Today we’d like to introduce you to Betania Rodriguez.
Betania, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started playing piano at six and began taking harp lessons at 11. I never really connected with the piano, but I had always seen pictures from my parents’ wedding, where they had a live harpist. The harp was also my mom’s favorite instrument, so at 11, I decided to start taking private lessons. From then on, I honestly don’t remember a week without a private lesson.
In high school, I started playing with the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory. I was the principal harpist and rehearsed every Saturday all day, while also participating in several of their ensembles. In 2018, I competed at a local instrumental competition and won first prize.
Once I started college, I had a little more freedom and control over my time, which gave me the opportunity to explore social media. Then COVID happened, and I suddenly had a lot more time on my hands. I ended up spending a lot of that time playing the harp, and I developed an even deeper love for the instrument. I started sharing more of my journey through videos and photos, and eventually, people began reaching out to me through social media with inquiries.
The more I shared and played, the more I grew not only as a musician, but also as a business. I kept learning, improving, and taking on new opportunities, and that’s really how I got to where I am today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. I think a lot of people don’t see all the sacrifices that went into getting me to where I am today. I dedicated a huge part of my childhood and early adulthood to the harp, which meant missing out on a lot of things and spending less time with friends. But looking back, I’ve realized how fulfilling it has been. You never really stop learning or growing, both as a musician and as an entrepreneur.
One of the hardest parts has actually been promoting myself, showcasing what I do, what I love, and bringing people along for the journey. I’m constantly thinking about getting content at every event, whether that means setting up my tripod or making sure I get enough photos with my harp so potential clients can see the musician they’re hiring and whether I fit the look and aesthetic they have in mind.
A lot of my business comes directly from social media, so I’ve also learned that if I’m not posting and putting myself out there, I’m not necessarily getting work. At the same time, I’m pursuing my master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences at San Diego State University. Balancing being a musician, entrepreneur, and full-time graduate student has been one of the most challenging parts, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional wedding and event harpist, and I use my music to elevate people’s special moments. What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come as a musician. If you had asked me 10 years ago if I would be where I am today, with people loving my work and supporting me as a musician, I honestly wouldn’t have believed you.
What sets me apart from other harpists is that I’m completely true to myself. I present myself in a way that makes me feel confident and reflects who I am, whether that’s through the way I dress, my hair and makeup, or the music I choose to play.
I’m a Mexican American harpist. I was born and raised in San Diego, California, and my parents are from Tijuana, Mexico. I take pride in representing a community I didn’t always see represented in classical music growing up, especially classically trained Latina women in the harp world.
Being able to show up for my clients and provide them with beautiful music is incredibly meaningful to me, but so is being someone they can relate to and feel comfortable with. Knowing that I can represent my culture while doing something I love and serving the Latino community makes me incredibly proud.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about San Diego is the diversity, the beautiful weather, and the opportunities it has given me as a musician. There really isn’t much about my city that I don’t love, but what I appreciate most is how inclusive it is of all different kinds of people. I truly feel at home here.
Anytime I travel outside of San Diego, I’m always reminded of how much this city means to me. The moment I come back, I feel like, “I’m home.” I love being back with my people and feeling completely comfortable and connected to the community around me.
We have some of the best food, music, coffee shops, and places to spend time with family and friends. There are also so many beautiful places to get outside and take your dog for a walk. San Diego really has a little bit of everything, and I feel very lucky to call it home.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.betaniarodriguezharp.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betaniarodriguezharp/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@betaniarodriguezharp?lang=en
