About Us

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.