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Artz for the Harp
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About Us

Artz for the Harp Logo

Our Beliefs

Our Sponsors

Our Beliefs

Our mission, values, goals and beliefs

Harpsicle Harps

Our Team

Our Sponsors

Our Beliefs

The heart & soul of AFTH

Our Sponsors

Our Sponsors

Our Sponsors

The people who help us make it happen!

The Core Beliefs of AFTH

 

Our Mission

Artz for the Harp's mission is to provide musical instruments for lessons, as well as arts enrichment and arts therapy programming, to students of all ages in underserved communities throughout Georgia and the Southeast. 



Our Vision

At Artz for the Harp, we firmly believe that music education is essential to the development of the whole child. Every child should have access to the emotional, social, physical, and intellectual benefits of music. We also believe that music has the power to heal and provides a positive outlet for self-expression through the arts, fostering growth in self-esteem, responsibility, and discipline.




Our Values

  • Inclusive Music Foundation: We provide a music foundation for students of all ages, regardless of prior music training.
  • Comprehensive Instruction: We offer individual and group harp and music instruction that is developmentally appropriate for each student's current level.
  • Creativity and Expression: We nurture and foster creativity, offering outlets for artistic self-expression.
  • Safe Learning Environment: We ensure a safe and positive learning environment for all students at Artz for the Harp.

AFTH  Atlanta Public Schools Workshop

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About Artz for the Harp

 Our History

Artz for the Harp began in 2003 with a single instrument and a bold vision: to bring the beauty and accessibility of harp music into public school classrooms. That vision came to life when we launched the first-ever public school harp program in the state of Tennessee through Memphis City Schools.


Founded by professional harpist and educator Lyrika Holmes, who brings over 25 years of experience in both public and private education, Artz for the Harp was built on the belief that music education is essential—not optional—for a child’s emotional, academic, and creative development.


After relocating to Georgia, we continued our mission by starting the first afterschool elementary harp program in Rockdale County Schools, introducing the harp to a new generation of students. However, as we worked closely with families, educators, and schools, we saw firsthand the deep disparities in access to music and arts programming—particularly in underserved communities.


In response, we expanded our offerings beyond the harp, creating a comprehensive arts program that includes piano, guitar, voice, acting, ukulele, and arts-integrated wellness activities. Our evolution was not by accident—it was strategic, and it was deeply collaborative.


Through the unique professional backgrounds of our board members, we were able to pool decades of experience in music, education, mental health, nonprofit leadership, and community development to build an organization that fills a critical void in arts access. Together, we created a movement that now empowers thousands through music and the arts.


In 2015, Artz for the Harp became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, allowing us to formalize our impact, secure funding, and grow our reach through school partnerships, public programs, and mobile music services.

Since then, we’ve proudly served:

  • Public and private schools, afterschool programs, and libraries
     
  • Senior centers and assisted living facilities
     
  • Over 7,200 students and families of all ages
     
  • Communities across Georgia and the Southeast
     

Our Journey at a Glance

📍 2003 – First harp program launched in Memphis City Schools (TN)
📍 2010 – First afterschool harp program in Rockdale County, GA
📍 2015 – Became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
📍 2016–Present – Expanded into multi-instrument instruction and community enrichment
📍 Today – Serving 7,200+ students and growing


Our Purpose

At Artz for the Harp, we believe music transforms lives. It fosters healing, encourages creativity, and builds confidence. We are committed to providing high-quality, culturally responsive music education—especially in places where it has historically been absent.

As a Black woman-led nonprofit, we are proud to lead with compassion, cultural relevance, and a deep commitment to excellence.


Join Our Movement

Whether you’re a parent, educator, donor, or community partner, you play a vital role in helping us continue this work. Together, we can ensure that every child, every family, and every community has access to the life-changing power of music.

Our Programs

We offer a variety of programs to suit the needs and interests of our students, including private lessons, group classes, and ensembles. Our curriculum is designed to be comprehensive and well-rounded, covering everything from music theory to performance skills.

