Harp Lessons in Haledon. Amazing Teachers.

Harp:
A stringed musical instrument that has a number of individual strings running at an angle to its soundboard; the strings are plucked with the fingers. Harps have been known since antiquity in Asia, Africa and Europe, dating back at least as early as 3500 BC. The instrument had great popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, where it evolved into a wide range of variants with new technologies, and was disseminated to Europe's colonies, finding particular popularity in Latin America. We will start by learning how to tune, seating and hand/plucking placement. I have an easy to follow technique where you will learn the strings, notes, how to read music, rhythms, plucking techniques, and songs. As the student advances theory and soloing will be incorporated.

For beginners, I offer Suzuki method lessons, or a combination of the Suzuki method and other beginning songs/books depending on interest.
For intermediate lessons, I can continue Suzuki lessons, or teach other classical, jazz, popular, etc. music, as well as learning to sing while playing the harp, worship team, bands, and electric harp techniques.

I am an experienced teacher who is committed to helping every student achieve their personal goals at the harp. I have worked with all ages and abilities and I'm excited to work with you! I am open to working on any type of music you'd like to and can also help you develop a better understanding of music theory. I earned my harp performance degree from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver.

I've been involved with harp for over half of my life, and can't wait to share the magic of harp lessons with you. I love working with students of all experience levels and ages. Reach out today to get started with your lessons!

Covid-19 Update: For the foreseeable future, all lessons will be held online via FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype.

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.
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Ashlyn is also a accomplished pianist who as played over 19 years and performed in various recitals and concerts.

I have been teaching harp for over 10 years. I teach with a strong emphasis in technique, employing mostly Salzedo styles with a few French styles in hand and arm position.

I have a series of books from which I teach for all ages, all abilities. At any point I encourage the student to learn songs they like, creating an enriched atmosphere of learning.

I teach music theory, exercises, and sight-reading alongside our weekly studies of pieces and songs. I will help you find the right materials so you can enjoy your lessons!

It is my goal to have students perform pieces with comfort, strength and for memory.

My teaching philosophy is to cultivate a love for music while learning the best way to approach the instrument and learning how to play well. Like any good goal, hard work and patience are needed, but ultimately love and the pursuit of making music.