From delicate arpeggios to jazzy improvisations, music has always been more than a hobby, it's a second language for Josephine, a talented harpist. Starting her musical journey at just four years old with piano and soon after discovering a love for the harp, she has since explored a range of instruments, embraced performance opportunities, and found inspiration in both family and renowned musicians. 

Studying in IB MYP2, she shares with us the story of how her passion for music began, what keeps her motivated, and the dreams she’s weaving through every string she plays. Whether performing for an audience of dignitaries or composing at home, her talent rings clear through every note.

 

Musical Beginnings and Inspiration

How long have you been playing the harp, and what drew you to that specific instrument?

I started playing the Celtic harp when I was six, and I loved it. My mother, who also played the harp, offered my brother Léopold and me the chance to choose our own instrument. I picked an orange one. We ordered it in France and had it delivered to Dubai, where we were living there at the time.

Josephine playing harp at different ages.

Do you play any other instruments?

Yes! I started piano lessons when I was four, and I still enjoy it very much. I’m currently preparing for my ABRSM (The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) Grade 6 exam. I have also learnt how to play recorder, flute, electric guitar and guitar.

Who are some of your musical influences or role models?

My brothers inspire me a lot, especially Léopold. He’s always composing and exploring new sounds, and I love playing music with him.

For harpists, I really admire Alexander Boldachev, Emmanuel Ceysson, and Catrin Finch. I was lucky enough to attend a masterclass with Catrin Finch at Dubai Opera. I also listen to a wide variety of music in different languages. One group I love is Postmodern Jukebox. They reinterpret modern songs in their own vintage styles, and I find that cool.

Josephine and her brother Leopold playing harp.

Practice and Commitment

What does your weekly practice routine look like?

It depends on my mood, but playing music has always been natural for me, like speaking another language. I don’t always count the hours. I play almost every day, and more on weekends when I have more free time.

How do you balance your schoolwork with your music commitments?

I’m naturally curious and enjoy learning, so balance comes quite naturally. Every Saturday morning, I plan my week by checking how much schoolwork I have. Playing music also helps me unwind, so it’s part of my routine to relax and recharge from school.

Do you face any challenges specific to playing the harp?

Yes, sometimes I play too hard or too much and get blisters, and my fingertips can get sore or even bleed. Now that I’m tall enough to reach the pedals, I play on my orchestral harp, which comes with more technical challenges. Coordinating hands and feet, especially in fast-paced pieces with lots of modulations, can be tricky.

And of course, tuning is what I actually struggle the most with. I tune more than I play!

 

The Stage as a Field of Expression

What’s your experience been like playing in the school band?

It’s been such a fun experience! I’ve always been part of school orchestras and bands in my previous schools, and I’m really happy to be part of the very first Ermitage band. Our music teacher, Ms. Knuckey, is fantastic, she makes rehearsals exciting and brings so much energy to the group, it makes playing music together even more enjoyable. It’s great to be part of a team where everyone’s working towards the same goal and having fun along the way.

How do you prepare for group performances versus solo performances?

In group performances, it’s not just about knowing your part, it’s about listening to others and blending together. You can’t interpret the piece however you want, you need to respect the collective sound and timing. For solo, I just play it free and how I feel.

 

Graduation Ceremony Experience

We were lucky enough to listen to your music at the IB graduation ceremony. How did it feel to perform at this major event?

It was a real honour. I felt a little nervous at first, but mostly curious and inspired. It made me imagine what my own graduation in 2030 might feel like.

Can you walk us through your preparation process for that event?

Honestly, I had just returned from the MYP2 residential trip the night before, so I didn’t get much time to prepare. I rehearsed once in the morning after a late night.

My mum helped me pick an outfit and even added flowers in my hair. My dad and brother helped with moving the harp since it is a big, fragile, and heavy instrument. I always carry spare strings in case one breaks, which was a great idea since one broke mid-performance!

 

Josephine performing at IB Graduation Ceremony 2025.

What was the most memorable part of performing during such an important occasion?

When I perform, I go into a kind of bubble where I focus entirely on the music and emotions, and I barely notice the audience. But my favourite moment is at the end, when I bow and see people smiling. That’s when I know I did a good job.

Creation and Composition: Bringing Sounds to Life

Have you ever tried composing your own music ?

Yes, quite often. I like transposing piano pieces or tunes I hear into harp versions. Playing the pedal harp requires adaptation, so I have to rewrite and arrange the music myself.

What emotions or stories do you try to express through your music?

It really depends on my mood. Sometimes I just go with flowing arpeggios like a fountain, but my favourite is experimenting with jazz rhythms. I play what I see when I do the piece, because when I perform I don’t exactly focus on the strings, I go into this mode where I just imagine what the piece is about, and I try to express it through the music.

Josephine and her brother Leopold playing harp.

Reflections and Future Plans

What has been your proudest musical moment so far?

That’s a tough one. I’m proud of attending masterclasses with famous harpists, and I’ll never forget playing the UAE national anthem with the Emirati Youth Orchestra in front of TV cameras and the Sheikh for Flag Day.

How has playing music influenced your personal or academic growth?

Music has taught me discipline, time management, and dedication. Learning theory and preparing for exams also helped me develop resilience. It’s even helped with my math skills, I’ve been counting beats since I was three.

Do you see yourself continuing with music in the future, either academically or professionally?

Absolutely. Music is part of my everyday life, whether I’m playing piano or harp, or just listening to my favourite artists. It’s like breathing. I want to keep progressing in the ABRSM programme and eventually become a confident jazz harpist. With just one chord, I want to be able to improvise a whole piece that reflects how I feel.