Park Stickney

Biography

Park Stickney is a Swiss-American harpist renowned as one of the world's leading jazz harp specialists. Born in Switzerland and raised in the United States, Stickney developed a passion for the harp early in life, eventually pursuing formal studies at the University of Arizona and the Juilliard School in New York, where he earned both a Master of Music and a Professional Studies degree. His career has been marked by a commitment to expanding the boundaries of the harp, both as a soloist and as an innovator in jazz and contemporary music. Stickney has performed at major harp festivals around the globe and has taught at prestigious institutions, including the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he serves as visiting professor of jazz harp. His recordings, such as 'Action Harp Play Set' and 'Still, Life With Jazz Harp,' have been celebrated for their creativity and technical mastery, solidifying his reputation as a pioneering figure in the harp world.

Stickney's musical style blends classical technique with jazz improvisation, making him a unique voice in contemporary harp music. In 2021, he completed a PhD at Trinity Laban Conservatory in London, focusing on extreme harp pedaling, further demonstrating his dedication to pushing the technical limits of his instrument. His performances span continents, from Adelaide to Zaragoza, and he is known for his dynamic stage presence and innovative approach to the harp. As both a performer and educator, Stickney has inspired a new generation of harpists to explore the possibilities of jazz and contemporary music on the harp.

Fun Facts

• Park Stickney completed a PhD in 2021 at Trinity Laban Conservatory, London, focusing on extreme harp pedaling.
• He is known for performing at every major harp festival in the world.
• Stickney teaches privately in Geneva and New York, in addition to his role at the Royal Academy of Music.
• He began playing the harp after a lunch gig in New York while studying at Juilliard.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Juilliard School Faculty - Teachers during his Master of Music and Professional Studies programs (Classical and jazz harp training) [late 1980s to early 1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Various Jazz Ensembles - Frequent performances and recordings with jazz groups (Live concerts and albums featuring jazz harp) [1990s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Students at Royal Academy of Music - Teaching jazz harp and inspiring new approaches to the instrument (Master classes and private lessons) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Breathing with Harp (Harp Summit)
2. Conscious Streaming (Harp Summit)
3. Cool Harmonics (Harp Summit)
4. Butterfly / Metamorphosis (Harp Summit)
5. So What (Harp Summit)
6. In a Sentimental Mood (Harp Summit)
7. Double Tarantella (Harp Summit)
8. Message in a Bottle (Harp Summit)
9. The Pink Panther (Still, Life with Jazz Harp)
10. Toccata of Time (Harpmospheres)

External Links

• Spotify