Barbara Fischer
harpist, music educator
Southwest Florida harpist Barbara Fischer has no memory of a home without a harp. Her primary teachers have included Mary Johnson, Laura Elder, and Elizabeth Lilly. Barbara’s style of playing is largely inspired by her mother, Bambi Fischer (thank you mom!) and gospel harpist Linda Rice. She has earned superior ratings in competitions, even before beginning formal study. Through her collegiate studies, Barbara has had the opportunity to play under renowned composer, conductor and clinician Dr. David R. Holsinger. In addition, she gigs at various community events such as weddings, dinners, and church services. Still, her main love is arranging music for the harp & playing from fake books: especially gospel and pop (check out some videos here). She also arranges music for various instrumentation & teaches private music lessons. Barbara was awarded best musical performance for her piece ¨24 Hours Without A Sail…it isn’t safe¨ in Ghostbird Theatre Company’s 2017 24 Hour Festival. Barbara has been published in a premier harp periodical, The American Harp Journal. She also holds a BA in Communication and an MA in English & is also illustrator of the children’s book Eloquence.
Certifications, etc.:
Apple® Teacher (2020)
Brit + Co’s Selfmade ecourse scholarship recipient (2021)
Bambi Fischer
harpist
It’s quite possible the Fischarper brand wouldn’t be here without Barbara’s mother Bambi. Bambi holds an M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision: Elementary Education, and has completed doctoral-level work in Education. She is Florida certified in Educational Leadership, Elementary Education, Early Childhood, Music K-12, and has ESOL Endorsement. She has over 20 years of teaching experience from infants to adult education, working within public and private schools, as well as teaching music privately. She has developed presentations and presented at many workshops, including the Lyon & Healy Teachers Conference, the Somerset Folk Harp Festival, HarpCon 2000, Florida Harpers and Friends (a chapter of the International Society of Folk Harpers and Craftsmen). She authored Making Harp Lessons Exciting for Young Children, currently in its second edition. She is also author of Eloquence & Your Son, Norm.