St. Paul's by the Sea

Joy Slavens grew up in Trappe, Maryland, and has lived in Sussex County, Delaware,
with her husband, Tom, since 1988. She learned to play the piano at age seven and
has been giving lessons for more than twenty-five years. She is also a member of the
National Guild of Piano Teachers.

After watching a harpist perform at a local church, Joy was fascinated by the unique
instrument. She took lessons for eight years, eventually graduating to a concert pedal
harp on which she now teaches lessons.

Joy is the music director of Centenary U.M. Church. She also performs regularly on
harp and piano and offers an extensive repertoire of music from many genres for
any occasion.

The Expressions of Joy harp ensemble was formed after Joy and three students
performed together at a recital in 2013 and has grown to include an average of
ten members. They perform together several times a year at local churches,
historical events, and retirement homes.

Joy loves to create new arrangements of many styles of music. She writes
original compositions and publishes her own music which is sold throughout
the U.S. and has been favorably reviewed by Folk Harp Journal and Harp
Column.