about Mary Amanda
Mary Amanda began piano studies at the tender age of 2.  
Although she did a large amount of performing from that time
on through her teens, with both large and small symphonic
organizations and as a soloist, she fell in love with ballet
and spent her teens as a professional ballet dancer while still
playing piano, composing, singing and recording. She received her
BA in Music from the University of Utah.  
It wasn't until she was in her 30's, after traveling extensively
throughout the world for 10 years and pursuing studies in
art history and art restoration, that she discovered the
harp.  Studying with Shrudeli Ownbey, Mary Amanda ripped
through the classic harp repertoire first, then turned to
jazz-harp, which has been her main focus for the past 30
years.  
Performing all over the world for the past 16 years in
practically every type of venue from small jazz clubs and
concerts with her band to full orchestral settings (she was
the principal harpist for the Salt Lake Symphony from
1998-2001) to 6-star cruise ships, winning countless awards
and accolades and recording 17 CDs, Mary Amanda continues
to explore and share her love of the world of music from a
worldwide perspective.  
In 2010 Mary Amanda started a new career as a
CULTURAL HISTORIAN, with topics ranging from THE
LAST SONG PLAYED ON THE TITANIC, ALASKA,
MEDITERRANEAN PORTS and MEDIEVAL HISTORY to
name a few. With her extensive history background
and years of stage performance, Mary Amanda has
created an unforgettable series of historic
presentations and now travels worldwide presenting
to 1,000's of people on ships and on land.
When in the USA, she lives in Salt Lake City with her two dogs,
Buddy and Quincy.   She has also owned and operated a full
service salon for the past 38 years,  teaches harp to adults
when she's not performing and recording, and is an avid
outdoors person.  
She is happily wedded to Brent Nixon, renowned naturalist
(www.naturetalksbybrentnixon.com), and travels with him
and his two beautiful daughters whenever she can.