Harp

Harp Lessons

Ancient instrument with strings resembling today’s harp was found on walls of Egyptian pyramids going back thousands of years. Harp has a long tradition of being the instrument of royals, but we can tell you with certainty it doesn’t have to be true in today’s age and time. 

Anyone can learn how to play harp. Harp lessons are offered by our studio as a combined remote learning and in person lessons, with about 3 virtual lessons and 1 in person. Once per month you meet in person. 

Recommended foundation in piano is encouraged, to level 2 piano, but it is not a condition. A student can start learning as young as 6-8 years old, without any previous experience in harp. When starting that young, the teacher recommends a smaller size lever harp to start with, and rent it. Gradually, as the interest grows more and more, student invests into full size pedal harp. If starting to play harp in later age or as an adult, the process is similar and we will guide you through it with care and consideration to all your needs.

The harp repertoire varies, from Celtic, modern to classical. This is a very personal individual preference our teacher can adapt to. Royal Conservaroty of Music offers exam levels for harp, which it is certainly for very competitive and accomplished serious players. Leisure players are welcome to take it at their own pace. And the teacher always adapts. 

Harp is a welcome orchestra instrument, adds beautiful ambiance to all over sound of string and symphonic orchestra. Bottom line, if you play harp, we want you in our student string orchestra. 

Meet our Students

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Our Harp Teacher

Rose Soenen

Harp Teacher

Rose Soenen is a professional harpist based in Toronto. She is a kind, experienced, proficient music teacher and she has experience teaching online too. Her teaching would consist of weekly online lessons combined with in-person regular monthly meetings at Klaudia’s Music Studio. Rose teaches harp to children and adults of all levels. The earliest age to start harp lessons is between the age of 6 and 8. Strings could be hard on fingers, so at first Rose recommends 30 minute lessons. To start with, there are smaller lever harps that would gradually eventually lead to full size harp. Rose would be happy to lead you through this difficult process of renting to purchase. When it comes to repertoire Rose decides which books and methods to use based on your preference and liking. Basic knowledge of piano is recommended (at least level 2 or more) for reading music, but it is not mandatory.

Teacher Rose received her Bachelor of Music in Orchestral Harp Performance under Lori Gemmell at Wilfrid Laurer University in 2016, where she was a winner of their 2015 Concerto competition. She also holds her grade 9 Royal Conservatory of Music certificate in piano and her grade 8 Canadian Conservatory certificate in voice.

Rose is a busy performer and private harp instructor. She is the Stratford Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Harpist, and frequently plays with the Etobicoke Philharmonic, the Ancaster Symphonia, and the Fanshawe Chorus London Orchestra players, as well as being a substitute player with the Kitchener Waterloo Orchestra and the Cambridge Symphony. Rose also works as the Harp Instructor for the Niagara Symphony’s Summer music camp, and is a busy chamber musician, performing with a variety of vocalists and instrumentalists, including Duo Niro, a harp duo specializing in pop music covers.

Rose is currently pursuing her Masters of Instrumental Performance at the University of Toronto.

Harp Lessons

Pricing and Policies

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Harp Lesson Pricing

Initial harp trial lessons are offered at $30/30min

Beginner Level – Level 10

$66/60 min

ONE-TIME REGISTRATION FEE

$50 /first family member
$25 /each additional family member

LATE FEE

$5 /per student per month

Studio Policies

SCHOOL YEAR SCHEDULING AND MISSED LESSONS POLICY FROM SEPTEMBER TO JUNE:

After initial trial lesson you will be given exact time spot.

Harp lessons are online with in-person session every 2 months. Ask as details. 

From then on, lessons are scheduled on weekly basis. Lessons are billed and due monthly, on the first day of each month. One-time fees are billed at the time of booking. Registration fee is charged only after the initial trial lesson, once you confirm your interest. There are NO lessons (no charge for lessons) during Statutory Holidays. No make-up lessons policy: If you are unable to attend the scheduled lesson invite a friend or a family member to take a lesson in your place. No credits can be issued for any missed lessons. Also, there will be no alternate time allocated, only regular scheduled time.

SUMMER LESSONS SCHEDULING AND MISSED LESSONS POLICY FOR THE MONTHS OF JULY AND AUGUST:

In the summer months of July and August we have flexibility to accommodate as many or as few lessons as you choose. Lessons are scheduled ahead of time, on specific weeks and days. After detailed consultation with the teacher’s availability you can choose your weeks and length of your lessons. You may consider more frequent or longer lessons on the weeks you can make it, to gain time for missing some weeks you cannot come in. Billing will follow accordingly, based on pre-booked lessons. Lessons are paid for in advance. During summer months we ask for minimum 2-weeks cancellation notice, or the lesson is considered missed and paid for. No make up lesson will be allowed for the missed lesson without 2-week notice. We limit the make up lessons to 2 in the summer.

HOLIDAY CLOSURES

Labour Day: Sunday & Monday closed

Thanksgiving: Sunday & Monday closed

Winter Break: Two full weeks closed

Family Day: Sunday & Monday closed

March Break: Lessons on the 1st weekend then closed Monday to Sunday

Easter: Friday to Monday closed

Victoria Day: Sunday & Monday closed

 

Why Play Harp?

