Tula Ruggiero Harpist from Berkeley Springs, WV

Professional harpist Tula Ruggiero has returned to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Now a Doctor of Music in Harp from Florida State University's College of Music, she brings more performing expertise to your special event than ever before. A versatile musician, 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 to the harp, 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, and presents educational programs on the harp. Tula has previously performed for weddings throughout the Shenandoah Valley at such venues as Cacapon Resort State Park and The Country Inn in West Virginia, North Mountain Vineyard, The George Washington Hotel, and The Mimslyn Inn in Virginia, Waynesboro Country Club in Pennsylvania, and in a multitude of churches throughout the region. In Florida, Tula has performed professionally with Sinfonia Gulf Coast, the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, and the Florida State University Symphony Orchestra. She can be heard playing principle harp on the newly released Naxos recording, Dohnanyi Symphony No.2/ Two Songs. 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.