Meet Jocelyn Obermeyer, Harpist and Healer

This season we will be joined on stage in our Holiday Classics and Carols Concert by local artist Jocelyn Obermeyer. Jocelyn is more than just a harpist—she’s a deeply compassionate musician whose artistry bridges performance and healing. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, she brings her harp to weddings, corporate events, and to hospital bedsides, blending technical mastery with soulful intention.

A Rich Musical Journey

Jocelyn’s musical path is full of unexpected turns and heartfelt purpose. She earned her music degree on a full scholarship from Northern Illinois University, where she was deeply immersed in a top-tier music program. Interestingly, her early training wasn’t on the harp — she studied clarinet, flute, and even played baritone sax in her university’s ensemble under Ron Modell.

Later, driven by a very personal calling, she learned the harp and trained with several established harpists—not just in performance but in therapeutic harp practice. She now holds the Certified Therapeutic Harp Practitioner credential, and she’s deeply committed to offering the healing power of music to people in need.

Music With a Mission

One of the most moving parts of Jocelyn’s work is her therapeutic harp practice. She plays for patients in medical settings. For example, she provides live harp music at the HonorHealth Cancer Center in Scottsdale, helping soothe patients undergoing chemotherapy.

In her approach, it’s not just about the notes: she actively listens to the rhythms of her listeners, matching her playing to their breathing, reading emotional cues, and letting the music speak where words cannot.

But her commitment goes even deeper. She’s a leader within the Therapeutic Harp Foundation, serving as Program Director, and she also works to train new therapeutic harpists through that organization. On top of that, she’s deeply involved in her community as a Board Member for the international harp therapy program.

Beyond Therapy: Events & Performance

Jocelyn is a seasoned event musician. Whether it’s a wedding ceremony, a corporate gathering, or a memorial service, her harp adds elegance, warmth, and emotional depth. Clients rave that she “enters into the experience,” tailoring her repertoire to each person or moment.

The Heart Behind the Harp

What makes Jocelyn’s story especially compelling is how personal it is. She once served as a school principal, and it was through a parent volunteer’s cancer journey that she learned what a difference harp music could make in a hospital room. That experience changed everything: she decided to devote herself to therapeutic music, committing not just to performance, but to presence, listening, and healing.

We are truly honored to have Jocelyn Obermeyer join us on stage. Her artistry, her empathy, and her unique journey bring something incredibly special—not just to the music, but to the heart of every moment she touches.

Each concert begins at 3pm; doors open at 2:30

Saturday, 12/6, Pinnacle Presbyterian Church Chapel

Sunday, 12/7, Camelback Christian Church

More info on our Events page!