I have been teaching children and adults how to play the harp for over 20 years. As a teenager, I was given the opportunity to be a guest teacher in another harpist’s studio and from there went on to open my own private studio in Salt Lake City. I love my students and the opportunity I have to share in their lives as they pursue music. My students have had many wonderful performing opportunities including performances at the World Harp Congress and the American Harp Society Summer Institute. They have also performed in the pedagogy training course at Brigham Young University. Former students have continued their studies at Brigham Young University, the New England Conservatory and Carnegie Mellon University, among others.
I began my own study of the harp at age nine with ShruDeLi Ownbey. In college, I continued my harp studies as I pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing at the University of Utah. I have traveled through the United States, studying with a variety of teachers, including the late Carrol McLaughlin, Susann McDonald and Linda Wood Rollo. I have performed for the American Harp Society Summer Institute and was part of a multi-harp performance for the grand opening of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
In 2018, I relocated to the Boise area with my family. I have had the oppportunity to play with the Boise Baroque Chamber Orchestra, the Meridian Symphony Orchestra, the Treasure Valley Millenial Choir and Orchestra and the Canyon County Orchestra. I am the founder of the Treasure Valley Harp Trio and the Treasure Valley Harp Festival. I have five musical daughters, three of which are harpists.
EVENTS
Live harp music will be a lovely addition to your event! I have had the opportunity to play for many different kinds of creative events, including parties, holiday events, weddings (ceremonies, dinners, and receptions), funerals, art shows, and poetry readings.
I have shared the stage at a corporate event with the band OK Go, accompanying an arial silks troupe, and even a played videogame-themed wedding guessing game!
Every event is unique, so I work with my clients to determine the music that fits their needs. I have a large repetoire of classical and contemporary music. Specific pieces may also be requested for your event.
Please contact me for rates and scheduling.
HARP LESSONS
Teaching is one of my favorite activities! I have been teaching the harp for over 20 years. I’m a Suzuki-trained harpist and a Suzuki-certified harp teacher. The Suzuki Method is a music teaching method based on the principles of listening, parent involvement, loving encouragement, constant repetition, and performance opportunities. The method favors learning technical skills through song-playing rather than route exercises. Teachers of the Suzuki Method believe that all children can learn to play an instrument well. To learn more about the Suzuki Method you can visit https://suzukiassociation.org.
In addition to Suzuki repetoire, I help my students to develop a strong theory and sight reading foundation. We work on ensemble music, orchestra parts, seasonal and gig music. Lessons are offered in 30, 45 and 60 minute increments. I teach students of all ages and abilities. I also offer lessons via Google Hangouts for students who are not within reasonable travel distance.
Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited.
—Shinichi Suzuki
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