Josh Layne – British Columbia

harpist . composer . teacher

Autumn. Autumn! Love the smells, colours, and temperature! – Josh

Harpist/composer Josh Layne is a frequent performer around the globe and is well-known within the harp world for his YouTube series Harp Tuesday and Harpist in the Wild.

Josh says, “​I started playing the harp at the age of 13, working with Kathryn Ely in Victoria, BC, Canada.

I loved the harp from the beginning and in the span of four years I went from not knowing how to read music to performing recitals and concertos. From 1996-2001 I also recorded three albums of solo harp music.

It took longer to start composing; I wrote my first full length composition (Passage) in 2005 a the age of 28. I’ve continued to compose every since, primarily for harp. 

I often think of composing as being somewhat akin to painting – splashing different musical colours around. I’m particularly drawn to exploring harmonic structure. I also draw inspiration from nature and love wandering around the Canadian shorelines and forests of Vancouver Island.” – Josh

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Explore Josh’s YouTube videos of harp learning and music and stories with:

Harp Tuesdays – A free resource for harpists around the world. 300+ episodes featuring all aspects of playing the harp – from your first harp lesson to in-depth looks at advanced pieces.

Harpist in the Wild – Music and Nature. “Come along with me as I combine my love of music with my love of the outdoors as a Harpist in the Wild!” – Josh