Garland, TX – In the buzzing corner of downtown Garland, Melanie Rich captivated audiences with her recent performance on the Tiny Stage at Bee Hippy. Known for her enchanting autoharp melodies, Rich’s journey into music has been shaped by her upbringing in a musical family, though not in the traditional sense. From a young age, she was determined to forge her path.
Rich, whose father plays violin for the Dallas Symphony and whose mother composes operas, initially rebelled against her musical upbringing by pursuing a career in cybersecurity. However, the pandemic reignited her passion for music, leading her to explore the world of audio engineering and ultimately pick up the autoharp. “I started playing about five years ago. The autoharp is unique because it allows you to strum freely while pressing buttons to mute strings that aren’t in the chord,” she explained. “It’s a lot easier than shaping chords like on a guitar.”
Her recent performance at Bee Hippy showcased her eclectic style and the versatility of the autoharp, an instrument not commonly seen on stage. “Being a performer with Carlos and Manny around is so much fun. They always catch you from angles that nobody else does, and it creates such a lively atmosphere,” she said, reflecting on her experience at the venue.
As she continues to hone her craft, Rich is eager to share her love for the autoharp with others. “I want to bring autoharps to schools and show kids how easy it is to play. They can learn simple songs like ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’ very quickly,” she shared. Her enthusiasm for making music with the autoharp accessible to younger generations is inspiring, especially as she hopes to encourage more people to explore unique instruments.
Looking ahead, Rich has a busy schedule lined up. “I have a show at the Comedy Arena in McKinney this Friday, and I’m excited to collaborate with other performers,” she mentioned. Additionally, she is gearing up for a return to Seattle later this summer to work at the only autoharp workshop in the United States, Daigle Autoharps. “I’m going back to help out and share my passion for the instrument,” she said with enthusiasm.
Rich’s journey in music is not just about her performances; it’s about creating connections and inspiring others to embrace the autoharp. “ I’ve been singing my whole life, and when I was a kid, they had me take some piano and some cello,” she said. With her unique sound and dedication to sharing the joy of music, Melanie Rich is certainly one to watch in the local music scene.
To catch Melanie Rich live, she will be performing on Friday, June 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the Comedy Arena.
