Luc Vanlaere, harpist, composer, singer, and instrument builder
In the historic streets of Bruges lurks a unique gem of musical genius: Luc Vanlaere (72). A humble man, but with his mini harp museum known as the best free attraction in the world. He shares his journey from the depths of disappointment to the heights of fulfillment. “I’ve always known there was something with me and music, but I had no idea what that would look like”
A Failed Dream
From an early age on, music played a significant role in Luc Vanlaere’s life. In his younger years, he played the guitar and even recorded some songs. “I had made two albums, I sang and played the guitar. My first album received some attention, but my second record was a bit of a flop,” recalls Luc. “I loved making music immensely, but with a family of two children and a busy professional life, I had to let go of that dream. Afterwards, my guitar hung on the wall for years, almost like a forgotten youthful folly.”
“I felt like a failure, but years later, it turned out that I was wrong.”
After the disappointment of his second album, Luc believed for a long time that he had failed. “I felt like I had a job to make a living, but that my real passion for music had failed. I felt like a failure, but years later, it turned out that I was wrong.”
Musical Late Bloomer
After years of not making music, Luc began to miss that aspect of his life immensely. When he was in Italy and saw a harpist playing on the street, he felt the urge to pursue music again. “I sat down beside that musician on the street, started listening, and decided that I wanted to learn to play the harp,” explains the musician. “He might not know it, but that harpist in Italy completely changed my life.”
“I was a real late bloomer,” laughs Luc. “When I was 44, I went to the music academy with the idea of learning to play the harp solely for my pleasure.” At that time, he rented a harp and was in class with 8-year-old children. But thanks to his musical background, Luc already had some experience with strings. “I took private lessons, and when I mastered the finger combinations, I eventually bought a harp and recorded a CD with my own songs.”
The First Steps
When Luc was walking near a castle some time later, inspiration struck. “The idea of the harpist on the street in Italy was still in the back of my mind. There was an event going on, and I really wanted to play there. I approached the organizer and suggested playing for free and placing my CDs next to me. He gave me a spot next to a fountain, which was unbelievable to me. It’s still one of the most beautiful memories I have.”
Since that day, Luc has been playing everywhere, always for free, always bringing CDs. “I never asked for money, but I still made a living. I often came home with money in my pocket, I had a great time, and the people around me were happy. What’s more beautiful than that?” says Luc. At that moment, he decided to quit his conventional job and pursue a music career.
A Magical Formula
“My formula is based on the principle of give and take,” says Luc. “People often tell me they love my music, but they also give something for it. You can’t play for free all the time and sustain it. But if that balance is there, then it works perfectly. I don’t come to my museum with a sense of work. I come here wagging my tail.”
“It doesn’t matter what you want to do; it comes down to being different and doing something with your uniqueness.”
An Exploration
As a child, Luc was a bad student with a strong sense of freedom. “I was rebellious, a bit of an outsider in my family. Sometimes I think my parents felt like they hadn’t raised or understood me well, but that’s not true. I just had to discover my path. I would have liked to share all of this with them, but ultimately, the most important thing is that I found happiness in my own way,” concludes Luc.
“I believe many people often don’t dare to believe in themselves, my younger self included. I always thought I couldn’t do it. But you can. I always knew there was something with music, but only I could figure it out. The only advice I can give is to stay true to yourself and don’t try to copy what everyone else is doing. It doesn’t matter what you want to do; it comes down to being different and doing something with your uniqueness. It doesn’t have to be difficult, but it must come from within you.”
About Luc Vanlaere
Luc Vanlaere is a harpist, composer, singer, and instrument maker from Bruges. His mini harp museum is known worldwide as the best free attraction. Through the idea of “sharing” instead of selling tickets, all people can be part of his sound experience.
About The Daily Duo
With The Daily Duo, the founders, Roddy and Céline, set out to find a less conventional way of life – life less ordinary. Through challenges, interviews, and adventures, they hope to inspire other people to do the same. With this project, the journalistic duo seeks an answer to the question “Is it possible for people to make money from their less conventional passions?”.
About Passion In Focus
Passion in Focus is a project by The Daily Duo dedicated to showcasing the inspiring stories of individuals who have turned their unconventional passions into successful careers. Through in-depth interviews with artists, musicians, writers, and more, we explore the journey of pursuing one’s dreams against societal norms. Our mission is to challenge the notion that unconventional passions cannot lead to financial success while inspiring others to fearlessly pursue their own aspirations.