jazz harp Archives - Rossitza Milevska - acclaimed jazz harpist, pianist, singer and composer

rossitza milevska harpist jazz France wedding private events elegant business

Living and performing on the French Riviera has been an incredible journey that constantly fuels my creativity. With its breathtaking views, glamorous cities like Monaco, Nice, and Cannes, and its unique blend of culture and elegance, the Riviera offers endless inspiration—not just for me, but for all musicians and performers

The Harp: A Modern Voice on the Côte d’Azur

Traditionally seen as an instrument for classical music, the harp is now finding its place in modern genres. My mission has been to introduce jazz, pop, and even swing to this timeless instrument, creating something truly unique. On the Côte d’Azur, where sophistication meets creativity, this fusion of styles feels especially fitting.

Whether you’re performing at a luxury wedding in Monaco, a corporate event in Nice, or an intimate gathering in Saint-Tropez, adding a touch of jazz harp or pop arrangements can transform any occasion into something unforgettable.

Why Jazz and Swing for the Harp?

The Riviera’s energy is vibrant and full of rhythm, and jazz allows the harp to reflect that spirit. It’s about breaking traditions and letting the harp sing with swing. My arrangement of « Winter Wonderland » is one example where I’ve infused a holiday classic with the playful elegance of jazz. It’s perfect for harpists looking to bring a modern twist to their repertoire.

Performing on the French Riviera has taught me that versatility is key. From elegant galas in Cannes to destination weddings in Provence, harpists today need music that speaks to contemporary audiences. Whether it’s a corporate gala in Monaco or a laid-back event in Antibes, jazz and pop arrangements offer a fresh, dynamic edge that captivates listeners.

Memorable Moments on the Riviera

Performing at high-profile events across Monaco, Nice, and Cannes has been an honor. The Côte d’Azur is a melting pot of global cultures, attracting people who value elegance and artistry. Playing the harp at these events has allowed me to connect with audiences in new and meaningful ways, whether it’s through a delicate jazz standard or an energetic pop medley.

For example, I recently performed at a luxury wedding overlooking the Mediterranean, where my pop-infused harp arrangement added a touch of modern sophistication to the ceremony. Moments like these remind me how versatile and impactful the harp can be, especially in such a magical setting.

An Invitation to Harpists Around the World

If you’re a harpist looking to expand your repertoire, I encourage you to explore jazz and pop. These genres breathe new life into the harp, opening doors to performances at everything from corporate events in Monaco to festive celebrations in Nice.

Have you ever tried to swing your harp?

Playing jazz and swing on the harp is not only fun—it’s an incredible way to showcase the versatility of this instrument. And for those of you performing at French Riviera events, adding a jazz or pop element can help you stand out in a competitive market.

Discover « Winter Wonderland » for Harp

I’m excited to share my arrangement of « Winter Wonderland », a jazz harp version crafted with care for harpists seeking a modern, festive piece. Whether you’re planning a performance for a corporate holiday gala or adding it to your repertoire for a destination wedding on the Riviera, this piece is sure to enchant your audience.

You can find the sheet music here: Winter Wonderland Jazz Harp Sheet Music

Let’s Make the Harp Swing Together!

The French Riviera is more than just a location; it’s a state of mind—a blend of beauty, elegance, and creativity. As a harpist, living and performing here has shown me the endless possibilities of this instrument. From classical concerts to jazz harp performances in Cannes or luxury events in Monaco, the harp continues to evolve and inspire.

Join My Community of Harpists

Want to learn more about how to play jazz and pop on the harp? Or simply connect with other like-minded harpists from around the world?

Join me in my free Facebook group, Pop and Jazz Harp!
In this community, I share tips, tutorials, and everything I’ve learned about playing modern harp styles. Let’s connect, share, and inspire each other!

Thank you for sharing this journey with me.

I hope my experiences inspire you to swing your harp, embrace new styles, and bring the magic of the Côte d’Azur to your music—no matter where you are in the world.

With love and music

Rossitza

Download the Sheet Music Now!

Recording Jazz Harp: Three Lessons I’ve Learned

7 juin 2024

Jazz Harp, Jazz Harp Tutoriels, Music

harp, harpist, improvisation, jazz harp, jazzharp, jazzharpist, masterclass rossitza, milevska

Recording music is an art in itself, and every session is a learning experience.
Here are three great lessons I’ve learned that significantly impact the quality of a recording session:

1. The Importance of Tuning

I know that I have to tune my harp really carefully, and every time I’m feeling overwhelmed about the tuning, it’s almost obligatory between the recordings. I know it takes a lot of time to tune the harp, but it’s so petty if you’ve finished a beautiful song and at the end, you hear that one of your strings is a little bit out of tune. This can happen because you moved your harp or because the temperature in the studio is not exactly the same as in your home. But if you want a perfect recording, you have to tune your harp really carefully and listen to it all the time. Sometimes it can be out of tune even because I’ve played a kind of emotional solo and plucked the strings stronger. So every time I think I have to concentrate on my playing, I have to think about the tuning at the same time. The tuning never ends, but it’s worth it.

