Tula Ruggiero

Tula Ruggiero is a professional harpist and pianist located in Florida's Big Bend region. Tula is a doctoral student and graduate assistant in harp performance at Florida State University. At FSU, she plays principal harp with the University Symphony Orchestra,the University Wind Orchestra, and the Irish Music Ensemble in addition to other chamber music and solo performances.

While formerly living in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Tula performed for weddings at such venues as Cacapon Resort State Park and The Country Inn at Berkeley Springs in West Virginia, North Mountain Vineyard, The George Washington Hotel, and The Mimslyn Inn in Virginia, Waynesboro Country Club in Pennsylvania, and in churches throughout the region.

A versatile performer, Tula moves with ease from wedding ceremonies to the orchestra pit, from religious ceremonies to the concert stage. Tula and her harp can be a focal point, or blend easily into the background to provide a subtle, classy accompaniment to any event. Her training and years of experience allow her to meet the needs of a diverse clientele. In addition, Tula performs on the piano as an accompanist, church musician, and background musician. A dedicated teacher, Tula instructs harp and piano students of all ages and levels.

Tula earned the MM in Pedagogy- Harp from the Shenandoah Conservatory where she studied with Elizabeth Blakeslee of the National Symphony Orchestra, a BM in Harp Performance from Montclair State University with André Tarantiles, and a BA magna cum laude from Rutgers University in American Studies. Tula also trained at Carnegie Mellon University's College of Fine Arts where she was accepted to the elite, full scholarship Performer Resident Program in harp with teacher, Gretchen Van Hoesen of the Pittsburgh Symphony.

• Canon in D - Pachelbel
• Wedding March - Wagner
• Trumpet Voluntary - Clarke
• Prelude in C - Bach
• Largo from the New World Symphony - Dvorak
• Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Bach
• Allegretto from Spring - Vivaldi
• Meditation from Thais - Massenet
• Dance of the Blessed Spirits - Gluck
• Pavane - Faure
• The Rose
• Seasons of Love
• Somewhere in Time
• Theme from Up
• What a Wonderful World
• Beauty and the Beast
• Blind Mary
• The Castle of Dromore
• O Danny Boy
• Carolan's Concerto
• Crossing to Ireland
• Yellow Haired Laddie
• Sallie Gardens
• As the Deer
• Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
• The Lord's Prayer
• Morning Has Broken
• Nearer My God to Thee
• When Love Is Found
• Fields of Gold

Anniversaries, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Halloween Parties, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Restaurants, Sweet 16 Parties, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

• Amazing performance. We requested a special song for our wedding that had many "runs" in the music and required extra practice time. Tula was very willing to learn the song and her performance of the song was amazing!!! Tula arrived early at the wedding site, allowing us to relax that our only musician for prelude music and processional would be present. Her skill as a harpist is wonderful. Our guests described her music as "beautiful, elegant, classic, breathtaking and amazing". Her ability & her communication with us to be sure we had exactly what we wanted for our wedding was impressive. We recommend Tula to any person who desires professional harp music!!! -- Alyssa W, Harrisonburg, VA, 6/18/2011
• Tula was good to work with, we had a special song request and she found the music for it and played it very well.She and communicated via e-mail and she answered very quickly. My daughters wedding was quite successful because of her. Jeff, father of the bride and wedding planner. -- Jeff D, Martinsburg, WV, 10/10/2010
• Beautiful playing and selection of music; Tula pays special attention to requests/needs and is very accommodating. Our guests were particularly complimentary of her playing, and gave her a huge round of applause! -- Patrick K, Gaithersburg, MD, 6/26/2010

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