HARP LESSONS
Michelle has been teaching harp for 10 years, beginning at Pacific Harps in Pasdena, and for the past 9 years, in her private studio in Woodland Hills. She enjoys teaching children and adults and teaches both note reading as well as standard harp technique. Though her early instruction was in classical harp, she performs professionally as a pop and jazz harpist in the Los Angeles area. She believes in the development of strong classical technique as a basis for playing all genres of music on the harp.
BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE INSTRUCTION ON LEVER AND PEDAL HARP -
teaching the basics of hand position and tone quality, as well as note reading for students new to music.
Children -
My philosophy when it comes to kids and music lessons is that music should be fun! Yes, it requires some work, but there must be some fun involved, or kids will lose interest. I find that harp instruction seems to work best starting around the age of 8 or 9. Each child is, of course different though, and a great deal depends on their own level of interest and motivation. A year or two of piano is a great background from which to begin the harp, but not essential.
Adults -
I love helping adults achieve what is often a lifelong dream of playing the harp!. It is amazing to watch what they can learn in even a short period of time, and how meaningful it can become to them. My adult students have come from varied backgrounds, those with lots of musical experience, and several with no musical experience at all. What they have learned has, I think, been equally rewarding.
ADVANCED POP AND JAZZ ON THE PEDAL HARP -
This is one of my favorite things to do. I truly enjoy working with intermediate and advanced harpists who are interested in learning to play pop and jazz harp on the harp. I know from experience that it isn’t always a smooth transition. Fortunately, I’ve had some amazing teachers over the years including Harvi Griffen, Dr. Carrol McLaughlin, Paul Hurst, Carol Robbins and Stella Castelucci. I’ve also benefitted from years of attendance and perfomance at many of the past Pop and Jazz Harp Festivals. Studies include contemporary theory, musical expression, and techniques for arranging for contemporary music for the harp.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES -
Students are invited to perform in an annual Spring Recital as well as occasional group lessons.
HARP RENTALS -
please contact Michelle for harp rental referrals.