Harp Lessons - Studio and Online

My harp studio welcomes students of all ages. Previous musical study helps, but is not a requirement. I offer both Suzuki and traditional methods.

The harp studio is located in the Falls Church/McLean, VA area. Under normal circumstances, lessons are conducted within the studio with occasional online lessons. During the current Covid-19 pandemic, online lessons have become necessary. Read more below about how we accommodate online learning below.

Students will learn to use the harp as a vehicle for their own expression and the skills they learn will transfer to success in the future. Each student receives a tailored curriculum to match their specific learning needs. The studio is a positive learning environment that seeks to increase and maintain enthusiasm for learning music and discovering the joy of the harp.

Lessons include instruction in the realms of harp technique, musicality, music theory, ear training, and performance practices.

Lessons are available in 30, 45, 60, and 75 minute weekly sessions. All students need a harp available at their home for regular practicing and any online lessons. The studio maintains a limited number of rentable harps for students. I also provide guidance for both outside purchase and rental.

Instruction will emphasize:

• Good hand position
• Good tone production
• Effective practice techniques
• Music reading—when child is ready to read
• Changing strings, tuning harps, and basic harp maintenance

Once basic skills and note reading have been mastered, lessons focus on preparing for auditions and competitions, arranging and composing music, and improving performing skills.

Students perform in studio recitals at least twice a year

I encourage students to participate in many different music programs, including the American Harp Society National Competition, Music Education Auditions, The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program, American String Teacher’s Certificate Program and Suzuki Summer Institutes. I also encourage students to seek out performance opportunities in their schools, churches, and community.

Online Lessons and Covid-19

I have always offered online lessons to students for various reasons such as inclement weather, illness, or extended periods out of town. With Covid-19 and social distancing, online lessons have become a standard approach to continuing harp education. Just as with in person lessons, online lessons are available in 30, 45, 60, and 75 minute session lengths. In addition to having a harp at home, students will need a device capable of video conferencing, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Bigger screens are generally better for taking visual instruction. Online classes emphasize all of the skills mentioned above. Please see the Online Lessons FAQ below for more information.

Praise for Student Accomplishments

Students have been members of: The American Youth Philharmonic, The Capital Symphonic Youth Orchestra, Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra, The McLean Youth Orchestra, The Youth Orchestra of Fairfax, Senior Regional Orchestra,  Virginia All State Orchestra.  They have attended the Saratoga Harp Colony and Young Artists Harp Seminar, New England Music Camp and have had the opportunity to perform at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  Students are regularly accepted into college harp programs, including The Eastman School of Music, The Peabody Conservatory of Music, Indiana University and others. Students have placed in regional,  national, and international  competitions, including the Mid Atlantic Harp Competition, NVMTA Concerto Competition, and the Young Artist's International Harp Competition.

I maintain an active membership in the Music Teachers National Association, Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association (NVMTA), American Harp Society, DC Chapter of the American Harp Society, American String Teachers Association, Virginia String Teachers Association, The Suzuki Association and the Suzuki Association of Greater Washington, and the American Federation of Musicians, local 161-70.