Reuben Correa, Harpist for All Occasions

Reuben Correa – His Story:

Harpist, composer, recording artist and private harp instructor.

   Reuben began his musical journey on the piano at the tender age of 8 in Spokane, WA. He took to it like a fish to water using the sustain pedal to wrap himself in the beauty of blended sound.   It was way to deal with the constant moving his family endured due to the company his dad worked for. After 9 different schools by the time he was in 5th grade his family finally settled in Southern CA. Whew, finally a place to land.

   Reuben continued his musical education by joining the award-winning high school marching band under the direction of Ronald Large.  At 5’3 and only 98lbs he could not carry his beloved piano, so they gave him the next heaviest instrument…a tuba. 

   After high school he was off traveling again. This time in the US Air Force, where he encountered new musical influences in the Far East, and Europe as well as the Southern USA.    After an 11-year stint and an Honorable Discharge in hand he knew music was his passion.  Reuben was accepted into Bethel University’s music department as a tuba major and there he met the harp.

   The music department was looking for students for the newly donated Lyon & Healy $25,000.00 hand carved, gold embellished concert grand harp.  And Reuben L. Correa was its first student.  He had found his musical passions met in an essentially beautiful vertical piano with sustain built in. His first mentor was Anne Ransom, Secondary harpist for the Minnesota Orchestra.

   She inspired, encouraged, challenged and patiently guided him all through out his musical career.  It is Anne’s passion and professionalism for the harp and expert musicality that Reuben thanks daily in his journey to perform, compose, and teach his students as well.

    Mr Correa credits his second mentor, Francis Miller of the University of Minnesota, with teaching him to teach.  She exclaimed one day.  “You do not need to be taught; you need to teach.”

Reuben has been teaching ever since.  In fact he has written a series of four books of lessons for use with his students. His students have developed a passion for the harp and he has many former students that have gone on to teach, perform, record, compose, and arrange.

Reuben Correa has 6 recordings in his discography.  you might have heard his music being played on Spotify, iTunes and many other music platforms throughout the world.

Reuben with his students giving an outdoor concert during the Covid-19 pandemic.

His Recordings

Sea Whisperings CD approx. 55min. - Celtic and Classic Fusion Nine original compositions and five arrangements of familiar songs: Canon in D. Greensleeves, Be Thou My Vision, Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring.

Mantle of Peace CD approx. 58mins. - Christmas and Winter Holiday music. Popular Christmas Carols with 2 originals: Silent Night, Joy to the World, Ode Jo Joy, I Saw Three Ships.

From the Bottom of My Harp CD approx. 60min – Reuben’s Thank You CD to his fans. They picked the pieces he’s included. Includes 9 originals, Folk Songs, Hymns, and Classical Danny Boy, Simple Gifts, Amazing Grace,

Rock of Ages: 45 min. - Continuous improvisation, dedicated to Reuben’s father who supported his music. His first attempt at healing music starts with his father’s favorite hymn ‘Rock of Ages’ and ends with his wife’s favorite hymn ‘Come Thou Fount’

Our Beautiful Baby CD approx. 1hr. - this CD was recorded without drastic high or low volumes to soothe baby to sleep and keep them asleep. Includes: 9 originals. And 8 baby’s firsts. (Celtic) Morning is Broken, (Sacred), It is Well With My Soul, (Classical) Sheep May Safely Graze and (Healing) My Hurry-up and Get Well Song.

Reuben's Newest CD A Peaceful Journey 1 hr. - Solo harp music for moments of tranquility and healing. 11 of Reuben's original compositions gradually reducing the pace to 60 beats per minute to take the heart and breathing rates to an optimal healing and pain cessation level.  Reuben was a direct recipient of this healing music when in 2016 after the recording process he suffered a stroke, leaving him speechless and unable to remember 5 1/2 hours of memorized music.  The calming music provided an uplifting healing ambience to the frustration and loss he experienced as a result.  He's now recovered his abilities to near 100%.