Marian Shaffer, a native of Hernando, MS, has been Principal Harp with the Memphis Symphony since 1973. She began playing the piano at age 7 and harp when she was 19 years old.
To prepare for her career with the Memphis Symphony, Ms. Shaffer attended Stephens College in Columbia, MO, where she majored in music, English and German. She earned her Master's degree from University of Memphis in both music and German. A Fullbright Scholar, Ms. Shaffer also studied harp in Cologne, Germany.
In addition to playing with the symphony, Ms. Shaffer is the harp professor at Vanderbilt University, Rhodes College, University of Memphis and the Hutchison School.
Her husband, Frank Shaffer, is the Principal Timpanist for the Memphis Symphony. Their two daughters, Julia and Mimi, also play the harp.
Ms. Shaffer says that it was her parents and her grandmother who really encouraged her studies, both musical and non-musical.
Outside of music, she enjoys travel and being with her family.