2. Embracing Change and Collaboration

I learned that even if you imagined your music, you wrote it, you rehearsed it, when you are in the studio, things can change. You must stay open to changes, new arrangements, and even listen to the other musicians when collaborating. Sometimes you are so in love with an idea of a piece that you can be wrong. It’s kind of surprising, but sometimes you need some new ears to listen to your music and to whisper you some new advice. And then the magic happens, and your composition becomes even more beautiful than you imagined, only because you share the music with others. So if I can give you advice: keep your mind open to others and their smart visions and proposals.

3. The Joy of Playing with Great Musicians

It is so good to play with friends, but it’s also great to play with friends and great musicians. This time I experienced it with the duo. I started playing with Cedric Le Donne (drummer and percussionist) a long time ago when he was 17 years old. I played with different groups and I found it easy to play in a trio (the Milevska trio). We recorded a lot of music together and we played all around the world with our compositions. Now it’s the first time we went to the studio as a duet. At first, it was a strange idea but I assure you that our future album will surprise you. The most surprising thing was that for the first time in my life, I just played our pieces and songs. Sometimes you need to be really concentrated or inspired, or sometimes you cannot achieve the solo that you wanted to record, but this time we played together all the pieces, and we played them twice and things were ready. Yesterday, we played a kind of waltz that I wrote four times, just to experiment with what would happen, and now we have four beautiful versions that we have to decide which one to put on the next album, but they are all beautiful. So this time I learned that anything is possible. Sometimes you can have a really tough time in the studio, but sometimes it can be really inspiring just playing and exploring all the sides of the jazz harp and improvisation. A big thanks to Greg Lampis, the sound engineer that made this happen, and now I am so glad that we finished it (almost ready) and I will be so happy to share our new music really soon.

Recording sessions teach us patience, flexibility, and the joy of collaboration. Each session is unique, with its challenges and triumphs. These three lessons have not only enriched my recent recording experience but will also continue to guide my future projects.
Stay tuned for more music and insights from the studio!

I’d love to hear about your experiences in the recording studio. Feel free to send me your stories and insights on info@rossitzamilevska.com
Also, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter (at the bottom of the page) for more updates and behind-the-scenes content!

Have a great day

x
Rossi

Une soirée magique avec Kristel Adams et Rossitza Milevska aux Folies Bergère !

12 mai 2023

Chant, Jazz Harp, Music

chant, harpiste de jazz, jazz harp, kristel adams, popharp, rossitza, rossitza milevska, voice

Chers amis,

J’ai une nouvelle incroyable à partager avec vous !

Le 19 mai 2023 , préparez-vous à vivre une soirée musicale inoubliable aux Folies Bergère de Paris.

J’ai une annonce spéciale à vous faire !

C’est avec une grande fierté que j’accompagnerai sur scène la talentueuse Kristel Adams en tant que première partie

de l’illustre Yves Duteil. Nous allons vous offrir une soirée magique aux Folies Bergère de Paris.

Kristel Adams, avec sa voix divine, présentera les titres envoûtants de son dernier album « Vergine Madre » chez Bayard Musique. Sa voix captivante touchera votre cœur et vous transportera dans un univers musical fascinant.

Et moi, j’aurai le plaisir de vous enchanter avec ma harpe. Les notes magiques qui résonneront de ses cordes créeront une ambiance unique, s’accordant harmonieusement avec la voix envoûtante de Kristel.

Cette soirée promet d’être un moment exceptionnel.

Ne manquez pas cette opportunité de vous laisser emporter par la magie des Folies Bergère.

Les billets sont disponibles sur différentes plateformes, telles que Fnac et Ticketmaster.

J’espère vous retrouver nombreux lors de cette soirée musicale inoubliable !

Avec joie,
Rossitza

jazz-harp

Swing Your Harp on the French Riviera – Jazz and Pop Harp Inspiration

The Harp: A Modern Voice on the Côte d’Azur

Why Jazz and Swing for the Harp?

Memorable Moments on the Riviera

An Invitation to Harpists Around the World

Discover « Winter Wonderland » for Harp

Let’s Make the Harp Swing Together!

Join My Community of Harpists

Recording Jazz Harp: Three Lessons I’ve Learned

Recording music is an art in itself, and every session is a learning experience.
Here are three great lessons I’ve learned that significantly impact the quality of a recording session:

1. The Importance of Tuning

2. Embracing Change and Collaboration

3. The Joy of Playing with Great Musicians

Une soirée magique avec Kristel Adams et Rossitza Milevska aux Folies Bergère !

Chers amis,

jazz-harp

Swing Your Harp on the French Riviera – Jazz and Pop Harp Inspiration

The Harp: A Modern Voice on the Côte d’Azur

Why Jazz and Swing for the Harp?

Memorable Moments on the Riviera

An Invitation to Harpists Around the World

Discover « Winter Wonderland » for Harp

Let’s Make the Harp Swing Together!

Join My Community of Harpists

Recording Jazz Harp: Three Lessons I’ve Learned

Recording music is an art in itself, and every session is a learning experience. Here are three great lessons I’ve learned that significantly impact the quality of a recording session:

1. The Importance of Tuning

2. Embracing Change and Collaboration

3. The Joy of Playing with Great Musicians

Une soirée magique avec Kristel Adams et Rossitza Milevska aux Folies Bergère !

Chers amis,

Recording music is an art in itself, and every session is a learning experience.
Here are three great lessons I’ve learned that significantly impact the quality of a recording session: