Frances Miller and “The Merry Brook

We’re thrilled to present a new edition of France G. Miller’s classic harp solo “The Merry Brook”

The Merry Brook,” a harp solo by the late Frances G. Miller, is now available on Harp Column Music! With the help of Miller’s daughter Lynne Aspnes, we’ve re-set the music to make a new edition of this classic beginning harp solo. Plus, you can learn how to play “The Merry Brook,” from Aspnes in her studio at Harp Column Academy.

Frances G. Miller was a teacher to hundreds of harpists now scattered around the globe. She was never afraid to travel to teach and founded programs at the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire, Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN., Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN., the University of Minnesota, and the MacPhail School in Minneapolis. With Henning Christensen from Lyon & Healy, she taught beginning harp classes through the Schmitt Music Company in Minneapolis. In addition to maintaining a large private studio in Minneapolis she also chartered the Minnesota chapter of the American Harp Society.

“Teaching was everything for her. It inspired her,” said Lynne in a remembrance of Miller that appeared in Minnesota’s StarTribune. “There is all kinds of pleasure in playing this piece,” says Lynne about “The Merry Brook.” ” It’s rewarding in the end when we have accomplished these beautiful crossover arpeggios … I felt very accomplished when I could play this on a program.”

A few of our favorite pictures…

Listen to “The Merry Brook” performed by Lynne Aspnes

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