Sharing my music with others brings me a joy that is unlike any other.
My story
I believe in pushing boundaries. I believe that in a constantly changing world, anything is possible. We use the gifts we have been given, and the foundations that were laid for us to continue pushing the limits of our discipline.
I started playing the harp in my freshman year of highschool with no musical background and terrible stage fright. It was my first instrument and from the first note I was hooked. It became so much more to me than just a hobby and by the time I was a junior I was considering music school. This terrified me, I told myself I was silly to think I would get into music school with my background. People prepare for years to take these auditions and here I was taking a leap of faith. I finally grew the courage to tell my former teacher, Elizabeth Steiner, and when she told me to go for it, I did. I jumped into a new list of repertoire, and practiced every second I could. In the spring of 2023, I received my Bachelor of Music degree from Temple University.
At times the future can seem so foggy and we don't always see the best outcome for all of the work we put in. The point however is to keep pushing. To continue the search for knowledge, and experience to ensure that the future we imagine becomes a reality. On account of this, dilligence and fearlesness, are characteristics I keep in my daily practice. I am back at Temple University pursuing my Master of Music degree to further my education on the harp. It is my plan to use the foundations that were laid for me, to further broaden the horizon of possibilities for the young artists to come after me.
I understand the importance of giving back, both to our youth, and to the people who came before us. I recently became a harp teacher, and it is the most rewarding experience. Everyday, I look forward to inspiring , motivating, and supporting them. Letting them know that they can accomplish anything they put their minds to. I am excited to pass down the knowledge and the techniques that were given to me. Not just on the harp, but about the world they are preparing to enter. I anticipate standing alongside them as they discover who they are, and watch them grow into thoughtful individuals ready to face the world fearlessly.
This story has only just begun.
Biography
Medgina Maitre believes in pushing boundaries. She believes that in a constantly changing world, anything is possible. We use the gifts we have been given, and the foundations that were laid for us to continue pushing the limits of our discipline. Having earned her Bachelor of Music degree from Temple University (2023) under the instruction of Elizabeth Hainen, Principal Harpist of The Philadelphia Orchestra, the young harpist is making big strides. Even more as she returns to Temple University to complete her Master of Music degree focused on harp performance.
She graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls in 2019, and started playing the harp in her freshman year with no musical background. The harp was her first instrument and from the first note she was “hooked,” and considered music school. The second of five children, she comes from a single parent household and is the first person in her family to attend college. Her mother immigrated her younger brother and she to the United States from Haiti at the age of seven. Her family has resided in Philadelphia ever since.
Throughout her career, she has earned a myriad of scholarships to attend school, and various programs pertaining to music. Most recently, she became the inaugural recipient of the Ann Hobson Pilot award (2023), for her excellence in harp musicianship. She has participated in masterclasses provided by instructors like Susan Mcdonald, Mariko Anraku, Brandee Younger, Irina Zingg, and so many more. She has participated in intensive harp programs including Curtis Harp days, Colorado Harp Colony, Summer Orchestra Institute ( New England Conservatory), and NYU Harp Intensives. Medgina has had the opportunity to perform with notable ensembles such as the Temple University Symphony Orchestra, and the Center City Chamber Orchestra. In 2023, she earned the position of Teaching Artist with The Lyra Society, the very program in which she began playing the harp. She is currently fulfilling that position at Central High School, teaching four young freshmen how to play the instrument. She is an avid musician, student, and teacher, and she continues to push through the world of music while demonstrating the utmost love and respect for her craft.
“Medgina is an excellent harpist. She is warm, professional, and incredibly talented. She was hired for background music during The House of Creed’s eclusive fragrance launch of Absolu Aventus. Our clients were delighted by her presence. I will be hiring Medgina for all future events. She lights up any room and is a joy to work with. ”
- Jazmine G, The House of Creed promotional event