Mrs. Paula Alston started piano at age five and harp lessons at  sixteen.   While attending Norfolk City Public Schools she played in various youth orchestras in the area.   Paula studied at East Carolina University on a violin scholarship, earning her Bachelor of Music Education Degree.  She continued to study harp under Ms. Marian Harding of Williamsburg, VA.  Paula earned her  Master of Music Degree in Harp Performance at West Chester State University.   She also studied harp under Mrs. Marilyn Costello, former Principal Harpist of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Paula taught choral music with the Norfolk Public Schools for 11 years and was the Protestant organist and pianist at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base Chapel for 16 years.

She is an accomplished harpist and pianist. She has performed throughout the Tidewater area for church services, weddings, receptions, social engagements and other functions. Paula has extensive solo and accompanist experience.

Paula received a copyright for an original praise and worship composition, titled “I Will Love You Forever”.

In 2013 Paula performed a collection of musical arrangements on harp, for the Sacred Summer Music Conference hosted by Virginian Wesleyan College, under the direction of  internationally known pianist/composer/arranger Mark Hayes, who was guest  conductor.  Recently, Paula performed with the Virginia Beach Chorale and the Virginia Wind Symphony at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach.

She is currently the pianist/organist for the Heritage United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach.

Mrs. Alston also provides private music lessons in her home.