Harp Lessons in Brighton. Amazing Teachers.

Music has the power to transport us to another time and place. Ever since a young age, Ashlyn Riley has found great joy and satisfaction in making music and sharing it with people. Ashlyn Riley is an accomplished harpist who has performed solo and with various orchestras and ensembles in North Alabama since 2007. She was the principal harpist for the Shoals Symphony Orchestra at UNA for four years and graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor's Degree in Music. Ashlyn continues to perform with her 1900s Wurlitzer harp for various events while she is pursuing a certification in Music Therapy at UA.
​
Ashlyn is also a accomplished pianist who as played over twelve years and performed in various recitals and concerts.

I am a very experienced harpist, holding over 20 years of experience. I have performed in over 4,000 concerts and have had the privilege of performing as the Principal Harpist at St. Petersburg Opera Theatre and Mariinsky Theatre in Russia. I also hold a Master’s degree in Harp from the St. Petersburg Conservatory in Russia.

I am a harpist at heart since the day I set my eyes on this angelic instrument at the age of 12. Every sound made is immediately comforting and soothing. My experience ranges from teaching children and adults of all backgrounds. I founded Harp4all Music Conservatory and have regular harp ensemble practices and recitals. I teach from several method books including Harp Olympics and Fun From the First. My teachers Pre collge harp at Jacob’s School of Music in Bloomington under direction of Susann McDonald, private study and masterclasses with Susann McDonald, Elizabeth Richter, Ellie Choate. Susann McDonald has strongly influenced my teaching style and performance.

I teach Harp lessons to students of all levels and ages. You do not need to own a Harp, to begin lessons. I rent Harps to Students, and gear the lessons to your interests and abilities. It is a great instrument!

She wanted to share her gift of music with others and started teaching harp lessons when she was 17. Lydia was hired on as a teacher with a local professional music company and worked there for 4 years. During that time she continued her education and received the necessary training on how to effectively teach students of any age.

As a music teacher of over 10 years I take a fun but structured approach to learning the harp. I've taught all ages and I individually work with each student to help them learn the music that they want to and reach the goals that they set for themselves. I also have a large emphasis on hand position and help my students have the very best technique so they can play their very best. We will typically start with exercises and technique and then move to music. I will then send written individual feedback after the lesson to help remind the student of what we are working on. I hope to have the chance to share my love of music with you!