Lessons
Debbie teaches harp and piano lessons to students of all ages, in person or online. She has a friendly and relaxed approach to teaching and will adapt to each student’s pace. She emphasizes proper technique, hand position, and posture at the harp. Debbie has her own instructional lesson books that will help you get started. She incorporates music theory into lessons so students understand rhythm, intervals and key signatures.
Debbie wants to help you achieve your goals, whether it is to eventually play with an orchestra, perform in public, or just learn to play a certain song you love. She holds at least one student recital a year so you will have the opportunity to perform. Most of all, she wants lessons to be enjoyable and motivating!
Testimonials
I’ve been taking harp lessons from Debbie for a few years now. She’s both an excellent teacher and an excellent hu-man! She’s a very talented teacher and harpist, and is kind, patient, thoughtful, and just generally great. If you’re look-ing for someone to teach the harp or play at an event, you genuinely couldn’t do better than her.
—Kira W.
I have taken harp lessons from Debbie for many years. She is a wonderful teacher in all aspects of harp knowledge including music theory, chord structures and rhythm. I study through Zoom and Debbie takes care to watch my hand positions and corrects fingerings. She is very educated in all kinds of music and I have purchased and enjoy many of her harp arrangements. I highly recommend her as a harp instructor.”
—Petra J.
I came to the harp as an adult student with no musical background. Debbie has made learning to play not only educational but fun. She is patient when I stumble, encouraging when I get frustrated, and challenges me when I need it most. I have now begun to play in public, something I never imagined I would ever do, all thanks to Debbie’s support as a teacher.”
—Libby H.
I really enjoy learning the harp from Debbie. She is very patient and makes learning fun. As an older adult learner I appreciate how she adapts her teaching to meet my needs and is always patient and encouraging!
—Dorothy V.
I love playing the harp because of the way it sounds and Debbie is a really nice teacher!”
–Prudence, age 8
My daughter has learned so much about music, the harp, and piano during the past 5 years. Debbie is an amazing professional musician. I
highly recommend her to any aspiring pianist or harpist.
–Andrew L.
Debbie has been an extremely patient and helpful teacher to me as I learn to play the harp. She is always positive and has a gentle way of correcting my technique and rhythm. Her arrangements and books are wonderful and have been the right level for me. She has given me a wonderful connection in music to my family, especially my grandchildren. She plays beautifully and is a very talented musician and teacher. Thank you Debbie.
—Sue D.
Lessons with Debbie are always calm and at your own pace. She’s very patient while maintaining both focus and progression of the lesson in a clear and concise manner. The environment and atmosphere is very welcoming where I feel relaxed and able to focus on learning; and the flexibility on what I would like to learn or work on – from traditional pieces for harp to more modern compositions and arrangements from media or pieces from other cultures – is a flexibility I also enjoy most.
—Daisy M.
I have studied harp and piano with Debbie for 7 years. She is gifted as a musician and as a music teacher. She is focused on each student’s individual gifts and abilities, and also supports the student’s individual musical interests. I am 74 years young. I wish I had been able to study with a teacher such as Debbie when I started my own musical journey 70 years ago. I am so grateful she is part of my journey now. Thanks Debbie!
—Sunny K.
I have been taking lessons with Debbie for about 6 years, first on lever harp and now pedal harp. She has taught me both solo pieces and orchestral parts and has helped prepare me for recitals and playing with my middle school chamber orchestra and the Connecticut Eastern Regional Orchestra. Debbie is a very patient teacher – I always feel comfortable around her. She pushes me hard even as she makes lessons a lot of fun, and makes me a better harpist!
—Eliana, age 14
Harps
© harpsicle harps
The lap harp is just that– it weighs between 5 – 10 pounds and can be held on your lap. You can also put a guitar strap on it to play while standing. It’s best to get one with at least 25 strings. Levers at the top of the harp are moved manually to raise the pitch. This allows you to play in different keys. If there are no levers, then you only play in the key of C Major.
© dusty strings harps
The lever harp (also called a folk or Celtic harp) has 34- 40 strings depending on the size. There are also harps with fewer strings that attach to a base so can be played like a folk harp. Levers at the top of the harp are moved manually to raise or lower the pitch. Music is written or arranged for the lever harp. It is quite versatile and all styles of music can be played on it.
© lyon and healy harps
The pedal harp is for the student who wants to play all the major works written for harp and wants to play in an orchestra. They come in a smaller size with 40 strings or a full concert harp which has 47 strings. Foot pedals at the base of the harp change all of the sharps and flats; there are 7 pedals, one for each note.