Summer Harp Music: 6 Pieces to Brighten Your Day
Summer has a way of inviting us to slow down and notice the beauty around us. Whether you're practicing on the porch, performing at a garden gathering, or simply enjoying a quiet evening with your harp, the right music can capture the feeling of long days, warm sunshine, and peaceful nights.
Here are six of my favourite summer-inspired harp solos. Each one celebrates a different part of the season—from wildflowers and butterflies to ocean breezes and moonlit skies.
🍓 Strawberry Moon
Inspired by the full moon that rises each June, Strawberry Moon reflects warm summer evenings and memories of picking strawberries in our family garden. Written in a flowing 6/8 meter, this early intermediate solo has a relaxed, lyrical feel that's enjoyable to play and listen to.
Two versions are included with the sheet music:
- F Major for large harps
- C Major for smaller harps with bass C as the lowest string
☀️ Golden Hour
There is something magical about the last light of a summer evening. Golden Hour was inspired by the warmth and peacefulness of the summer solstice, when the sunlight seems to linger just a little longer.
This mid-intermediate solo is expressive without being overly difficult and makes a lovely recital or personal enjoyment piece.
🌸 Fields of Lupin
Every summer, the roadsides of Nova Scotia burst into colour as fields of purple, pink, and white lupins bloom. It's one of my favourite pieces for bringing a little colour and energy into a summer practice session.
Join me for a free harp lesson and learn to play "Fields of Lupin" in 30 minutes. I'll help you discover clever strategies to approach this piece by using patterns, intervals and visual landmarks. I'll help you stay focused and productive in this step-by-step practice session.
🌊 Ocean Stones
Some summer days are full of excitement, while others invite us to simply sit by the water and listen to the waves. Ocean Stones was inspired by the calming rhythm of the waves.
Its gentle pace makes it perfect for relaxation, reflective practice, or sharing peaceful music with others.
Ocean Stones was carefully crafted to feature the left hand 1-5-8-9-10 pattern along with other technical elements including harmonics, rolled triads and blocks thirds. Join me for a free harp lesson on YouTube.
🌞 Litha
Litha was inspired by the ancient celebration of the summer solstice and was the very first composition I wrote for my 28-string bass lap harp. The music has a relaxed feel that reflects the warmth of summer.
If you enjoy music inspired by nature and the changing seasons, this piece is a wonderful addition to your repertoire.
🦋 Butterfly Dreams
Watching butterflies drift through a summer garden inspired this cheerful original composition. Butterfly Dreams has become a favourite among harpists who enjoy music that feels light, uplifting, and playful.
It's a delightful piece for both personal enjoyment and sharing with audiences during the summer months. Great to small harps too!
Which summer piece will you play first?
Whether your favourite place to practice is on the porch, beside a lake, or in a quiet corner of your home, I hope one of these pieces brings a little extra sunshine to your music this summer.
You can explore my complete collection of original harp music in the Music Discoveries Shop, where you'll find music for beginners through late intermediate players, along with performance videos and, for many pieces, accompanying video lessons to help you learn with confidence.
