Musician Bios
Susan Koskelin
In addition to being a retired school librarian and a storyteller, Susan has been a musician for many years and fell in love with the harp several years ago. She began her harp studies with Geoffrey Ricketts and now studies with Kimberly DeRosa. Susan plays for numerous weddings and special events in the DFW/Denton area. She has also played with local productions of musicals, such as “Phantom of the Opera,” “Cinderella,” and “Wizard of Oz.”
Joan McCord
Before Joan started her harp studies in 2003, she spent 50 years as an army wife, mother, and English teacher. After retiring from Tarrant County Community College, she aided her husband in promoting his seven novels at book signings, lectures, and writers' conferences. John's Army career stationed them in Texas, Georgia, Kansas, California, Tokyo, and Tehran.
She liked being a gypsy, but John did not. So, when Geoffrey Ricketts opened his Harp store a block from their house, it drew her like a magnet. John bought her a harp and lessons, and she was thrilled. He could stay home and listen to her, and she stopped urging him to travel.
Joan's harp journey has introduced her to many musicians. The HarpEssence Ensemble began about 20 years ago, and she has hosted many weekly rehearsals.
Meeting so many people through performances at libraries, retirement homes, weddings, churches, and women's clubs is a joy. Joan loves showing and playing this unusual and beautiful instrument.
Grace Johnson
Grace’s harp journey began in the early 2000’s: lever harp lessons with Geoffrey Ricketts. Grace transitioned to the pedal harp, where she continues to learn from harpists Cindy Horstman and Kimberly DeRosa, while participating in the Harp Essence & Brookhaven College Harp Ensembles.
Grace’s 31-year career with the City of Dallas included Auditor’s & Controller’s offices, Library, Aviation, and the last 12 years as Business Manager of WRR Classical 101.1 FM. An accomplished pianist and accompanist, Grace served Dallas Schools over 20 years, toured Europe with New Arts Six, and plays for an Arlington, TX church. She currently volunteers with the Coppell Police Department.
Ceci Higgins
After many years exploring the lever harp independently and developing a deep love for the instrument, Ceci began formal pedal harp studies in 2016 under the guidance of Cindy Horstman and currently studies with Barbara Biggers. She retired in 2022 from her previous professional career as an oboist, which included both performing and teaching.
Ceci has enriched her harp experience by participating in workshops such as Harp Fire, Harp Journeys, Harp in Worship, and the O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat. She is also a member of the Dallas College Brookhaven Harp Ensemble and Levers and Pedals.