Rates for harp lessons

I teach via videoconference. Here’s what you need to know about costs and logistics for harp lessons.

Rates

These are my fees for harp lessons. Keep reading for advice on what length of time is best for you.

If your sole purpose for a lesson is to learn one of my arrangements or work on a specific page range from my book, then there is a $10 discount for the time I save in customizing your lesson plan and in appreciation of your purchase.

How to pay

I accept payment through PayPal➚, Venmo➚, and Zelle (via enjoytheharp@gmail.com). I’m open to using other platforms; just ask.

Once I receive the payment notification, I’ll send you the link to the videoconference. But before that, we would have emailed or chatted about scheduling.

Choosing your lesson length

If you’re brand new to the harp, I recommend 45- or 60-minute lessons for at least the first four lessons.

The goal of every lesson is to make sure you are set up to continue on your own until our next lesson. If we don’t have enough time together in the lesson for you to really get it, then you’ll waste time on your own by practicing it wrong.

Lesson time passes very, very quickly. Half-hour lessons work best for experienced learners who have a focused issue or two.

Ninety-minute lessons are best for experienced musicians who are taking lessons once a month or even less frequently.

Lesson frequency

Beginners work best with weekly lessons for the first two months.

There are two main factors in determining frequency. One is that you don’t want to be practicing something incorrectly. Playing any instrument involves nuanced movements of small muscles with very subtle feedback. It’s easy to get something wrong in the beginning, because you don’t yet have the experience to detect that you’ve altered your hand in such a way that will cause problems in the future. The more you get accustomed to a movement, the harder it is to change it.

The other factor is to have adequate practice time. I’m not hurt if you come to a lesson unprepared; there is always something we can do together. But if you’re disappointed in yourself, that will affect your learning and enjoyment.

If you’re unable to commit to two months of weekly lessons, DON’T WORRY. Contact me, and let’s figure out what’s doable. You are probably a busy adult whose weeks have varying degrees of predictability. How much time can you carve out for harp? Let’s talk about a realistic frequency and duration that you can commit to without adding stress.

Same day, same time?

Some of my students have their lessons at the same day and time each week. This stability keeps them motivated.

But most of my students schedule the next lesson at today’s lesson, working around their changing schedules. My own calendar is much more flexible week to week, too, so you have a better chance of snagging the time you want.

What’s included, and what’s not

What you get from me each time:

  • The lesson. If we’ve never had a lesson together, then I’ll create our lesson from your answers to a questionnaire I send beforehand. I’ll continue to work from those answers, plus notes from our previous lesson. If you send me a status update the day before, then I’ll work that in.

  • Detailed lesson notes. I’ll email you the key concepts and next steps that we discussed. You are welcome to take your own notes, but I have to write things down for myself anyway. I’m also happy to record our session, but it’s much faster for you to read than to fast forward and rewind a video.

  • Attention. There are many ways in which every student is the same, but, ultimately, every student is different. I am always on guard against forcing a student to use a particular method just because it’s worked for me before. Sure, I’m going to use past successes as my starting place, but I’m always open to the possibility that this time might be an exception. See more about how I teach.

What you need for each lesson:

  • Your harp. Since our lessons are held via videoconference, you need your own harp. See my resources for getting a harp.

  • A smartphone, tablet, or laptop with a camera, mic, and speakers. You do not need special equipment for videoconferencing. If you’re using electronics purchased within the last 8 years (12 if it’s from Apple), then you’re probably good to go.

  • The internet. You will get the most benefit from me if I can see you, and video takes more bandwidth than voice. As of yet, none of my students have had to upgrade their service, so it’s highly likely your current service will work fine, too.

  • Your sheet music (unless you’re learning by ear). I’ll make music and book recommendations if you need them and point you towards harp stores to purchase from.

  • A way to see me and your sheet music. The less you have to alter your practice setup for our lessons, the better. But if you’re using a laptop, you’ll need something sturdy enough to hold it up. If you’re using your tablet for both the lesson and your sheet music, you won’t be able to see us at the same time; that’s usually okay. If you’re using your phone, you can often prop it up in the corner of your music stand with your music pushed away from it.

  • A pencil. You don’t have to take notes (I’ll send you mine), but it’s helpful to make sheet music annotations in the moment, such as changes to fingering or chords.

Cancellations (yes) and refunds (no)

We’re both adults. I don’t feel that you should be financially penalized because of something outside of anyone’s reasonable control. When a student is at fault for missing a lesson (oops, they forgot), everyone has voluntarily forfeited that lesson’s fee out of respect for my time…so far. If you have to miss a lesson at the last minute because “something came up” (like a work “emergency”), what do you think is fair?

For emergencies, we just reschedule the lesson. Wait to schedule a lesson until you’re sure you can make it, and don’t pay for a lesson if you’re not sure if you want one; thus, no refunds are necessary. Instead, contact me to talk about your hesitation, and we’ll decide together how to proceed.

“Will you take me on as a student?”

If you’re an adult, and I’m available when you’re available, then: yes.

If you want to study with me, then I’m happy to have you. But I want you to be happy, too. If we talk about your goals, and you’re aiming for something I’m not good at, I will let you know what you can expect from me. For example, I haven’t played pedal harp since 1998.

Choosing a teacher is a big step. Even if you read my entire website, you’ll surely want to contact me before booking a lesson. If we discover that you’re looking for something outside of my expertise, I will recommend teachers who might be better for you.

Video or group classes versus private lessons

Here are some great online harp schools that offer group or video lessons that are cumulatively less expensive than private lessons. Private lessons are great for personal attention and accountability. If you can learn effectively without those, consider video lessons or group classes. Get the best of both worlds by supplementing with private lessons once a month or every other month.

How do we start?

Read my steps for getting started. If I’m the right harp coach for you, then we can talk about getting a harp if you need one, how frequently you’ll take lessons, whether they’ll be regular or catch-as-catch-can, and what your availability is. I’ll send you my questionnaire for new students and use those answers to create our lesson. When I receive the notification that you’ve paid, then I’ll send you the videoconference link for the time and day we agreed on.

What else do you need to know to decide if you want lessons with me? I’m happy to answer through text, email, or videoconference. Contact me now, read testimonials, or look through the rest of this site for more answers.