Muckle Music
Harp Lessons in Ottawa
Harp Lessons in Ottawa for all Ages and Level
I teach harp lessons in Ottawa for all ages and levels, in my Heart’s Desire studio in Ottawa south. Since 1997, 14 of my students have received Silver Medals for the highest marks in Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) examinations in harp for Ontario. Over the years, my harp students have been selected to perform in the Highlight Concerts of the Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival and have been chosen to represent Ottawa in the Kiwanis provincial-level competitions.
I adapt my teaching program to the needs and interests of my students. Not everyone is interested or inspired by examination curriculum or festival participation. Aside from teaching playing skills, my focus in teaching is to foster joy and confidence in making music for oneself and to share with others.
Programs offered include:
- private lessons for all ages and levels (All private lesson fees include twice monthly group classes and theory instruction.)
- Online lessons are also available, including a mixture of online with in person lessons for those for whom travel to Ottawa is an issue.
- harp ensembles – all levels
- concerts, recitals and master classes
- preparation for conservatory exams and festivals
Harp Lessons for Beginners
With new young students ( age 5-8 years old) I discuss with the harp student’s family, the renting or purchasing of an instrument. First lessons include information on the care of a harp, including tuning and string maintenance.
A first priority is to be sure the harp is of a size to be comfortable for a beginner’s body, so that the student is sitting at an optimal height to learn hand position at the harp. This beginning of learning how to use your hands to play well is where a teacher is very important.
Based on the Suzuki piano and harp courses that I have taken, I foster an approach of learning by ear for very young students which includes close involvement by their parent(s).
Initially I teach hand position to the parent as well as the student so the parent can work at home with their child. Learning by ear develops listening skills, but also allows the student to concentrate on how to use their hands to play. This is hard enough, without the complication of learning to read as well at the same time.
Then I teach harp melodies that the student knows and likes in first lessons. As well, I arrange solo and ensemble material according to the needs of each student.
I play for my students and also play along with them in ensemble from the first lessons. If they are interested and able, I encourage singing and simple self-accompaniment on the harp. I have tailored many arrangements for voice and harp for individual students.
I utilise theory books suitable for the student’s level, usually enlisting the parent(s) to work with the student at home. I also encourage students to experiment with making up their own compositions on the harp.
Beginners are encouraged to attend ensemble classes from the start, even if only at first to sit within the harp circle and listen to gain confidence to play. They may learn to play first in ensemble, in a supportive ensemble atmosphere before they are comfortable with solo performance.
If a student is an older beginner, who may or may not have a background already in another instrument, (most commonly the piano) music reading skills and theory may be a part of each lesson at the beginning of taking up the harp.
Harp Lessons for Intermediate and Senior Levels
Beyond the beginner level of study, I focus on the following at the Intermediate and Senior levels
- a continuation of learning skills in solo and ensemble playing,
- the developing of technical skills (finger patterns, strengthening exercises, finger independence ) on the harp,
- music reading,
- ear training and theory
I teach a wide range of repertoire, being aware of the type of music that really interests each student as well as teaching a program with breadth of material. I include in my teaching an awareness of the historical context of the pieces being learned, for example information on the composers themselves and the society of their times.
I encourage students to compose or arrange their own music. A student’s interest may include both lever and pedal harp at this point.
In the group classes of the Ottawa Youth Harp Ensemble , which I direct, students continue to build confidence in playing for others, not just in the group classes but outside the protective atmosphere of such classes. Usually my students will have worked together with a particular duet partner for some years at this point in their studies, as well as in larger ensembles. They may play solo, duet and ensemble pieces competitively or non-competitively in music festivals such as the Ottawa and Provincial Kiwanis Festivals.
In teaching I facilitate preparing and sitting for Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations, both practical and theoretical. Advanced levels of RCM exams may be used as high school credits. Over the last 25 years, there have been many performance opportunities offered for students within the National Capital region for both the Ottawa Youth Harp Ensemble and for individual harpists who have been guest performers on concert programs.
Heart's Desire Studio
What people are saying
“Mary gives every one of her students many opportunities to perform for an audience, which assisted in developing both Julie and Josée’s strong, confident stage presence. Mary is an excellent example and mentor to everyone who meets her. I feel blessed to have her as part of my life and my children’s lives.”
Hélène Leduc
Parent