Sylvia's Bio

When people call or come by the Harp Center, they are often surprised when they realize that they are being assisted by none other than Sylvia Woods, herself! There is a common misconception that Sylvia Woods is like Aunt Jemima or Betty Crocker: a figment of the imagination. But I am real, and can usually be found at the Harp Center. So, if the person answering the phone says “This is Sylvia, may I help you,” rest assured that you are speaking with THE Sylvia Woods.

I live in Southern California, in the same house that we moved into before I started Kindergarten. I like having that continuity, which is so rare in today’s mobile society.

One of my main musical inspirations was (and is) my high school choir director, Shirley Nute. I was the piano accompanist for the choir, and learned a lot of her musical theory and basics from that experience. Miss Nute retired in the mid-1990’s, but she now directs a choir of alumni from the high school. I enjoy singing in this choir, which rehearses every week and performs at retirement homes.

Another evening every week, I rehearse with my church’s handbell ensemble. I am proud to say that it is under the direction of one of my employees, Ruth. So, one evening a week, she gets to be MY boss! I normally play handbells with this group, but I has also performed on the harp with them. I created my two arrangements for harp and handbells for this ensemble.

When I’m not at the Harp Center, I love spending time at my condo on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. This is where I have the time to compose and arrange music and write my harp books. But I also relax while I’m is there; taking walks on the beach, admiring the rainbows, getting together with friends, and attending my book club. I’ll sometimes sit in and jam with my musician friends at gigs around the island. This photo of me was taken in Hanalei, Kauai.

Although the 100 or more harps on the Harp Center showroom floor are legally “mine,” the harp I keep at home and use for local concerts is one of the first harps that Dusty Strings made out of bubinga wood: an FH-36B with full abalone inlay.

For my more “conventional” biography, click here.