Woah, I was a kid in a candy shop today! A few months ago I found out about an opportunity about an hour and a half away from me where you could book an audio engineer + sound room + tons of music gear for a four hour time frame for FREE. It was too good to pass up, even though I didn’t know what to expect. Turned out it WAY exceeded my expectations and the audio engineer was amazing. I got to record vocals and watch a master do his magic, and came out with a beautiful recording I am excited to share with you!

I named this one “Hold to the Rod.” For those who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, there is a story in the Book of Mormon that is well loved in the church. Lehi, a prophet of God living in Jerusalem hundreds of years before Christ was born, had a vision. In this vision he saw an iron rod which led to a tree. Many people were holding to this rod, and had to walk through periods where there were mists of darkness and it was difficult to see. But those who held on to the rod through the mists eventually would make it to the tree and would get to partake of this fruit which is unbelievably delicious and representative of the Love of God.

This song is directed toward those who are currently in the middle of the mist. It is hard to see, and they doubt that the rod will actually lead them where they are wanting to go- toward God. It is written from the perspective of someone who has passed through the mist and now can see clearer. The encouragement is to “hold to the rod” through the mists until you can see the light again.

I have passed through time periods where the things I was so sure of felt so confusing. I had to trust during that time that the path I was on was leading in the right direction. Ultimately, I chose to trust that I was not in full control, and if I held on, God would help me find my way through the mist. And He has. He has filled me with hope, guided me with patience, and gifted me with moments of peace that reassured me He was and is and will always be there for me.

Here is “Hold to the Rod.”

Composition/Arrangement/Orchestration/Vocals: Laura Harper

Recording/Mixing/Mastering: Andy Rumsey (THANK YOU!!!) at Spokane Public Library

Hello Friends! I am now offering piano lessons in Colville, Washington and would love to teach YOU! Click on the “Piano Lessons” tab at the top of my site to view my resume and get more details!

Last week I was following some advice given by Andrea Stolpe (a wonderful singer-songwriter and teacher) and worked on starting a new song every day and progressing a current song every day. Then at the end of the week, I had finished a song and really enjoyed the feeling of completing another one. This one came more organically than some. I was thinking about my big boys going back to school and what they needed from Mom, especially in the evening. I picked up a guitar that was sitting around here and chose the chords from the ones that were most accessible. Then I played around with it throughout the week and came up with this.

Vocals, Guitar, and Recording by Laura Harper

Hi friends! So I’m working on music most days lately and it’s been more fun for me. I’m using a program called “Scoreclub” where I am taking classes and doing practice pieces. I thought I’d share my most recent piece. This is a very short 20 second piece, but it was good practice for me, and it was really fun to work on! I’m working on streamlining my writing process and engaging my creativity without engaging so much anxiety and overwhelm. Simplifying seems to be just what I need to be doing right now. Also, I’ve decided that it’s way more fun to write for myself, and then decide if I want to share. It’s interesting how that has changed what I create. And also- I’m having more fun! So I’m going to take that as an indication that I’m on the right track! Woohoo! This piece is entitled, “The Path.”

Love

Laur