Abbie Palmer

Abbie Palmer is a multifaceted harpist, vocalist, composer, producer, recording artist, music therapist, and educator hailing from the Washington DC area. After studying Classical music in college and having grown up surrounded by Celtic and folk music, she expanded her musical horizons, diving into Electronic, World music, and Contemporary rock/pop, ultimately shaping a distinctive style on a unique instrument that fuses the traditional with the experimental. As a touring musician, Abbie regularly travels and performs with groups including The Devil’s Brigade, the Sean Heely Celtic Band, Deò, and her own solo show. Whether composing in the studio, performing on stage, or guiding students, Abbie encourages exploration and improvisation, teaching others to embrace the freedom of musical expression.

The fall of 2023 marked the beginning of Abbie’s musical metamorphosis, as she took full control of her sound by recording and producing her own work. Her first creation, the singer-songwriter album Intuit, was a deeply personal exploration. Since then, her creative journey has exploded across genres. She ventured into the realm of Celtic Electronic with the band Deò, and has since crafted two ethereal ambient harp albums. Now, her sights are set on a new solo electronic instrumental venture, poised for a fall 2025 release.

For over 15 years, Abbie has been a actively practicing board-certified music therapist, a career that began after she earned her bachelor’s degree in music therapy. Her extensive experience includes providing therapeutic support to a wide range of populations facing serious medical conditions. This work has involved serving individuals with terminal illnesses, autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities, schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, eating disorders, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder in the military community. Abbie skillfully uses the harp, voice, piano, guitar, and percussion, among other instruments, to help her clients achieve their therapeutic goals.

With 18 years of experience as a private music instructor, Abbie has taught all levels of harp, piano, voice, guitar, and ukulele. She has cultivated a deep love of music in students across the DC area, having served as a faculty member at five different music schools in addition to running her own private studio. Abbie inspires creativity and personal expression in her students, while also building a strong foundation in music theory, ear training, and sight reading. She not only works with students individually but also organizes ensembles and recitals to provide valuable performance opportunities.