Hi! I'm Merinda.

Merinda Starnes has been an accomplished soloist, orchestral musician, and ensemble performer in Utah and surrounding states since 2007. She earned her degree in harp performance from the University of Utah, studying under Dr. Cathy Clayton. Throughout her academic career, she held principal harpist positions with the University of Utah and University of Arizona’s Wind Ensemble and Philharmonic. Merinda has been playing with local orchestras, ensembles, and choirs since she was 10, and she cherishes the experience of collaborating with passionate musicians who share her love for music. Recently, she had the privilege of performing with the Salt Lake City Sterling Singers and the Wasatch Chorale, and she currently serves as the principal harpist for Skyward Symphony.

 

While large ensemble performances are a major part of her musical journey, Merinda has also embraced the opportunity to perform in smaller, more intimate settings. From 2018-2022, she served as president of the Crimson Harp Ensemble at the University of Utah, a group of 7-12 harpists performing diverse music ranging from classical and jazz to folk and pop. During the 2018-2019 season, the ensemble toured to Portland, Oregon, where they performed both solo and group concerts at various venues.

 

Merinda’s solo performance career began at age 9 and has since encompassed a wide array of engagements, from city creative arts concerts to religious services, hospital visits, weddings, corporate events, and harp festivals. She has competed in and been recognized at several prestigious competitions, including the Young Artists Competition, the American Harp Society National Competition, and the American Harp Society Utah Chapter Harp Festival, where she has earned Superior and Excellent distinctions. Merinda has also served as a judge at the AHS Harp Festival in 2019 and 2022. Since she started playing the harp, she has performed for over 100 weddings and events and has fallen in love providing music that enhances each special moment. Merinda deeply cherishes the beautiful, personal interactions and connections she gets to create with couples and guests.

​

Among her more notable performances, Merinda joined music artist and YouTuber Alex Boyé as a harpist for his music video, “Still Breathing,” and performed alongside University of Arizona and University of Utah harpists at the National Flute Association Convention at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City in 2019. Additionally, she has had the honor of playing for the Governor of Utah’s Christmas Gala on multiple occasions.

Throughout her career, Merinda has sought to use her musical talents to unite people. She is deeply grateful for the opportunities the harp has provided her and is committed to inspiring and uplifting both her students and audience members. In 2016, Merinda founded her own harp studio, where she teaches students of all ages and skill levels. As a teacher, she challenges her students to push their musical abilities and encourages them to embrace the transformative power of music.

 

Her dedication to the arts also extends beyond teaching and performing, she became a strong advocate for female artists as the Event Chair for the Women's Artistic Initiative, a nonprofit in Salt Lake City, in 2021. Over the years she has held numerous positions working in the arts community such as Marketing and Communications Intern for UtahPresents and Director of Development for Opera Mississippi. Currently, she serves as the Program Manager for The Blocks Arts District, an initiative designed to promote the vibrancy of the arts community in Salt Lake City and County. Through this role, Merinda supports artists of all disciplines with fulfilling their dreams and creative aspirations.

​

Merinda’s achievements have been recognized with several honors, including the Christensen Music Scholarship, the Creative Achievement Award from the University of Arizona in 2018, University of Utah's Intern of the Year, and the title of Outstanding Senior for the University of Utah’s College of Fine Arts School of Music in 2022. As a University of Utah College of Fine Arts Alumna, Merinda has the incredible opportunity to be a Fine Arts Ambassador, an alumni board comprised of professionals active in local and national arts communities that work to advance the mission of the College of Fine Arts. She is also pursuing a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Arts Administration at Southern Utah University, where she will graduate in December 2026.

 

When she has any free time, Merinda loves to spend it outside with friends, family and her incredibly supportive husband. Anywhere in the mountains is where she's happiest — hiking, camping, fishing, skiing or trail riding with her horses. Merinda is profoundly thankful for the opportunities and friendships the harp has brought her. She is committed to collaborating with others and performing in communities dedicated to keeping the arts vibrant and alive.