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Our mission, values, goals and beliefs
The heart & soul of AFTH
The people who help us make it happen!
Artz for the Harp is a nonprofit public benefit organization. Our mission is to provide harps for lessons, harp music enrichment and music therapy programs to students of all ages, who need us most, to foster a positive creative outlet of artistic expression, to students through contemporary music experiences, while strengthening communities.
Our Vision:
Artz for the Harp, firmly believes, music education is an indispensable part to the development of the whole child, and that all children should be provided access to the emotional, social, physical and intellectual benefits of music. We furthermore believe, music has the ability to heal and provides a positive outlet of self-expression through the arts, while creating growth in the areas of self-esteem, responsibility, and discipline.
Our Values:
We will provide a music foundation to students of all ages with or without prior music training.
AFTH Smyrna Library Spring Break Camp
AFTH Board President
AFTH Board Vice President
AFTH Board Treasurer
AFTH Board Director
AFTH Board Secretary
Founder & Executive Director
Lyrika Holmes is a multifaceted artist renowned internationally as a harpist, singer, songwriter, composer, actress, and educator. Hailing from St. Louis, MO, she brings a fusion of electronic beats with elements of R&B, jazz, pop, and classical music to the harp, crafting a distinctive musical style.
Lyrika wears multiple hats as a composer and co-producer, infusing her albums with eclectic and unique content. Her career as a performer has taken her on a global journey, both as a solo artist and as the esteemed Kooza Soul Singer with the world-renowned Cirque Du Soleil during their tour in Asia. Notably, she has opened for prominent artists like Kerri Hilson, Joe, Laura Izibor, and Phil Perry, and has had the privilege of sharing the stage with legends like Al Jarreau and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.
In the media spotlight, Lyrika has graced the screens of television stations across the southeast and the Midwest. Her presence has also adorned the pages of esteemed publications such as Essence Magazine, Modern Luxury Brides, Interior Design, Skirt Magazine, Parent Magazine, and St. Louis Education, among others. In Atlanta, she has been the harpist for prestigious events, including the Mayor's Forever Young Ball during Mayor Kasim Reed's tenure.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Lyrika has showcased her acting talents in productions like "Rimshot the Urban Musical." Her harp skills have been featured on popular TV series like "The Originals" and "The Walking Dead," as well as in movies like "Coming 2 America 2."
Lyrika Holmes is not just a performer; she is also a certified teacher, boasting an Associates Degree in the Arts from St. Louis Community College, Forest Park, a Bachelor's in Music Education from the University of Missouri St. Louis, and a Masters in Music Education from the University of Memphis. With over two decades of experience teaching music in both public and private educational settings, she initiated the first harp program in the state of Tennessee in 2003, continuing it in Georgia's Rockdale County Schools in 2011. Her commitment to providing music enrichment opportunities and addressing the need for harp instruction in underserved communities led to the creation of the nonprofit arts organization "Artz for the Harp." The organization's mission is to provide a positive creative outlet for self-expression through contemporary music experiences, thereby strengthening communities.
Lyrika's outstanding contributions to the arts earned her the distinction of being a 2021 recipient of the Georgia Governor's Awards in Arts & Humanities. Through partnerships with community organizations, AFTH (Artz for the Harp) extends its services and programs to youth and senior facilities across Georgia and the Southeast, filling the gap in music enrichment and therapy opportunities.
Lyrika's teaching philosophy revolves around connecting with students on a contemporary level, introducing them to a rich musical palette that encompasses pop, R&B, hip-hop, EDM, jazz, country, and classical music. She authored The Contemporary Harp Method Books, which are seamlessly integrated into the Artz for the Harp curriculum.
In her own words, "Music is the universal language; we just have to find which one speaks to you, and in the end... I hope I will inspire others to step outside the box and try something new!" Recognized for her dedication to students, Lyrika earned sponsorship from Harpsicle Harps.
Onstage, Lyrika's nimble fingers glide gracefully across the harp strings while her enchanting melodies captivate and soothe audiences. As a performing artist, she has birthed a new genre that transcends mind, body, and soul. As a contemporary harp instructor, Lyrika is pioneering a new generation of harpists who effortlessly bridge genres, bridging our past with our future.
Copyright © 2019 Artz for the Harp - All Rights Reserved.
Enriching lives, one string at a time!
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