Harp Lessons

in Whitestone.

Amazing Teachers.

irman of the distinguished Anne Adams Awards Harp Competition where she was a main Director for almost twenty years. She also served as the Vice President and 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.

terest, she studied harp techniques from world-renowned harpist Sylvia Woods and later contributed to her book: Music Theory & Arranging Techniques for Folk Harps. Anne is an active member of the American String Teacher's Association.

Take lessons online at her studio in South Lake Tahoe, California, or in in Placerville, California.

FAQs:

Do I need to have any musical experience to learn to play the Celtic harp?

It's not necessary to have any prior musical background before embarking on harp lessons. If you have never taken up an instrument before, Anne will teach you harp technique and how to read music, too. It's a plus if you have some past musical experience, because you'll already know the rudiments of reading sheet music. Anne teaches from ages 7 and up. If your child is younger than 7 and anxious to play the harp, get them started on the piano first. This way, when they come to Anne at an older age, they will already know how to read music (harp sheet music and piano sheet music look alike).

Is the harp difficult to learn?

It's no more difficult to learn than any other instrument. If you really want to learn and you practice, you'll learn quickly. It's all about motivation.

Do I need to own a harp to learn to play?

For online lessons, you'll need to have your own harp. You can also buy a harp from Anne. She uses Triplett Harps as rentals and can help you get started on a rent-to-own harp, and is an authorized dealer if you decide you want to purchase a harp in the future. (Note: Anne only rents to students taking lessons from her in her studio. Rentals are not available to students taking online lessons.)

What does Anne teach?

Anne assesses your goals and your experience before designing a learning path that is right for you. For this reason, her lessons are always one-on-one and not taught in a group fashion. Of course, parents are welcome to sit in on their child's lesson.

What is Anne's experience?

Anne studied music theory and received her formal music education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). When the Celtic harp piqued her interest, she studied harp techniques from world-renowned harpist Sylvia Woods and later contributed to her book Music Theory & Arranging Techniques for Folk Harps. Anne also studied professional stage performance with Ed Hooks (San Francisco, CA) and at the Living History Centre (Novato, CA). Anne applied her formal training to teaching music for the Los Angeles Unified School District. She continues to work with students presenting educational demonstrations for school assemblies. Anne has given workshops to students in the Sacramento Waldorf School, El Dorado Union School District, Merced Union High School District, and Minden Elementary School. She has taught harp since 1987, offering educational demonstrations, focused workshops, and taking on private students. She performed on the 2015 GRAMMY® Award Winning Best New Age Album, "Winds of Samsara".

inning to advanced students. With a doctoral minor field in music theory, Kristie provides students with a thorough understanding of how music actually works.

Kristie also teaches improvisation and playing from lead sheets.

*** Ten Great Reasons to Join Kristie's Music Studio ***
1. Kristie loves to really get to know her students, so that she can tailor lessons to fit each student's particular goals and interests.
2. One of Kristie's foremost priorities as a teacher is to help her students learn to teach themselves. Independent learning skills are valuable in all areas of life, particularly schoolwork.
3. Kristie seeks a balance between challenging her students and cultivating creativity.
4. As a professional musician with over fifteen years of experience, Kristie has the capability to take those students who are serious about playing music from the absolute beginning to the advanced collegiate level.
5. Kristie is a nationally award-winning musician known for her impeccable technique, beautiful tone, and precise rhythm. She is committed to imparting these qualities to her students.
6. Kristie uses her strong background in music theory to help her students understand how music is put together, from the simplest concepts of key and meter to complex theories of phrasing.
7. Kristie teaches a range of musical skills, including improvisation and composition.
8. Kristie has been privileged to study with wonderful, internationally respected teachers. She loves to learn and is active in the musical community, both online and locally. This allows her to continually add to her knowledge of the piano and her teaching skills.
9. Kristie encourages all her students to have fun playing music!
10. Kristie's piano studio is a nurturing environment where students of all ages and all levels feel safe, welcome and supported in their musical journey.

*** Getting Started ***
At the first lesson, Kristie will get to know you and ask questions about your goals and interests, so that she can tailor the lessons to fit your needs.

If you are a brand-new beginner, Kristie will start with an introduction to music and get you going with several fun pieces to go home and practice.

If you are a transfer student or if you already play another instrument or sing, it is helpful to bring any previous or current music books and to be prepared to play a couple of pieces. These pieces do not necessarily need to be memorized or performance-ready; the idea is to give Kristie an idea of what you already know and where you would like to grow.

*** Lesson Details ***
For beginning piano students, Kristie uses the Faber method.

Lessons typically include music theory. Students will be given clear assignments to practice and complete.

Depending on the student's level, background, and interests, piano lessons may also include:
Scales, arpeggios, or études (technical development)
Improvisation and playing from lead sheets (for pop or jazz music)
Composition (learning how to create and notate your own music)

*** Studio Equipment ***
Kawai baby grand piano
Lyon and Healy harps

*** Special Needs ***
Please inquire, as this is on a case by case basis.

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

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.