Susan Toman began learning the piano at the age of 3 and went on to complete her ARCT in piano as well as her Bachelors and Masters degrees. In the midst of her Masters degree her focus shifted to early keyboards (fortepiano & harpsichord), and she went on to complete her Doctorate in Music (harpsichord) at McGill University.
Only after completing her Doctorate did Susan decide to take up the Celtic harp, fueled by a love
of Irish & Scottish music. Having briefly studied harp basics with Annabelle Renzo in Montreal, she decided to immerse herself in Irish culture and tradition by learning from an Irish master of the harp. After intensive studies with Grainne Hambly in County Mayo, Ireland (and inspired by many castles!), Susan returned to Canada and prepared to record her first solo harp album (Emerald Shores), publishing her arrangements in her book "Dance Tunes & Airs." Since then she has recorded a solo Christmas album (Angels on High), and an album of Irish and Scottish traditional music with singer Ellen MacIsaac.
In addition to performing solo and collaborative concerts, Susan frequently performs at weddings and corporate events. Notable performances include the NAC's Fourth Stage, Landsdowne Pavillion, and the Irish Ambassador's residence.
Recent projects have included concerts with fiddler Kyle Burghout and pianist Tyson Chen, as well as Thirteen Strings, and Music & Beyond. Check the "Upcoming Concerts" tab often for new concert dates!
Susan is on part-time faculty at Carleton University where she teaches Celtic harp and harpsichord. She also keeps a busy teaching studio in her own home. She is the proud recipient of several grants from the Canada Council for the Arts.
Only after completing her Doctorate did Susan decide to take up the Celtic harp, fueled by a love
of Irish & Scottish music. Having briefly studied harp basics with Annabelle Renzo in Montreal, she decided to immerse herself in Irish culture and tradition by learning from an Irish master of the harp. After intensive studies with Grainne Hambly in County Mayo, Ireland (and inspired by many castles!), Susan returned to Canada and prepared to record her first solo harp album (Emerald Shores), publishing her arrangements in her book "Dance Tunes & Airs." Since then she has recorded a solo Christmas album (Angels on High), and an album of Irish and Scottish traditional music with singer Ellen MacIsaac.
In addition to performing solo and collaborative concerts, Susan frequently performs at weddings and corporate events. Notable performances include the NAC's Fourth Stage, Landsdowne Pavillion, and the Irish Ambassador's residence.
Recent projects have included concerts with fiddler Kyle Burghout and pianist Tyson Chen, as well as Thirteen Strings, and Music & Beyond. Check the "Upcoming Concerts" tab often for new concert dates!
Susan is on part-time faculty at Carleton University where she teaches Celtic harp and harpsichord. She also keeps a busy teaching studio in her own home. She is the proud recipient of several grants from the Canada Council for the Arts.