The Hearts of AFTH

AFTH STAFF IN ACTION

    Board of Directors

    Dr. Andrea Mayfield


    AFTH Board President

    Mr. Dyon Holmes

    AFTH Board Vice President

    AFTH Board Vice President

    Mr. Sherman Greer

    AFTH Board Treasurer

    Ms. Tanisha Ward

    AFTH Board Director

    Ms. Deja Holmes

    AFTH Board Secretary

    Lyrika Holmes

    Founder & Executive Director

    AFTH Founder, Lyrika Holmes

    Lyrika Holmes

    Biography


    Lyrika Holmes - Bio


    Lyrika Holmes is an internationally renowned harpist, singer, songwriter, composer, actress, and teacher, as well as the founder of the nonprofit arts school, Artz for the Harp. Hailing from St. Louis, MO, Lyrika is a classically trained harpist who has innovatively fused electronic beats with R&B, jazz, pop, and classical elements, creating a unique style all her own.


    As a composer and co-producer on many of her albums, Lyrika’s content is eclectic and distinctive. She has toured the world as a solo artist and had the honor of touring throughout Asia with the world-renowned Cirque Du Soleil as their Kooza Soul Singer. Lyrika has also opened for several artists, including Kerri Hilson, Joe, Laura Izibor, Howard Hewitt, and Phil Perry, and has performed alongside legends such as Al Jarreau and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.


    Lyrika has been featured in numerous media outlets, including television stations throughout the Southeast and Midwest. Most recently, she graced the cover of "Georgia Trend" magazine in their June 2022 arts issue. Her other media features include Essence Magazine, Modern Luxury Brides, Interior Design, Skirt Magazine, The AJC, Parent Magazine, and St. Louis Education. In Atlanta, Lyrika performs at various prominent events, including the Beloved Benefit, The Galentine’s Gala, Forever Young Mayoral Ball, and Truitt Studios.


    As an actress, Lyrika has been featured in the musicals “Grams & Me Live” and “Rimshot the Urban Musical,” which raised funds for the human trafficking epidemic. She has also appeared in television and film productions, including The Walking Dead Season 11, Coming 2 America 2, The Originals, and TNC to name a few.


    Lyrika’s passion for the harp extends beyond performance. She is an arts specialist with over 20 years of experience in music education, holding an Associate’s Degree in the Arts, a Bachelor’s in Music Education, and a Master’s in Music Education. In 2003, she started the first harp program in the state of Tennessee in Memphis City Schools and continued the program in Rockdale County Schools after relocating to Georgia in 2011. These experiences and the lack of harp enrichment in public schools led her to create the nonprofit organization Artz for the Harp, which provides a positive creative outlet for self-expression through contemporary music experiences while strengthening communities.


    Due to her dedication to the arts, Lyrika was selected as a 2021 recipient of the Georgia Governor's Awards in Arts & Humanities. Through community partners, Artz for the Harp provides services and programs to youth and senior facilities throughout Georgia and the Southeast, focusing on those who lack music enrichment and music therapy opportunities.


    By connecting with students through contemporary music, Lyrika provides a strong foundation in music using genres such as pop, R&B, hip hop, EDM, jazz, country, and classical music. This blend of styles led her to write The Contemporary Harp Method Books, which are used in conjunction with Artz for the Harp programming.


    Lyrika’s passion for music is evident both on stage and in the classroom. Her performances are characterized by her graceful harp playing and infectious melodies that entertain and soothe audiences. As a contemporary harp instructor, she nurtures a new generation of harpists who seamlessly merge genres, connecting our musical past with our future.


    “…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!” – Lyrika Holmes, 2016


    Recognized for her passion and dedication to students, Lyrika was honored with a sponsorship from Harpsicle Harps. On stage, her fingers glide gracefully across the strings as she sings, creating a unique and transcendent musical experience. As a contemporary harp instructor, she continues to push the boundaries of harp music, inspiring a new generation of musicians.

     

    Learn More

    More about  Lyrika can be found at: LYRIKAHOLMES.COM

    Find out more

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