Lessons

My goal as a teacher is to help students develop the skills they need to build a solid technical  foundation for playing the harp, and to guide them in their studies of musicianship as  individuals and members of a group. 

Curriculum 
Having been taught the Suzuki Harp Method, it’s natural for Nina to teach this method as well.  The Suzuki Method was pioneered in Japan over 50 years ago by Shinichi Suzuki. He believed  children could learn music the same way they are taught their “mother tongue” language; by  listening and through imitation.

In the Suzuki Method, students start by listening to excellent  renditions of the pieces they will be playing. By learning through listening and imitation, they  skip the beginner-student-sound, and are able to focus on technique without the added task of  music reading.

Once the students show that they have acquired good technique and musicality,  note reading is introduced. It is easy for the student to relate what they are viewing on the  page to what their hands are doing. Compare this to an infant being praised while learning to  talk, a kindergarten student learning to sound out simple words, and an older student learning to write. This approach to music relates extremely well to the way children learn their “mother  tongue”.
 

Getting Started

Students are required to have a harp (preferably a concert-tension pedal or lever harp) available for daily practice. A willingness to learn, the ability to listen, and the dedication of both parent and student to develop a structured and focused practice routine are more important than a student’s current level or ability. Parents of students age 10 and under are required to sit in on lessons and take notes to aid in the learning process. Parents are strongly encouraged to work with their child at home; they are also required to assist young students in tuning the harp and setting up time for daily practice.

 

Performing

Performing for others is a natural and rewarding outcome of playing a musical instrument. All students are required to have a solo recital after finishing Book 1, Book 2, etc. This recital can be any location. This recital gives the student a chance to show friends and family how much they’ve accomplished, and challenges them to develop their skills in playing for others. When a student becomes comfortable with playing for others, they are encouraged to seek out individual opportunities for performances, such as for school, church, and family events.

testimonials

 

Nina has been teaching my 5-year-old son harp for over a year now, and we truly couldn’t ask for a better teacher. He is energetic and rambunctious, and Nina meets him with incredible patience and positivity. She has a gift for keeping lessons engaging and fun while still challenging him in age-appropriate ways, as well as educating me as the parent. She consistently goes above and beyond—connecting him with other students so they can become friends and challenge each other, fun practice quests and lesson games, and creating recitals that are fun, welcoming, and unintimidating for learners of all ages. Because of her encouragement and creativity, my son practices every day and genuinely looks forward to his lessons. Nina has fostered a true love of music in him, and we are so grateful for the care and passion she brings to her teaching. We feel so lucky!!!

Shelby Murdock
Founder & CEO, Snake River Strings