Category: Lessons

I have always liked teaching, whether music, choir, handbells, geography (yes, that happened for years!) or harp.   The joy of teaching comes not from the thought that I have imparted some great wisdom, but instead from the reaction of the student who finally ‘gets it’.  That ‘mind blown’ moment of success, usually accompanied by a smile and a long ‘ohhhh!’  I also find that as I teach I continue to learn.  

Two of my current students are at different stages in life, and each learns music from very different perspectives.  One, a ‘seasoned’ health care professional, is very meticulous about all aspects of the lesson, from posture and position to theory, vibrations and tuning.  The other, a middle school student, sees the introduction of a new tune as personal challenge, quickly absorbing each measure, line and page.  Memorization will occur quickly, with beautiful style and presentation to follow. 

Both students are wonderful to work with and both are correct in their individual approaches, given their age and life experience.  We all see, hear and prioritize differently.  Their differences require me to look at music and it’s presentation from different angles, to help understand different points of view and what is enjoyable about a new method or tune.  I might teach the same lesson in two different ways to achieve that ‘aha’ from each student.  It’s a little like comparing children;  they all learn to walk and talk, but never the same way.   

Many years ago my children attended (and I taught at) a school with a Latin motto ‘Siempre adelante’, meaning ‘always forward’. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach others, to challenge them and myself, to continue moving forward in a new discipline and see life from a different perspective.  I love the view from behind the harp. Give it a try – you might get hooked!  Contact me for information on lessons. 

Happy Spring, everyone!

Whether or not you have little ones at home, we all recognize ‘back to school’ time!  It’s a time for new shoes, backpacks and lunchboxes, sports and homework.  If you’re lucky you’ll have time to eat and sleep!

With all the activity choices out there I’d like to remind you of a good one;  music. Pick up and instrument or join a choir.  It provides a needed break from ‘screen time’, and allows students of all ages to be creative, learn a new language and enjoy (or overcome) the excitement of performance.  As a music teacher for many years my favorite moments were when children realized their own talent.  Sometimes it’s slow to appear, but music can be the best confidence builder out there.  The more you play, sing, practice, the better you sound and the more people want to hear you!  

Young or old, learn to play something, just for the fun of it.   It’s never too early, or too late.  My sister, a professional trumpet player, just picked up an alphorn.  She now entertains hikers (and goats) in the highest altitudes of Colorado.  My niece just picked up the banjo, and her brother in law the fiddle.  I grew up playing flute and piccolo, each weighing in at less than two pounds.  For some reason later in life I was more attracted to the 85 pound harp! 

Whatever your preference, make some noise – the good kind!