donna-benier

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Viewing 10 posts - 16 through 25 (of 25 total)
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  • in reply to: web sites #168144
    donna-benier
    Member

    Tammy, I put this list together for our Rochester Harp Network people last year; most are probably still current sites. (All are preceded by www.)

    in reply to: How do you teach theory to harp students? #89035
    donna-benier
    Member

    Kela, learning theory, how to pluck strings, how to read notes, how to read and play dynamics is all integrated into every lesson for me with my students. Many of my harp students have previously learned another instrument, so they come to me already reading music. However, with the ones who are truly beginners to music, I start out teaching them to read notes, a few at a time. I use flashcards (that I desktop publish and have laminated myself) for the notes, as well as the harp strings. Part of the homework and part of the lesson is to work through the flashcards. I add more and more flashcards until they have learned all the notes on the staff. Each week as they are learning more notes, I incorporate songs that include those notes.

    in reply to: notation for pedal for a glissando. #89521
    donna-benier
    Member

    Jose, This is going to be hard to explain without drawing it. There are 7 pedals on the harp. On the left side, in order from fartherest to nearest the harpist: D,C,B. On the right side, from nearest to fartherest: E,F,G,A.

    in reply to: Are harpists able to make a living by giving lessons? #89343
    donna-benier
    Member

    Hi, Kathryn. I haven’t met you yet. Do you know there’s a Rochester Harp Network that meets monthly Sept-May? Several of us are teachers; many are students. We’d love to have you. Our group is easygoing and informal; you can get a lot of answers!! Write me at benier_d@hotmail.com Donna

    donna-benier
    Member

    Try to find a good harp teacher in your area. She/he will have many books in mind to help Angela get started.

    in reply to: Dyslexic students #89244
    donna-benier
    Member

    If her mom has her assessed and gets help for her, the training is still going to take awhile before she learns how to process the data she sees into something she can read.

    in reply to: Dry, splitting, cracking, bleeding finger tips #157780
    donna-benier
    Member

    Hi Pat. I haven’t heard of that cream, but I always use a thick lotion with glycerin in it. A lot of times, I find it on display in several scents in “gift shops”.

    in reply to: Problems with jr. high students #89660
    donna-benier
    Member

    Explain to her and put it in writing that a substantial part of her grade will be based on proper technique. Without short nails, she absolutely cannot do proper technique. So, unfortunately, if she doesn’t cut her nails, you will be forced to fail her!

    in reply to: How do I get kids to follow the right technique? #89623
    donna-benier
    Member

    Hi, Helen. I have a few suggestions, but you may have thought of all of these! Since your adults aren’t having problems, could it be the height of the stool, either at your place or at the student’s home where they practice, is causing them to reposition their hands? Give them an actual photo of hand placement and tell them to put it near their harps and compare their hands to the photo when they practice. Gently hold their wrists as they play something, and explain to them how it should feel if it’s right, and how it feels when it’s wrong.

    in reply to: How do I get kids to follow the right technique? #89624
    donna-benier
    Member

    Oh, yes! and most importantly of all, pour on the praise when they are doing it correctly! Positive reinforcement and a big smile goes a long way. Children really do want to please!

Viewing 10 posts - 16 through 25 (of 25 total)