...John & Iain in the audience at New Roots 2006...
Steph is a harpist and singer from the Chilterns, now based in Oxford. Steph works as a freelance musician, playing, teaching and running workshops.
Her influences were initially Celtic: most music for the clarsach (folk harp) comes from Scotland and Ireland. Recently she has been carving out a new space for the harp: as part of the colourful and diverse English folk tradition.
Steph's "English" studies have taken her to veteran session pub the Half Moon and playing for Morris, as well as new groups to play with. These include a song and tune duo with Nell McLeod and e-ceilidh band Swinging Molly.
Meanwhile, Steph is still exploring the bright and beautiful sounds of Scotland and Ireland. Steph is currently playing with Irish fiddler Rob Ryan. They can be found most Sunday nights in the Half Moon.
Steph runs a Harp Session every last Tuesday in the Half Moon Oxford. Have a look at this page for more info.
As well as playing harps Steph also makes them for use in teaching and workshops at festivals, hospitals and schools with fellow harpist Sam Fox (please see Featherwood Instruments for more info).
Steph plays a low-headed clarsach created by London based maker Keith Beechey. It's lovely!