Merinda Starnes

Merinda began playing the harp at the age of 6. She has had the opportunity to perform locally and nationally as a soloist, ensemble and orchestral musician with The University of Utah, The University of Arizona, Crimson Harps, HarpFusion, YouTuber Alex Boye, National Flute Association, Salt Lake City Sterling Singers and the Wasatch Chorale. Merinda attended the University of Utah and graduated with her Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance. While at the University of Utah she was the president of the Crimson Harp Ensemble and graduated as the Outstanding Senior for the School of Music in 2022. She is currently attending Southern Utah University to receive her Master of Business Administration in Arts Administration.

Merinda has competed in various local and national harp festivals and competitions including the Young Artists Competition, American Harp Society National Competition and the American Harp Society Utah Chapter Harp Festival where she has received both Excellent and Superior recognitions. Currently, she performs as a wedding and event harpist all over Utah and the surrounding states. Merinda created her own harp studio in 2016 and currently teaches the harp to her 15 students of all ages and skill levels.

While she loves playing and performing whenever she has the opportunity, she is also the Program Manager for The Blocks Arts District in downtown Salt Lake City where she works to advocate and support artists and arts organizations in the Salt Lake area to create a vibrant and creative community. In her free time, Merinda loves to be outside camping, hiking, skiing, fishing and trail riding with her horses.

You can learn more about her and her work at www.merindautahharpist.com.