Welcome to my studio. My greatest joy in life is working with my students to develop their ability, curiosity, and musical perception.
I am a creative problem solver who understands the value of active learning. Expect me to ask you a lot of questions! I hope you will do the same. Together we will develop strategies to achieve your musical goals.
Whether you are auditioning for graduate programs in harp performance, beginning harp as a retirement hobby, or seeking lessons for your child, I make a good match with any student who possesses the joy of learning and a burning desire to play the harp.
Sound like a good fit?
studio recital fall 2023
FAQs
Where do you offer instruction?
I teach in 4 regular locations:
- my home studio in Inver Grove Heights, MN
- Blessings Academy at Hastings Arts Center
- Luther College in Decorah, IA (I take students from the surrounding community as well)
- For a few weeks each summer, you can find me at Lutheran Summer Music!
Do I need a harp at home to start taking lessons?
Not immediately. I have a small lap harp that I will happily loan to you in between your first two lessons while you look for your own.
After that, yes, you will need a harp to practice at home!
Where can I find a harp?
For small harps, there are a few local options:
- Music Makers in Stillwater, MN (rentals available)
- Hobgoblin in Redwing, MN (has an attractive rent-to-own option)
- Harps can sometimes be rented from Groth Music in Bloomington, MN
There are a couple more online-only options great for beginners:
State-of-the-art harps (small and large) can be purchased with financing options from Lyon & Healy in Chicago, IL, the only major harp-maker in the USA.
A harp purchase is a big decision! And a word of caution: make sure you know what to look out for before purchasing a used harp.
As your teacher, I am happy to consult with you as you choose between options. Just ask!
How much do you charge?
I offer two initial trial lessons for the cost of one with no obligation to continue. My rates are similar to most professional instructors in the Twin Cities. Please contact me for pricing.
What should I expect during a lesson?
Every lesson, I will ask (and guide) you as you:
- critically listen to and evaluate your own playing
- find technical or musical solutions for anything needing improvement
- invent creative practice strategies for deep and efficient learning
Initially, expect to spend a lot of time learning technique (the mechanics of sound-production). We will progress to note-reading, aural skills, music theory, musicality and musicianship, stage presence, performing skills, and more.
studio policies
Payment is due for the month on the first lesson of the month (I will send an invoice in advance) and is payable via check, Venmo, or Zelle.
If you cannot make your lesson time:
If you notify me 48 hours in advance of the lesson, I will reschedule your lesson.
If I receive less than 48 hours of notice, I can only accept cancellations, with the following exceptions:
First illness: In the case of illness/injury with less than 48 hrs notice, I give makeup credit for the first such absence each semester (Sept-Dec, Jan-May, June-August), but none thereafter.
Inclement weather: Please stay safe! I am happy to issue makeup credit for inclement weather cancellations.
In the unusual event that I cannot make your lesson time, I will either reschedule or offer a refund as you prefer.
About me
- Instructor of Harp and Composition at Luther College
- 2nd prize winner in the World Harp Competition 2024
- B.Mus. in Harp Performance, Vanderbilt University
- M.Mus. in Harp Performance, McGill University
- M.Mus. in Composition, Eastman School of Music
I have studied with and/or participated in masterclasses with internationally-renowned harpists including Jennifer Swartz, Marian Shaffer, Kathleen Bride, Anneleen Lenaerts, Bridget Kibbey, Xavier de Maistre, Mario Falcao, June Han, Elizabeth Blakeslee, Susan Bennett Brady, Nicole Brady, and Judy Loman.
My students regularly win spots and participate in GTCYS, MYS, Dorian Summer Camps, and the Minnesota Harp Society scholarship and evaluations programs.