BIO:
My husband, John Collison, surprised me with a harp for Christmas ’02 which launched my harp playing. I realized the sound of a harp seemed to relax and rejuvenate the listener and created an appropriate environment for prayer, healing and being touched by the Presence of God. My harp CD, entitled My Prayer for You, is the result of personal times of worship and prayer. As you read the CD liner, you catch a glimpse of the prayers and thoughts behind the original songs. There are no words or vocals in the music, just soothing, peaceful melodies.
The first harp to hit the Collison home was an unexpected purchase on EBay. John bid on an electric blue Camac harp on a whim of the moment and then had to purchase it as it was the highest bid. This was all a Christmas surprise to me; I did not realize (or desire) I would become a harpist. I quickly realized lessons were needed. Since then, John has made a small lever harp that is easily transported and is perfect for hospital rooms and car trips. A Petite Lyon and Healy pedal harp was purchased 14 years ago at the factory in Chicago, along with a 36-string Ogden lever harp and a used Petite Grand pedal harp. Armed with 5 harps and amplification, I can play for most any occasion or situation and am invited to play at all sorts of events ranging from concerts, weddings, funerals, prayer services to hospice ministry. One of the more unusual gigs was playing for a Y yoga class; the ladies were stretching and straining to the beautiful melodies soaring over them.
The CD My Prayer for You was recorded over 4 days in April 2009, each session lasting 4 to 5 hours. It was recorded at Catamount Studio in Cedar Falls, Iowa. This studio was chosen because of the acoustical perfection of the recording room and apparent skill of the recording technician, Tom Tatman. The harp is a difficult instrument to record and the position of the numerous microphones is crucial. Tom did a magical job of capturing the rich sound and then editing out any extra finger noises using a program called ProTools. The CD has been used in a number of different situations. A local teacher used it as background music as her class practices cursive writing. Many people have used it to fall asleep or to combat ‘road rage’ while driving. One daughter used it to calm her mother who had Alzheimer’s. It is perfect to use during a prayer or communion service and is appropriate for any situation where peace and calm are desired. I received a letter from a woman who told me she used the CD to help her lose 130 pounds! I have one lady that has purchased 18 CDs, another who has purchased 14! These ladies gave them to people who needed peace and calm.
I moved to Marshalltown in 1980 for a job at Green Mountain as a K-12 Music Teacher, then transferred into the elementary schools in the Marshalltown School system. After teaching 11 years, I switched to the Music Director job at First United Methodist Church for 23 years. Presently, I am the conductor for the community Messiah presentation. In the past, I have directed Annie at the local Marshalltown Community Theater in 1987 and 2013. In 2012, along with 3 very best friends, I started Marshalltown’s chapter of “100 Women Who Care” which has raised $373,500 for the community.
My newest passion is weaving. I purchased an 8-shaft Schacht loom from the factory in Boulder, CO and have been designing and warping up interesting projects in my free time. I guess I have a ‘thing’ for taut strings...
I live with my husband John, a retired Dentist and excellent harp mover and English car restorer. Our daughter Jane is married to Jeremy Anderberg, along with their children Graham, Willa, and Bo. They reside in Arvada, CO where she is a physical therapist. Our son Jack lives next door to us in Marshalltown, Iowa and is self employed. John and I regularly see our children and grands in Estes Park, CO where we purchased a second home that overlooks the Continental Divide. My hobbies include hiking, cooking, gardening, reading, writing harp music and playing the accordion. Playing the accordion satisfies my father’s highest goal for me.
You may view my website and contact me at: www.harpandsoulministries.com.
Upcoming Harp and Weaving Events:
Feb. 21, 5:30-7:00: Janet will display a weaving at the Grand Opening of the Arts and Culture
Alliance Event in Marshalltown. 50 artists will be displayed at this exciting event which is free to the public.
Wed., April 23: Janet will play the harp and speak at the Chapel Service at the Marshalltown
Christian School.
June 6-July 13, 2025: Janet will display a curated weaving at the FACE of Fiber Show at the Art Center of Estes Park, CO.
Sun. June 22, 2025 at 10:30: Janet will play harp at the 150th Anniversary of Immanuel Lutheran Church at Lotts Creek, IA. All are invited to this celebration! Meal to follow.
July 11-13, 2025: Janet will teach a class entitled "Teaming Up with a Praise Band to Enhance the Musical Worship Experience" at the National Harp in Worship Conference in Fort Collins, CO.
Janet plays harp during worship at the Heart of Iowa House of Prayer in Laurel, Iowa.
This event happens various Thursdays. See the Facebook group for more info or message Janet.
This event happens various Thursdays. See the Facebook group for more info or message Janet.
Past Events:
Sunday, Dec. 24, 2024: Janet played a harp prelude at this very popular Christmas Eve Service
at the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, CO.
Sun. Dec. 15, 2024: Janet played harp with the Christmas Cantata at First Methodist Church in Marshalltown.
Mon. Dec. 9, 2024: Janet was part of a Christmas Program given to the Marshalltown chapters
of PEO.
Dec. 8th, 2024: Messiah Presentation at First Methodist Church, 202 W Main, in Marshalltown.
Sat. Nov. 23, 2024: Janet played harp at the Holiday Stroll Concert at Elim Church in Marshalltown.
Tues., Nov. 5th, 2024: Janet gave a harp program at Hawthorne Club in Marshalltown.
Tues., Oct. 22, 2024: Janet was part of a program for Tuesday Musical Club in Marshalltown.
Sun., Sept 22, 2024: Janet played the Camac harp with the praise band at Rocky Church
in Estes Park, CO.
Sun., Sept. 8, 2024: Janet played harp at First Methodist Church in Marshalltown, IA
Sat., Sept. 7, 2024: Janet played a funeral
Sunday, June 30, 2024: Janet gave a harp concert at the YMCA of the Rockies.
Sunday, March 10, 2024: Janet gave the Message (pulpit-fill) at First Methodist Church in Marshalltown, IA. She included a special hand-woven wall hanging to share; the topic was Psalm 139.
Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024: Janet played harp and spoke at Chapel Time at the Christian School here in Marshalltown, IA.
Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024: Janet played harp at Pastor Jennifer's Church in Grundy Center, IA.