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Michaela (Mikki) Novakovic

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Location

Region

United States,

Teaching locations

Private studio, Student's home

Faculty

harp info

Harp type

Pedal, Lever

Styles

Classical

Ages and levels

Beginners welcome, Adults welcome, No piano background required

Background

Schools attended

Vanderbilt University

Degrees

Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance

Teachers

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Michaela (Mikki) Novakovic

I believe that a harpist should be informed by a solid understanding of technique, theory, and of the harp itself. I emphasize these skills with the acknowledgment that all the music theory and technique in the world cannot compensate for a bored or frustrated harpist. For that reason, I am eager to engage with each student in a way that helps them find their niche while ensuring they have the foundational skills and confidence required to play the harp well and with love and enjoyment. I graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor's of Music in Harp Performance. I joined the Vanderbilt Harp Pedagogy program my Sophomore year where I was able to teach students from 4th grade to seniors in High School. I have taught younger children piano through a music school in Nashville, and had the privilege of teaching a child with special needs during my time there. I accept harp students of all abilities as young as five.

As I mentioned earlier, I emphasize technique in lessons and was trained in the Salzedo method. However, if you come from a French background, I will not change any techniques that are working for you.

I am a big fan of ensemble and chamber music. I encourage my students to become involved in their school orchestras or youth orchestras and to play duets or trios with friends or siblings when appropriate. Each student, when they reach the proper skill level, will be given the opportunity to study important orchestral repertoire, whether or not they are involved in an orchestra.

My main teachers were Rosalind Beck (Orlando Philharmonic) and Marian Shaffer (Memphis Symphony).