Aedan MacDonnell.
Hi Aedan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
When I was 7 my parents bought an old, black upright piano for my mom because she used to play as a teenager. Out of curiosity, I found a beginning piano book on the bench and taught myself to read music and play with that book.
So then my parents found a piano teacher, and my journey learning classical piano and music began. That schooling taught me great discipline, but unfortunately, the teachers never encouraged the creative spark that initially ignited my interest in learning; “play only what’s written on the page, and deviating from that is just not acceptable.” That and a couple of teachers made me believe I had absolutely no talent. One teacher didn’t take me because I didn’t have perfect pitch, and another put me in graded recitals. The graded sheets continually rated my performances as “C”. In school, a C is average. So I didn’t believe I had the talent to really do anything professionally with music. (Fast forward to my mid-20 when I was moving and cleaning out drawers when I ran across one of the graded cards. Down at the very bottom in teeny print was a legend, and “C” meant “excels.” Unfortunately it took a very long time to get rid of that damaging programming.)
So when I became an adult, I went into the corporate workforce, where my curiosity in how things work quickly promoted me from the (to me) dreadfully boring job of secretary (what we were called then) to managing the computer and telephone systems.
In my late 20s, I met a wonderful guy that turned me on to vegetarianism and Celtic music. I had never heard of this music (only classical, country, and pop), and it resonated with something deep inside me. I still played piano, a Wurlitzer console piano was my very first big purchase. And music stores were candy stores to me. One day, while visiting the local music store, I ran across a book of Celtic music arranged for piano and harp. I bought it, played the music on my piano, and decided I needed a harp. I found someone selling them in Glendale (who later went on to own one of the largest harp stores in the county – The Sylvia Woods Harp Center). She played the 5 harps she had, I pointed at one and said, “I’ll take it,” and handed her my credit card.
So that was the start of my harp experience. But especially the Celtic harp, which is very different from the pedal harps you see in the orchestra. Because of the limitations, I was given in learning classical music, I had no desire to go down that road again, and a Celtic harp was perfect for the music I wanted to play.
This was before “Riverdance,” and finding this music in notation was very difficult, I could only find recordings.
Unfortunately, my ear which had been there originally was not only not encouraged to develop but was squashed, so it took a lot to regain that ability.
In 2001 I moved back to LA from a 4-year stint in Santa Cruz and looked for work. At this time the Sylvia Woods Harp Center was alive, thriving, and looking for an employee. The pay cut from a corporate position was worth the freedom of working in not only a music store but a harp store! During that time I had the opportunity to meet and work with some of the top harpers out of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the US. And I was able to travel to Ireland to study Irish music.
I worked for Sylvia (one of the best bosses I’ve ever had), until the recession in 2009, and Sylvia decided it was time to move to Hawaii. So I’m looking for corporate work again without success. I found a small shop that did psychic readings and worked there for about 2 years doing tarot readings, while in the meantime I focused on building a music business teaching harp, networking with the Celtic music community, and learning how to find gigs.
I’ve been able to grow my business teaching Celtic harp and piano, lots of weddings, memorial services, and the odd event, and playing at Irish, Scottish, and Renaissance festivals. Even though I am able to fully support myself financially with music, I am buildings my savings for when work is not as abundant by working a few hours a week at a small law firm, helping them with computer hardware and software. But I do have the freedom to say, “sorry I can’t come in Friday afternoon, I’m off to San Diego to play for a historical romance re-enactment event.”
When covid hit, I thought I was going to be in financial trouble. But I was one of the lucky ones that it actually helped. Yes, gigs were non-existent, but people were at home with a lot of time on their hands, and their dream of playing the harp was now the time to do it. My students more than doubled in 2 months, which is what got me through. Most of them are still with me, and with weddings and other events coming back, things today are good.
Working for yourself isn’t for everyone. You may (will probably) end up working more hours than a 9-5 Mon-Fri job, but it’s work you enjoy. You do have to think and plan ahead, especially financially. There were times, after paying rent and utilities, I had only $50 for groceries for the entire month. Then you get creative in the food arena. But today, (knock wood!), things are going well, and I can splurge for that dark chocolate with sea salt and raspberries.
And I have had the time to create, write, and produce a Celtic Halloween musical. There’s a full band, a narrator to tell stories, and dancers. This is year 12. The show changes every year, which keeps the creative juices going.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of the struggles were financial, and marketing (I’m still figuring that one out). The biggest challenge was believing in myself, and not the programming I was given as a child.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in Celtic music on Celtic harp, accordion, and piano. I’m most proud of my Celtic Halloween show that I created in 2010 which has grown and gained recognition in the So Cal Celtic community. I’m also proud that I’ve been able to make a living as a musician, in one of the most expensive cities in the US.
I’m also a Certified Music Practitioner and Reiki master. I play for hospitals and assisted living centers. I give group and private meditations using live harp music. I’ve worked with yoga instructors providing music for their classes. It’s amazing how music can help ease pain, relieve stress, and help emotionally.
There are so many pieces to this puzzle. I direct a Celtic Harp Orchestra (CHOSC – Celtic Harp Orchestra of Southern California) that I started in 2014. We’re currently working on music for a spring concert.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’d love to get the Celtic Halloween show to wider audiences, not just the Celtic community. I think Riverdance has shown that there is an interest. I have ideas for other Celtic-themed shows as well.
I’d also like to be more involved in hospitals, hospices, and assisted living centers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HarpMuse.com www.HarpMeditation.com www.Celtic-Rhythms.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HarpMuse
