Somers, NY Harp Lessons

out of my home called 'Hewn from the Mountain Music Cafe''. I also perform in the viola section of the Louisville Philharmonia, and have served as as Public Relations Director on the Board of Directors.

*** Lesson Details ***
My objective is to encourage enthusiasm and diligence in my students towards Music and the Performing Arts, focusing on self-esteem, presentation, and public performance. For strings, I incorporate sight reading with ear training using various acclaimed methods modeled after the Suzuki method, which I am in the process of obtaining certification. I value the importance of ensemble playing, and will orchestrate many such activities.

The TakeLessons.com program has many advantages because it is a completely interactive data sharing system for Teachers, Students and Parents. I believe it will be well worth your investment.

*** Specialties ***
classical, traditional folk, international folk, Israeli folk dance music, popular dance music, others

the distinguished Anne Adams Awards Harp Competition where she has been a main Director for fifteen years. She has served as the President of the Orange County Harp Society Chapter as well as a board member of the Bay Area Harp Society Chapter.

Alexandra received her Bachelor's Degree from DePauw University, majoring in Music and Anthropology. She also completed premedical studies at DePauw after spending her Junior year studying harp at the University of Oregon. She received her Master's Degree from Roosevelt University in Orchestral Studies, and did post graduate work at the University of Southern California in Harp Performance and Anthropology.

Alexandra's harp teachers have included: Sarah Bullen, Sally Maxwell, Edward Druzinsky, JoAnn Turovsky, Harriet Thompson Moore, Kara Bershad, Faye Seeman, Joy Andreasen, and Neva Lydiard. She has also had many mentors who have guided her life and career including: Kathleen Bride, Victor Salvi, Sally Maxwell, Patricia Masri- Fletcher, Robin Gordon- Cartier, Carrie Kourkoumelis, Dr. Craig Pare, and Karen Thielen.

Alexandra has performed in many master classes given by such internationally known harpists as Skaila Kanga, Jana Bouskova, Marie Pierre Langlamet, and Bryn Lewis. She has also organized many masterclasses and events featuring: Kathleen Bride, Sarah Bullen, Gwyneth Wentink, Patricia Masri - Fletcher, Louise Vickerman, Sivan Magen, Sasha Boldachev, Ina Zdorovetchi, Angel Padilla Crespo, Elzbieta Szmytt, Susan Allen, Gayle Levant, Stella Castelucci, Robin Gordon Cartier, Emmanuel Ceysson, Yolanda Kondonasis, and Kim Robertson.
 
Alexandra has performed extensively throughout North America and Europe as a soloist, with small ensembles, and as an orchestral harpist. She has appeared in several television shows such as General Hospital. Her playing,"Is filled with care, artistry, and mature interpretation. She is a talented musician, well rounded in her knowledge of music, and has a healthy curiosity in areas beyond music." (Donald Chen, conductor) "Everything I heard was sensitive, artistic, and had beautiful intonation." (Richard Ferrin, violist emeritus, Chicago Symphony Orchestra).

In addition to playing, Alexandra has also served as the Ambassador for Salvi Harps in North America for the past eleven years. She has given numerous masterclasses and workshops in addition to performing at National Harp Conferences and National and Regional music showcases. In her role as National Sales Manager, she helped harpists from all over the world find their dream harps, learn to care for them, and has mentored them along the way.

Apart from harp activities, Alexandra also enjoys teaching middle school, teaching piano, coaching rowing, participation in sports activities, and writing articles for various journals including: The American Harp Journal, Chicago Health Magazine, and Atlanta Health Magazine. She also enjoys being a board member on the DePauw University Alumni Board and she enjoys working on music startup companies.

*** Lesson Details ***

As a HARP teacher, all of my
students play scales, arpeggios, and technical exercises in
their lessons. I believe having a strong technical base is the foundation for
every part of playing and you can't learn without it. I will set the repertoire
for students according to their technical progress and although I may
take into consideration a student's desires to learn a certain piece, there has
to be time and they have to be ready for it. I have both short term and long
term goals for each student that involve theory, technical ability, and
repertoire: fun, orchestral and solo. Adult students still have to learn
technique, it makes things much more fun and easy six months later, I promise! Beginning students will learn how to read notes, understand basic theory, and technique in a short amount of time, so don't be scared if you have never had a music lesson before. 

