Michelle - Teacher #1719

Instruments:
- Harp
- Piano

Services:
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)

Languages:
- English

Teaching Philosophy

Learning the harp involves not only being able to play the correct notes at the correct time, but also being able to express feelings, creativity and share stories through music making. It is my goal to develop in each of my students a comprehensive understanding of music that enables them to play the harp with utmost enjoyment and musicality. We have fun during our lessons. During the lessons we play games, play boom cards, do fun activities, compose, learn the music you want to learn & more. Even during the earliest stages of harp study, I am committed to teaching students how to make a piece of music sound communicative and beautiful. This focus on artistry and creativity enables the students’ individuality to shine through their music.

A supportive atmosphere with honest yet positive criticism allows students to become self-motivated, independent learners. I enable my students to become independent learners by teaching them how to listen, evaluate, and make changes in their own playing. I also teach my students strategies for efficient learning that they can use during at-home practice.
I am a firm believer in the benefits of music study for all individuals, regardless of age and ability. My studio is comprised of preschool students, retired adults, and everything in between.

As a teacher, I believe it is my responsibility to continue growing as a musician and teacher throughout my career. I make it a priority to practice regularly and stay informed about current harp pedagogy trends and perspectives. I strive to keep my teaching fresh and engaging using new repertoire, music games, or studio projects.

My students and I find great satisfaction and enjoyment in the pursuit of furthering our musical abilities through harp study. Through music study, we learn to find and appreciate beauty in ourselves and in the world around us.
Here is what you can anticipate:
 Learn proper technique
 Adopting efficient and effective practice methods
 Developing technical dexterity to approach more difficult compositions
 Becoming competent in your sight-reading
 Studying music theory (the “grammar” of musical syntax)
 Gaining analytical knowledge through the study of musical scores
 Acquiring facility and authority in dealing with different styles of music
 Composing original music or crafting arrangements of pre-existing pieces
 Improving on inter-personal skill sets (composure, forbearance, etc.)
 Gain confidence with performance skills
 Having fun!!



Musical Education

I have ABRSM Harp 8 (RCM 10 equivalency). I am currently working on my diploma with Trinity College, London. I have completed 3 years of the music program at Trinity Western University in the areas of music and education. I have also studied piano, harp & theory with the Royal Conservatory of music. I have been teaching harp & piano for the past 25 years privately out of my home.

Special Skills and Training

I have had master classes with Nancy Allen (Julliard), Alice Giles (Sydney Conservatorium of Music), Jill Whitman (Western Washington University), Baltazar Juanrez (Principal Harpist of Mexico's National Symphony Orchestra & Founder of the Mexico's International Harp competition), Elizabeth Volpe - Bligh (UBC & Former principal harpist of the VSO) & Notable studies: I have had master classes with Nancy Allen (Julliard), Alice Giles (Sydney Conservatorium of Music), Jill Whitman (Western Washington University), Baltazar Juanrez (Principal Harpist of Mexico's National Symphony Orchestra & Founder of the Mexico's International Harp competition), Elizabeth Volpe - Bligh (UBC & Former principal harpist of the VSO) & Motoshi Kosako (Former principal harpist of Stockton Symphony Orchestra) . I also have over 25+ years experience in professional harp performance. I have 20 years of hands on teaching experience in the areas of harp & piano. RCM 8, ABRSM 8 (RCM 10 equivalency). I am also tech savvy and incorporate it during lessons. I use multiple camera angles during lessons for an enhanced learning experience. As a member of the Teach Music Online community I am quite proficient with teaching online. I currently working on becoming a Pro Certified Online Teacher. "Michelle, you're an awesome harp teacher! I would truly recommend Michelle for both online and in-person lessons. She is so patient, kind and very helpful with my musical abilities. Thank you so much!"

Rates

30 Minutes: $39.00
45 Minutes: $49.00
60 Minutes: $59.00

There is a one-time registration fee of 25 $ charged with the first lessons. All Taxes are included in prices, if applicable

NOTE: Your Credit card will be charged ONLY when the first lesson is set up and confirmed with the teacher

Policies


1. Cancellation Policy

Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.

2. Cessation (quitting) Policy

A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.

3. Illness Policy

Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.

BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.

No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.

4. Rescheduling Policy

Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.

Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy

Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.

It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.

5. Evaluation Period

There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).