Harp of the Hills | About the Harpist | Emily Oskins

Harpist of the Hills

A sought after performer in Austin, San Antonio, Fredericksburg, and the greater Texas Hill Country, Emily Oskins makes the harp sing wherever she goes. She is classically trained, with over 20 years of experience. Her playing is marked by a flair of originality that expresses the versatility of the harp and the beauty of life-giving music.

Emily made her debut as a professional harpist in her hometown of Fredericksburg, Texas. There, she founded, Fredericksburg Harp Studio, and began teaching and performing alongside her music studies at Schreiner University. Emily is now located in Kyle, between Austin and San Marcos. Her studio name has changed, but she still maintains musical ties in Fredericksburg, Kerrville, and the surrounding hill country.

The concert harp that Emily plays is a special instrument. This stunning 1927 gold Lyon & Healy harp, was passed to Emily by a former instructor, Dr. Charlotte Marrow of Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas. In 2015, the harp underwent a 12-month restoration, sponsored by the communities of Fredericksburg and Kerrville. Emily is honored to return to Fredericksburg every year for a concert series called, Harp On Main, continuing the harp’s legacy, and thanking the community for their encouragement and support.

Emily has played for numerous orchestras, choirs, concert bands, and chamber ensembles. Most notable is her work with Symphony of the Hills in Kerrville, Symphony Viva in San Antonio, and the SMART Orchestra in San Marcos. She has enjoyed performing for Broadway shows and Ballets, as well as the occasional collegiate band “concert with the composer,” featuring works by Roshanne Etezady and John Mackey. Emily is an active member of the San Antonio Harp Ensemble and the American harp society. She has also performed on occasion for State and National political functions, including the Inaugural events of Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

These days, Emily keeps busy as a full-time mom and part-time musician. She enjoys preparing for the occasional concert, wedding or private event. She also regularly accompanies at her church, teaches harp, piano, and basic music appreciation, and ministers to the elderly with her music.