Private Harp Instruction in Oak Park, Illinois

Beginner Harp Lessons:

New students at any age are familiarized with the arrangement of the strings and the names of the different parts of the harp. 

The musical alphabet of A-G is discussed and found in repeating patterns along the range of the harp strings. Red, blue and white strings are identified, and pitch from high to low is discovered through exploring the entire range of the instrument. Sharpening levers and pedals are introduced to explain sharps and flats, which are not represented by the strings. The musical staff is illustrated with the treble and bass clefs. Notes, the symbols for various pitches are identified by their shapes and corresponding time values are assigned. Notes are identified as lines and spaces of each clef and associated with corresponding letter names.

Sitting at the harp, basic hand position, identification of finger numbers 1-4 for each hand and learning how to place the fingers on the strings, pluck and close into the palms are explained from the first lesson.

The goal of beginning harp at Cappelli Institute is to make clear the basic Elements of Music for students of any age and to establish a solid fundamental basis for ongoing study.

A variety of professionally written Harp Series are used to provide weekly lessons, along with assigned pieces and worksheets. These may include Samuel Milligan, Betty Paret and other methods. Supplemental Materials include Note-Spellers (recommended) Flashcards and worksheets. 

For young students, a portion of each lesson is devoted to ear training, taught in a fun interactive way including using art materials. Rhythm is taught through clapping, tapping, marching and other movement.  

Intermediate Harp Lessons:

Further exploration of beginning Fundamentals of Music. Key signatures are introduced and thus the use of sharpening levers and/or pedals and alternate tunings. Students are taught to tune the harp and how to replace a broken string.

Facility and the development of muscle control and finger independence is ongoing. Exercises are presented to further develop facility.

Solo repertoire is presented as a means of learning new techniques and effects unique to the harp. Phrasing and dynamics are presented and studied. Repertoire is developed so that students have many pieces they can play and share with family and others.

Students may offer ideas of pieces they would like to study and play, including from current Pop artists, theater musicals, etc. With development of repertoire, Recital Participation is offered.  

Advanced Harp Lessons:

A continuation of work with more advanced exercises, etudes and more advanced repertoire from Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic and 20^th Century, and building a wide-ranging repertoire with representative works from all eras is offered. Popular works are also incorporated as desired by the student.

Coaching on Symphony, Ballet and Opera excerpts is available for orchestral harpists.

Instructor displays performance skills to demonstrate proper execution, posture and position. Further development of a rich musical tone through mental imagery and listening in addition to developing muscle control and facility.