New Students

[unknown-user]

Hi!

I’m a senior in college, and just this past year I’ve started giving harp lessons. My school has a program where students can give music lessons to children from the area. I had one student last year, but this year I have four (which I’m really excited about!). The three new students have never played harp before, but all of them have some background in piano and can at least read simple music.

I was just wondering if any of you have ideas for things I can do during the lesson to make the lessons more fun and help the children learn more (they are all pretty young, between the ages of 6 and 10). I want to help them learn how to play the harp well (correct technique, etc.), but I also want the lessons to be fun. So I’m trying to think of creative things I could do with the students during the lessons (or that I could have them do at home).

I’d also love to hear any other advice (or even music book recommendations)

[mr-s]

i think if you bring them candies or chocolate from time to time it will be nice of you, and you need to talk with them about the things they love, you can tell them we will practice then we will do a concert and invite your friends and relatives it would be nice, the last and most important thing is when they see your lovce toward them by your eyes.

good luck

[mr-s]

you know you can go with them all to a zoo park or museum , or to attend a harp recital.

[Briggsie B. Peawiggle]

I think a couple times during the school year, I would have a harp class. All the students come together — there are a couple of harps (a pedal and a lever) and each student plays one or two pieces, as if it is a master class. Then YOU work with each in the others’ presence — keeping the whole thing in a positive light. It would even be better if this could be somewhere where afterwards there would be snacks, and if you could give a little presentation at the beginning…..maybe about the history of the harp with pictures or something that would advance their knowledge….but keeping it geared for their age and with visuals. And during their lessons, remind them that harp class day is approaching and they want to have a piece ready!! My teacher does this, and she gears it for ALL ages because her students range in age from 7 to 56. It works really well. Everyone dresses in a nice outfit (like something you might wear to church) and plays.

Briggs

[diane-michaels]

I started a 6 year old last year, and really, just having a harp lesson is fun to her.

[tony-morosco]

I think the most important thing that keeps music lessons fun and interesting is to find music to work on that the kids actually like. All too often teachers rely on beginners method books that use either obscure music the student has never heard, or for copyright reasons use music that was popular for kids when their great, great grandparents were kids.

Find out what they like and see if you can find music selections that fit their likes but would also be suitable for the lessons you are teaching.

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