With more than 20 years’ experience, teaching has been a lifelong labor of love. I am currently on the staff of the Shepherd Community Music School at Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and run a private studio in Berkeley Springs, WV. Additionally I teach long distance students using Zoom and other video technology. I believe that everyone can learn the harp if given the right tools.
Students aged 4-86 at all levels of ability have studied with me. The curriculum consists of not just one piece after another, but rather a comprehensive plan tailored to the needs of each student, including technical exercises, graduated solos, harp ensemble, performance practice, and harp history. Orchestra training and audition and competition preparation are available for advanced students. Students have gone on to enter competition, attend West Virginia Governor's School and other festivals, and win scholarships to colleges and universities. Being a member of the studio should be an enriching, enjoyable, and worthwhile experience.
Pre-professional students can now audition for the music department at Shepherd University where I am Adjunct Professor of Harp. Opportunities exist for harp majors and secondary instrument study.
I have a limited number of rental harps available on a first come, first serve basis, and I can also guide you in renting or purchasing an instrument that fits your budget and needs. Many of my students are the proud owners of harps purchased through The Virginia Harp Center, as well as many other trusted harp resources.
A natural affinity for teaching combined with the technical skill earned through a BM in Harp Performance from Montclair University, a MM in Harp Pedagogy from Shenandoah Conservatory, graduate level performance study at Carnegie Mellon University, and a DM in Harp Performance from Florida State University, means that I can provide a breadth of harp education second to none in this area. My previous experience includes positions with the Shenandoah Arts Academy, Morgan County Public Schools, and Morgan County Adult and Community Education.
For more information, please contact me at coolharpist@gmail.com, or fill out the contact form at the top of the page.