Mair's performance schedule can be found on the "News" page.
Thanks for visiting Mair's official website. Mair, vocalist/ harpist, is available for concert performances for private groups, churches, clubs and organizations in Southern California.
Contact her at mair@mairrathburn.com.
Singing harpist Mair Rathburn (Mair rhymes with "air") is a popular entertainer throughout Southern California. Mair has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with an emphasis in voice, and is in constant demand as a vocalist. She was a featured vocalist with San Francisco Civic Chorale and was a vocal soloist with the Golden Gate Park Band. Her "Christmas with the Harp" instrumental CD has been in regular rotation on Muzak, XM, JMX and Sirius music services and her CDs are heard on EWTN Radio. She records on a 1914 Lyon and Healy pedal harp.
A very contemporary artist, Mair is also performing concerts of the music of early California in the vintage costume seen here. She is often heard at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town State Park.
San Diego harpist Mair was the Lobby Lounge harpist at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara... Harpist for Tea at the Four Seasons near San Diego in Carlsbad. Harpist at the Four Seasons in Carlsbad.
CONCERT AND PROGRAM THEMES:
General entertainment for all year
Christmas/Holiday
Valentine's Day Romance
Spring songs (An offshoot of this is the concert theme "Stop and Hear the Roses", songs about that awesome flower.)
Early California History (very "up" and entertaining in historic Costume)
History of the Harp in music (an interesting and popular theme)
Sacred Music for Church Concerts
FAQ'S ABOUT MAIR
Q. What made you start playing the harp?
A. I am passionate about music of many kinds, and have tried my hand at a number of instruments. I am of Irish descent, and fell in love with the history of the harp and those incredibly haunting Irish melodies. I learned a few on the Irish harp, and people began asking me to perform here and there, singing and playing the Irish harp. Eventually I made the switch to pedal harp.
Q. So you're self taught?
A. Mostly, yes. I learned about the harp the way an angleworm learns about fishing. As I mentioned, I have a degree in music (voice) and apply what I know about music theory to the harp, mostly improvising. I was fortunate to find a wonderful, patient teacher who was willing to take me on as an adult professional. It was not easy to go back to the beginning and "unlearn". She helped me tremendously, but I still have kept my own technique.
Q. How did your albums come to be?
A. My last two came about because my husband (the amazing singer/songwriter Joe Rathburn) had bought some new recording equipment. He was doing some exciting projects with it. I kept thinking, "I wish I could do that". One day he was off performing somewhere and I passed by the equipment. There it was, and there was the manual, and instead of wishing, I thought to myself, "I can do this". I began reading. I began asking questions. (Never be afraid of sounding ignorant. Everyone is ignorant of something.) Anyway, I did learn how to do my own tracks at home.
Q. Why do you wear long dresses?/Why are harpists always in long dresses?
A. The harp has a series of pedals on the base that change each string from a flat to a natural or sharp. I find much more mobility, speed and comfort in a long dress. (Many talented men play the harp, too, and not in dresses.)
Q. Why is your music so eclectic?
A. The harp is primarily a melodic instrument. For a piece to work on a solo harp, it has to have a clear, well defined melody. I cannot categorize melodies into Folk, Classical, Pop, etc. It is what you do to the basic melody that creates these pigeonholes. If I hear a beautiful, clear melody in any style of music, I have to try it on the harp. If it works, it stays in my repertoire. I think we do a disservice to people when we say, "This type of person cannot understand that type of music". I have chosen music with people for all events from Baptisms to Funerals, and without exception the people themselves have wanted a little of this style, a little of that. They don't even know they are being eclectic, they just know what they like. One thing that is consistent with these people and me is a clear melody that catches the heart. I always chose songs that have lyrics that are personally meaningful to me, and will not sing something that isn't.
Q. You do realize that nobody is listening to you, don't you? (at a "background" event)
A. Here's the story: There are candles that you light to be seen and noticed. There are candles that you light to show the way in total darkness. There are candles that you light to enhance a room. These last are the ones that are maybe not stared at, maybe not the center of attention, but they make the room a little brighter, and the event a little more memorable. I believe people go home the happier for it. I just keep lighting candles.
Q. Most commonly requested song?
A. "Happy Birthday to You", really, often four times a day. Second runner up is "Twinkle,Twinkle, Little Star", a favorite of my tiny fans. That is on my newest album, "Now and Then", with a contemporary twist.
Q. Do you take your own harp with you when you play?
A. Yes, and often move it myself with the help of a good dolly. I do have a large car.
Q. Is it heavy?
A. I have three harps. The one I usually have with me is about 78lbs.
Q. Don't you wish you played something that weighs less?
A. Actually, I did try didgeridoo, but somehow Schubert's "Ave Maria" just didn't sound the same on it.
Questions that are never asked, but I wish they were:
Q. What did you want to be as a child?
A. A veterinarian
Q. Hobbies?
A. My husband and I enjoy our pets: We have a black tri Australian Shepherd, my wonderful rescue mutt from Tijuana, "Jessie the Mop" (a Scottie mixed with a Bigfoot), one cat and three goldfish. Rescue animals seem to know the difference between what they had and what you have given them, and REALLY appreciate you!
We also love hiking and appreciating wild animals in their natural habitats.
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