Harvi griffin biography

The definition of “pioneering” is to “develop, or be the first to use or apply a new method, area of knowledge, or activity.”   An even more apt definition is provided by Merriam-Webster: to pioneer is “to open or prepare others to follow.” Most of jazz harp pioneers listed below were classically trained.

They, and many others not found here, turned off the beaten path to blaze a new trail into popular, jazz, and commercial music. By doing so, they led the way for many other harpists to follow.

FEATURED PIONEERS

MIMI ALLEN

(1925-2005)

Mimi Allen began studying the piano as a toddler, and added the harp at age 14.

 After graduating at age 18 with a Bachelor of Music degree from Stephens College, she moved to New York to study piano with Isidor Phillip and harp with Carlos Salzedo.  Salzedo introduced her to jazz, asking her to improvise in various styles at both the piano and harp.