By Paige Grover

RIGBY — Nestled in the heart of Rigby, The Harp Shop is more than just a storefront. It’s a haven for harp enthusiasts and a welcoming space for curious beginners. Co-founded by longtime friends and harpists Jill Weaver and Justine Turcotte, The Harp Shop has been serving the local community since the early fall of 2023.

“We really wanted to help make the harp more accessible to more people,” Weaver shares.  

East Idaho’s harp community is more vibrant than one might expect. Despite the town’s modest size, Weaver mentions a surprising concentration of harpists in the area. Weaver and Turcotte, who have been playing together in a harp ensemble for years, recognized the need for a space dedicated to the unique needs of harpists. Their dream has since grown into a full-service harp shop offering sales, rentals, and lessons.   

Inside The Harp Shop, customers will find a variety of lever and pedal harps from trusted makers like Dusty Strings, Salvi, and Lyon & Healy. The shop also offers music books, strings, accessories, and even repair services to keep instruments sounding their best.

“We enjoyed the community so much, and we really wanted to provide better resources,” Weaver says.   

In addition to instrument sales and rentals, The Harp Shop provides private lessons, group classes, and harp ensemble opportunities for students of all ages and experience levels. The shop features a “grand hall” where students can perform their recitals, and the community can rent out the space as well.  Whether you are wanting to try out the harp for the first time or are an advanced player seeking community and equipment, there is something here for everyone.   

Every summer, the Harp Shop puts on an outdoor performance. Free to the public, this is a great way to support the harpist community here in East Idaho. This summer, they will be performing in Rexburg at Porter Park. Come listen to a beautiful harp ensemble on June 18th at 7 p.m. and experience the magic of the harp for yourself. For any harpists that are interested in joining this community, the Harp Shop also hosts monthly harp gatherings. Come play in a group ensemble and explore music history on the first Thursday of every month. More information about this can be found on the Harp Shop’s Facebook page.   

The Harp Shop’s mission is simple. They strive to demystify the harp, making it an accessible instrument while creating a community for local musicians. 

“We have fun,” Weaver says with a laugh. It’s a simple but fitting motto for a business built on passion and friendship. For more information, visit theharpshop.com