I require all students make
at least half an hour a day commitment to practice. I teach mostly the Grandjany method of harp technique, however, I also use Salzedo and Renie methods
at times to fit a particular students' build and unique physical attributes as well as what the piece requires. I
have studied all techniques throughout my education and I find them all
beneficial for different reasons. I do, however, believe everyone is built
differently and the technique should help the harpist play and not hinder them
from achieving their goals. Everyone learns at a different speed, but as a
brand new musician, after six months practicing regularly, you should be able
to read music fluently, understand basic theory concepts, be able to play with
both hands and four fingers on each hand, play all of the basic scales and
arpeggios musically and be able to play at least one piece memorized.
Curriculum is based on the student's technical ability and issues and is
individually created – if you learn slower than someone else, don’t worry about
your pace. In the end, lessons are about you personally and not someone else.

As a PIANO teacher, I want students to learn about music and not just the piano. Students will learn basic music theory and basic scales as a part of their lessons. They will also occasionally choose a song of their choosing to work on chords. I do promote note reading and theory, so I am not the right teacher for students who don't want to invest time in learning the basics. These basics are the building blocks of all music and can be used for any instrument the student chooses to learn in the future.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have harps and a piano at my studio, so you do not need to bring your harp to lessons. If you don't own a harp, you can rent one for around $45/month from several sources. 

*** Specialties ***
HARP - Grandjany Technique with an incorporation of Salzedo and French school depending on the player's body type and technical difficulties. I make use of the ABRSM as well as local, national, and international competitions depending on the student's level of commitment.

PIANO - I teach basic piano for fun through an Intermediate level. Although some students choose to take CM and ABRSM exams, I do not push them. I want students to enjoy piano and music lessons.

l theory.

I strive to help my students develop a love music that can last throughout their entire life while still learning proper technique and theory. I try to help students set individual goals and then structure lessons to help these students reach each of their dreams.

Practicing can be hard for any student, but playing music you enjoy can help you stick with it. To inspire my students, I find or arrange music they both enjoy and that will help them progress. I've found that this not only motivates students but also adds an extra fun aspect to our lessons and practices.

My passion is sharing my love of music with those around me. Schedule your first harp lesson with me today!

in Berkeley; she's also available for house calls (depending on location).
All ages are welcome.

debut with the Suburban Symphony Orchestra as the winner of their Concerto Competition. She was also the first prize winner of the Houston Tuesday Musical Club’s Ruth Burr Competition for Instrumentalists in 2017, the San Antonio Tuesday Musical Club’s Young Artists Competition in Strings in 2016, the college division of the 2017 American Harp Society Greater Houston Chapter Mildred Milligan Scholarship Competition, and she was a finalist of the American Harp Society's Anne Adams Awards in 2018.

Cindy was offered a full-tuition scholarship throughout her undergraduate studies at Rice University. This past May, she received her Bachelor of Music degree with "Distinction in Research and Creative Works". Cindy is currently in her graduate studies with a full-tuition scholarship. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, sewing, and discovering good food with family and friends.

ting styles and pieces tailored to each individual student’s musical taste and goals.

Currently, I am completing a certification in Clinical Musicianship. I am thrilled to be learning about the endless healing components of harp music. I believe that music should be a source of joy, a belief that is ever present throughout her lessons.

I have performed in many concerts, competitions, weddings, and charity benefits across the US and will soon perform worldwide. An opportunity I had last semester included performing as the main harpist/pianist for The Crown College Orchestra. Later this year, I will be participating in the Master Players Series in Delaware.

My passion is to help cultivate a love for classical/sacred music. I hope to instill that love in my students as they learn.

our practice during the week. I accept text messages and emails. I want to be able to support you at all times!

Extensive Training - I hold both my BM and MM degrees from the University of North Texas and have worked with several respected teachers over the years.

Well Travelled - I have performed in India, Thailand, the UAE, and Southeast Asia in addition to performing all over the U.S. - Chicago, Los Angeles, Richmond, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, San Antonio, El Paso, etc.

Short biography:

Sonja Westberg is a freelance musician, maintaining an active performing and teaching schedule in the DFW metroplex. Sonja has been a private lesson instructor since 2011, teaching both harp and piano lessons to students of all ages. She is highly sought-after as an educator, having been invited to teach masterclasses and workshops at public schools and Universities all over Texas.

Sonja has performed both locally and internationally - from the Texas and California, all the way to India and Southeast Asia. Her performances also extend through the Southwestern region of the United States and include concerts with the Santa Fe Symphony, New Mexico Philharmonic, and El Paso Symphony. Sonja currently holds the Principal Harp position with the Odysseus North Texas Chamber Orchestra, and also frequently performs through Texas Winds Musical Outreach.

Sonja received both her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of North Texas.