Calvin Arsenia, a Kansas City-based harpist, defies the traditional “girly” reputation of the instrument and strives to expand its appeal. He recalls his first encounter with the harp at the age of four, an experience that left a lasting impact on him. Growing up, Arsenia initially pursued guitar and piano, and like many men in his hyper-masculine environment, he considered the harp an unattainable instrument because it was stereotypically seen as something only women played. This perception led him to shy away from his interest in the harp until later in life.
When Arsenia decided to live authentically and create music on his own terms, he taught himself to play the harp before moving to Scotland to study under local harpists in the country renowned for the instrument. Upon returning to Kansas City, Arsenia set out to challenge the stereotypes surrounding the harp, using his music to prove that the instrument belongs to all, transcending its status as a luxury or feminine instrument.
In a recent interview, Arsenia shared his thoughts on pursuing happiness, broadening the public’s understanding of classical instruments, and introducing more people to the harp.
Arsenia grew up in the suburbs of Olathe, where he was deeply involved in choir, both at church and school. His early exposure to music included learning guitar and piano, and he participated in various larger churches in South Kansas City. Through these experiences, Arsenia discovered that music had the unique power to bring people together and create moments of transcendence that conversation alone couldn’t achieve.
At the age of 20, he traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland, on a church trip where music served as an outreach tool to connect with the local community. During his time there, Arsenia made significant life decisions and realized his passion for bringing people together through music and storytelling, albeit outside the confines of church settings.
Arsenia always had a fascination with the harp. The first time he saw the instrument was at the age of four, an experience he still recalls vividly. However, growing up as an African American male in a masculine environment, he was hesitant to pursue the harp because of the gender stereotypes attached to it. As a result, he didn’t start playing the harp until he was 20 years old.
Determined to follow his passion, Arsenia rented a harp in Kansas City and, unable to afford formal lessons, turned to YouTube tutorials. After a year of self-teaching, he moved to Scotland, where he studied under professional harpists in a country where the harp is considered the national instrument. Upon returning to Kansas City at the age of 24, Arsenia embarked on his career as a harpist and singer-songwriter.
Arsenia views the harp as a class-divided instrument, primarily because of its high cost and the fact that many people lack access to it. Through his work, he aims to make the harp more accessible to the public, shedding the image of it being a luxury item and instead positioning it as a medium for telling stories that resonate with everyone.
One of the significant challenges Arsenia faces in his career is the physical demand of moving and maintaining the harp. The instrument is heavy, difficult to tune, and requires substantial effort to transport. In fact, Arsenia had to buy a minivan specifically for this purpose. Additionally, learning the harp proved to be a time-consuming endeavor, requiring many hours of practice and the guidance of multiple teachers before he could perform as he does today.
Arsenia believes that his music offers a sense of permission for others to embrace their creativity and express their individuality. He aims to create spaces where people can be true to themselves and enjoy life’s finer things without shame. He hopes that his work encourages others to be authentic and feel empowered.
For Arsenia, challenging stereotypes and representing marginalized groups through his music is the most rewarding aspect of his career. He often refers to his harp as the “Trojan Horse,” as it opens doors for him in places where he might not have gained access with any other instrument.
Many people mistakenly assume that harp music is calm and peaceful, potentially dull or unengaging. Arsenia, however, embraces a more dynamic approach to the instrument, exploring a wide range of emotions in his performances. While harp music is often associated with tranquility, Arsenia’s music challenges that expectation, offering a different, more energetic experience. He refers to the harp as a “chord machine” for its capacity to create rich, extended chords with a unique range.
Arsenia advises aspiring musicians to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. He encourages them to stay curious, try new things, and remain excited about the journey, regardless of the challenges they may encounter along the way.
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