Mary DeMocker

Mary DeMocker serves as Pro Tem Instructor of Harp Music at the University of Oregon's School of Music and Dance, teaching pedal and folk harp since 1988 through classes, workshops, and private studios. Her career uniquely bridges performance artistry with climate activism, highlighted by collaborations with John Cage and global climate initiatives featured at international forums including COP21.

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts, University of Oregon (1992)
• Non-matriculated study in theory and harp performance, Eastman School of Music (1978-80, 1986-88)
• Bachelor of Arts, New York University Gallatin Division (1986) with independent study focus on Harp Performance and Great Books

Artistic & Research Focus: DeMocker specializes in cross-cultural harp traditions including Tyrolean, Celtic, and Latin styles, performing globally from European streets to The Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Her pioneering work integrates arts with environmental advocacy, evidenced by her National Endowment for the Arts-funded tour Folk Harp Music from Around the World and 2020 TEDx talk on creative climate solutions. Composition remains central to her practice, notably Safe Journey premiered at Oregon State University's Nature and The Sacred Symposium.

Awards & Recognition:

• 2019 Oregon Book Award nomination for The Parents’ Guide to Climate Revolution
• Marion Weber Healing Arts Fellowship (2016)
• Three-time Ruth Lorraine Close Scholarship recipient
• Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society membership

Professional Impact: As co-founder of Incredible Earth Circus (1990) and Acchord (1996), DeMocker developed innovative programs using harp music for nature education and at-risk youth outreach. Her Eugene-based Global Climate March & Collaborative Art Project gained international prominence through ArtCOP21, with presentations to world leaders during the 2015 Paris climate negotiations. She also established the Willamette Valley chapter of the International Society of Folk Harpers and Craftsmen, fostering community engagement across performance disciplines.