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Why Play Harp?

Why do people decide to play musical instrument harp? For the qualities no other activity can bring to life. Specifically with harp, there is a tactile experience with touching and plucking strings with your fingers, creating sounds of melodies and harmonies.

Knowledge of piano is very helpful in learning harp. It requires same note reading skill. 

Therefore expanding brain function with learning so many aspects of music, for example multitasking skills like reading music, timing and rhythm, musical expressions, memory. Making music and taking music lessons, harp or other, makes you feel better, feel happier, explore unknown, become more understanding towards other people. Learning new skill is a start of a life long gift to yourself. Consider us, our music school, Klaudia’s Music Studio, a messenger in delivering your intended results. 

FAQ's +
Home Practice Tips

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FAQ's

How do I begin? 

Fill our registration form online, so we have all your contact information. In there, write us a note describing what you are looking for. Pick an instrument based on your personal preference and we will match you with the teacher on a certain day and time of the week. Then we set up an initial lesson time for you. After you pay for the lesson, all is set. Registration fee is only charged after the initial lesson and when you decide to sign up for weekly lessons.

What if I don’t have the instrument and need to rent one?

We have selected instruments for rent, starting at $20/month.

What if I have a child who is not decided?

If you have a small child who is undecided, attend a Junior Class for very young children. Children 6 and up can also observe the Junior Class, or observe some other instrumental class by appointment.

How can I help my child to decide which instrument to pick?

Bring your child to a live music concert. We recommend classical music concert, or some of our internal music recitals we put on every December and June. Show your child variety of musical performances and styles. What resonates with them is the right choice. For us at Klaudia’s Music Studio is important to know what style you like. Classical music, light classics, popular contemporary music, heavy metal music, movie music, or anything else.

Do you only teach classical music?

We based our violin, piano, guitar, cello and double bass teaching on classical music, but not exclusively. For example, student can play a new music piece once the technique allows it. And we also have rock guitar and drums lessons that are not based on classical music at all. It all depends on instrument, teacher and student which way you want to lean towards.

How do I make sure the interest lasts?

Sign up for a trial 10-week period. After this time you will have a better understanding of what is involved.

Do all students have to take the Royal Conservatory Exam?

No. Teacher determined the readiness and it is only recommended for students who take music lessons and music education very seriously. Preparations are extensive and involve much more than just playing a musical instrument.

Do you offer a trial lesson and do I need to have an instrument?

Yes, for 1/2 price of the regular lesson. One-time initial trial class. You may take another trial lesson on different instrument. We provide instrument for trial class for free.

Do you rent instruments?

Yes. Violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, keyboard, electric piano.

Do you come to students home to teach? 

No, we only offer lessons at one of the Studio locations.

How young can children begin playing an instrument?

General music introduction starts at the age 3.5 in our Junior Music Class. Summer Camp is for children 5.5 years and up. Instrumental playing is recommended by Klaudia’s Music Studio at the age 5 or up, with exception of guitar where we recommend starting at minimum 8 years old.

Can I start learning instrument at any age?

Yes, absolutely.

How do I enroll?

Click the Register link at the top of the website, call us or send us an email.

Home Practice Tips

Our approach is to integrate all aspects of music into one beautiful, ear pleasing experience. Importance of home practicing is the key. The studio encourages daily home practicing from its students.

A word for parents of children: we encourage you to set and devote a prime part of their day to practice a musical instrument. First thing in the morning, if they are early birds; or 1-2 hours after they come home from school if that’s their prime attention time; or 1-2 hours after dinner if they stay up late. Feed your child nutritious food 1-2 hours prior to practicing and try not to offer sweets of any kind. This spike in sugar levels will make them tired for practicing. Keep giving them healthy snacks only and water to drink. Once it is time to practice turn off all electronic devices in the house. And we mean it. Even your buzzing phone on silent mode is a huge distraction to their sensitive and all aware senses. Give your child undivided attention for the time of practicing, especially at the beginnings when the instrument feels new. Help them to your best knowledge. A receptive audience is often all that is required to encourage a child to practice. Sit and listen, try not to interfere too much with teacher’s instructions. Reward them with a hug, sticker, small toy, but avoid sugar treats. Then eventually the child will want to practice alone, in private. This is a great step toward independence. Let it happen, but don’t forget to keep setting time for home practicing, set reminders and continue the rewards so they feel appreciated. Each child needs to hold accountable for his or her homework. Both teachers and parents as role models have an important part in a child’s advancement and only when sufficient effort is put in, will we see great results. If there is too much resistance from child it is time to talk and reconsider a different instrument, or a completely different path. On the contrary, if there is a great enthusiasm and practice reminders are not needed it is time to discuss the future exams with the teacher and get properly informed. Besides of instrument, theory lessons will be needed to develop all skills necessary to succeed in music. It is an investment into one’s future. 

Adult students should also devote time to home practicing to progress in their musical development. Home practice gives teachers important weekly feedback and guides both student and teacher to produce a more customized learning routine.

Ready to Learn Harp?

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