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Chicago harpist Kristen Ryan is an experienced freelance harpist and teacher. Her passion for the harp is evident in her playing and in her approach to teaching.

Kristen is the third harpist in her family, following in the footsteps of both her mother and grandmother. She began her musical career at the age of 5 with the piano and moved onto the pedal harp at the age of 8, where she studied in New Jersey with Mary Elizabeth Collins. After graduating from Northwestern University, she continued her studies with Melissa Anderson in Chicago.

For the last 8 years Kristen has been performing around Chicagoland for weddings and other special events. She has performed for private events at the Drake Hotel, Four Seasons, Hotel Intercontinental, The Peninsula Hotel, and many other prestigious institutions.

Kristen was a featured harpist at the Drake hotel for the afternoon tea from 2003 to 2007. She has also performed for tea at the American Girl as well as dinner at the Chicago Club.

Kristen serves Chicago, Naperville, and the surrounding suburbs.