The Lady of Harp

Crystal Sawyer was born and raised in Miami, FL. Her mother is a Jamaican and her father is an American of Bahamian descent. As the daughter of two music enthusiasts, she was introduced to the art with piano lessons. She was accepted to Southwood Middle School where she studied piano privately in addition to playing cello in the orchestra and singing in the chorus. It was around this time that she began playing the piano & organ at her Church. She soon took over the childrens' choir.

While at Miami Killian Senior High School, she played in the pit of the Marching Cougar Band as well as being the pianist in the jazz band. She also began volunteering at the Dade County Youth Fair as an assistant superintendent in the Music Department after retiring from the piano competition. Prior to graduation, she received the Silver Knight nomination for English and Literature.

Upon graduation from high school, a severe back injury suspended her music studies. She began to study the Taubman piano technique, which was able to reignite her abilities. While recuperating, she took up the harp and a new world was opened. She has traveled to the Bahamas to perform as well as being kept busy right here in Miami with local engagements.

She has graduated from Florida International University as an Invitational Scholar. She has appeared with the symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, and Miami Master Chorale at the university. Her studies included music performance and elementary education. She has also performed with the South Florida Youth Symphony, Alhambra Orchestra, and the Jubilate Symphony Orchestra. She has most recently graduated from Florida Memorial University with a Master of Science Degree in Reading.

As an elementary music teacher for Dade County Public Schools, Ms. Sawyer has a student harp ensemble in addition to daily classes. She also finds the time to explain the wonders of the harp to students all around the county. She performs at camps as well as career days. She is also a former church music director and is a former ESOL Resource for Dade County Public Schools. She remains eternally grateful to her parents for encouraging her in a life long pursuit.