Frequently Asked Questions - Lessons

How much do lessons cost?

• I teach all of my non-college students through the Orchestra Iowa School.  Registration and payment go through their office.  Click here for information about lesson costs.
• The Orchestra Iowa School uses a tuition system, based on a school calendar that includes holiday weeks and makeup weeks.  Students who sign up for weekly lessons contract for a total of 40 lessons during the year.  The cost for those 40 lessons is divided into equal monthly payments.
• Limited financial assistance is available.  Click here for information about financial assistance.

How do I find a harp to use?

• I will help you!  Contact me about your interest in lessons, and we will schedule an initial meeting to discuss rental and purchase options.

Can I rent a harp?

• Yes, there are several harp rental options to consider.

Do you teach adult beginners?  Am I too old to start?

• I have many adult students, including students with no prior musical background.  Many adults find an interest in new hobbies once their children leave home or during retirement.  Learning to play the harp can be an enjoyable and rewarding process in any stage of life.

Do I need to know how to read music before starting lessons?

• No.  I accept beginning students with no prior musical background and use a specific curriculum to teach music reading at the harp.

Do you teach Suzuki harp?

• No, I am a "traditional," non-Suzuki teacher.  If you are interested in Suzuki harp lessons, I would be happy to refer you to another excellent harp teacher who teaches using that method.

Where do you teach lessons?  Will you come to my home?

• I teach most non-college students (Orchestra Iowa School students) at my home in Cedar Rapids.  
• I teach University of Northern Iowa and Coe College students in my studio at each school.
• I teach some non-college students in my studio at the University of Northern Iowa.
• Typically I do not come to a student's home to teach, except at the start of lessons to help with harp setup and initial tuning.  I will consider teaching regularly in a student's home in certain circumstances (for example, when an adult student has a newborn or young children in the home.)  This is entirely dependent on whether I am able to accommodate this in my schedule.

Do you offer online lessons?

• As of March 2020, I am teaching all students remotely, online.  After I resume in-person lessons, remote lessons will be available as an option for any student.