PHOENIX (Dec. 3, 2024) — The Phoenix Harp Center, a beloved cornerstone for harp enthusiasts in the Valley, located at 2700 N Central Ave., is transitioning to new ownership. Co-owners Stephen R. Hartman and Willard E. White have announced the sale of the business to local musicians Drs. Heidi and Juan Hernandez, effective January 1, 2025
PHOENIX (Dec. 3, 2024) — The Phoenix Harp Center, a beloved cornerstone for harp enthusiasts in the Valley, located at 2700 N Central Ave., is transitioning to new ownership. Co-owners Stephen R. Hartman and Willard E. White have announced the sale of the business to local musicians Drs. Heidi and Juan Hernandez, effective January 1, 2025.
“It’s a complex business, and they’re buying a turnkey operation,” said Hartman, a well-known harpist with a long career in Chicago. “Heidi and Juan were our first choice for successors, and we’re thrilled to see the Phoenix Harp Center continue under their stewardship.”
The Hernandez’s, who reside in Litchfield Park, AZ, are widely recognized as leading figures in the Phoenix music community. Dr. Heidi Hernandez is a celebrated harpist, while Dr. Juan Hernandez is a conductor and serves as professor and assistant Dean of Music at Grand Canyon University. Their musical expertise and deep ties to the harp community position them to lead the next chapter of the Phoenix Harp Center.
"We are honored to step into this role and carry on the legacy of the Phoenix Harp Center,” said Heidi Hernandez. “This showroom and teaching center has been an integral part of the harp community, and we are excited to build upon the incredible foundation laid by Stephen and Willard.”
Juan Hernandez echoed his wife’s sentiments, stating, “As musicians and harpists, we understand the importance of this business to the Southwest harp community. We look forward to continuing to serve and expand its role as a regional hub for harp enthusiasts.”
Fortunately, Hartman will remain actively involved with the Phoenix Harp Center, offering private harp lessons and, as a certified technician, providing lever harp regulations. His continued presence ensures a seamless transition for customers and continuity for the Center’s valued services. The PHC’s midtown-Phoenix location, telephone, and website will all remain the same.
The Phoenix Harp Center has long been a trusted resource for harpists in metro Phoenix and well beyond, providing quality instruments, accessories, lessons, and technical support. PHC is a favorite meeting place for the local American Harp Society chapter for recitals and competitionsfor harp students. Customers and fans can expect the same personalized service and dedication under its new ownership.
For more information about the Phoenix Harp Center and its upcoming transition, please visit phoenixharpcenter.com or call (602) 341-4277. The showroom will remain open by appointment only.
About the Phoenix Harp Center
Founded in 2017, the Phoenix Harp Center has served the Valley’s harp community with a wide range of instruments, accessories, and expert services. Known for its commitment to excellence, it is a hub for musicians, students, and harp enthusiasts in the Southwest region.
About Heidi and Juan Hernandez
Heidi and Juan Hernandez are accomplished musicians based in Litchfield Park, AZ. Heidi is a professional harpist with years of performance experience, while Juan serves as a conductor and assistant dean at Grand Canyon University. Together, they bring their passion and expertise to the Phoenix Harp Center as its new owners.
For all your harp needs,
Phoenix Harp Center
is your finest connection.
Email us or call drheidi@phoenixharpcenter.com
(602) 341-4277
Stephen Hartman served as principal harpist to the Elgin Symphony (1988 to 2013). He performed with the major ensembles in the Chicago area which include the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (at home and international tours), Chicago Opera Theater, Joffrey Ballet, St. Charles Singers, additionally with Milwaukee Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, William Ferris Chorale (Chicago concerts & recordings plus Pontifical Instiute at Vatican Rome), Rembrandt Chambers Players and (with great fun) the Warner Brothers Symphony's national tour accompanying Bugs Bunny & Elmer Fudd! His Ravinia Festival Orchestra appearances included work with Tony Bennett, Ray Charles & Stephen Sondheim, as well as many national tours with Johnny Mathis.
Stephen was a National Sales Manager for
Lyon & Healy Harps
Chicago (2004 to 2013).
Schooled at Interlochen Arts Academy and Indiana University, he has served on the faculties of DePaul University and Arizona State University as instructor of harp. Since 2013, he teaches privately at the Phoenix Harp Center.
Uihlein Hall with Milwaukee Symphony 2007.
Claude Debussy's Sacred & Profane Dances for harp and strings.
Accompaniment is arranged and performed by Stephen Hartman.
Featured harps are both Lyon & Healy: pedal Style 30 and electric lever Silhouette.
Directed and edited by Cale Pascual of Rōnōmet Films, Jacen Sievers cinematographer.
Audio recordered at Canyon Records with engineer Russ Marsden.
Filmed at Central United Methodist Church, Phoenix, AZ in June 2015.