GOAL
Nina’s goal as a teacher is to help students develop the skills they need to build a soild technical foundation for playing the harp, and to guide them in their studies of musicianship as individuals and members of a group.
CURRICULM
Having been taught by 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, who 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 note reading. Once the students have acquired solid technique and musicality, note reading is introduced. It is easy for the students 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 read by sounding out the words, and an older student learning to write. The “mother tongue” approach assures success for all students, adult as well as child.
PERFORMANCES
Performing for others is a natural and rewarding outcome of playing a musical instrument. All students present a solo recital after finishing Book 1, Book 2, etc. This recital can be at any location and allows the student to demonstrate how much they’ve accomplished, while challenging themselves to develop confidence in playing for others. At this point they are encouraged to seek out individual opportunities for performances, such as for school, church, and family events.
GETTING STARTED
Students need a harp available for daily practice, preferably a lever harp or pedal harp with concert-tension strings. A willingness to learn, the ability to listen, and the dedication of both parent and child to develop a structured and focused practice routine are more important than a student’s current level of ability. Parents of students age 10 and under are required to sit in on lessons and to take notes which aid in the learning process as they work at home. Tuning the harp for young students and setting up time for daily practice are also the parents responsibility.
DOWNLOAD
Download a new student form. Bring the filled out copy to your first leson. Parents of students, please fill out the New Student Form for partents, and bring to first lesson.
New Student Form for students
New Student Form for parents
LOCATION
Lessons take place at Nina’s home, located in Thayne, WY.
For more information or answers to your questions contact Nina.
