FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I charge 60.00 per hour for a one-hour lesson: 40.00 for a half-hour lesson. I offer a free 15 minute consultation upon request. My fees for public performance are available upon request.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
If you are a singer, I will help you with breathing,and give you exercises to help you learn new reflexes. I'll help you explore both ends of the comfortable vocal range, and make small adjustments to create ease and comfort. Over time, we'll apply new techniques to the songs you love, and prepare for performance, if that is your goal. One way I work with singers which is unique is to teach exactly one skill at a time, so there is nothing to remember while your mechanical memory of good singing grows and grows. One other way I often work with singers is to record short sections of warmups and songs so that you can learn to identify and correct issues with vowels, vocal posture and breathing. You will note improvement in your sound in the very first lesson, guaranteed. If you are a new harp student, the first thing I will do is to ask you to sit down at the harp. Together, we'll find the perfect seat height and position at the harp, and make small adjustments to maximize your comfort and ease. Over time, we will make sure your fingers are moving fully and comfortably, and we'll help to make everything work better. Many harpists come to me after years of solo study with a variety of difficulties which are easy to solve. . When I work with a performance client, I will ask a number of questions to ascertain what kind of music is wanted, and prepare a list of numbers to be performed. If it is a wedding, I will find out when each piece is to be performed in and before the ceremony. Naturally I will arrive early enough that I will be set up, tuned and playing long before the guests arrive.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Master's in Music Performance from the University of Nevada, Reno. I have been playing the harp and singing professionally since 1989, and teaching voice and harp since 1993. I have founded two opera companies from my students: one in Southern CA and one in Northern CA, and I am creating a new one in North Texas, so my students will have ample opportunities to perform.