| Clara M. Czegeny, Master Piano Teacher |
| |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
| © PARIS ACADEMY OF MUSIC 2015 | Paris, Ontario, Canada | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use |
| Tune in Often |
HARP FAQ “To teach, is to touch a life forever.” It has been especially rewarding for us to observe beginning students who come to their first class with trepidation gradually shed their cocoon and emerge on vibrant wings of song Q: I am a beginner, no experience with music, is that ok? Most certainly! The most important thing is not how much you bring to your lessons, but rather how much you are able to gain from them. We welcome anyone who has the heart to learn! Q: Do you teach adult students? Yes. In fact, half of our students have been beginning adult students. Every student comes with their own unique set of aspirations, and it is our pleasure to help guide them whether it is to realize a new goal, or is to re-visit a previous interest. We believe music lessons are for everyone, and the joy of learning should have no boundary! Q. What does your program focus on? Lessons are in one-on-one format, and they will focus on technique, music-reading skills, rhythm, repertoire, music history and creativity. More advanced students will learn about performing skills, ensemble skills, sound projection, musicianship, sight- reading, theory and arranging skills. Q. What does your studio offer?” Our Studio is equipped with several harps of various types and sizes. It consists of large amount of teaching materials including sheet music, books about harps, harp history, musician’s health and interests, classical music, composers and music dictionaries. Students are encouraged to broaden their horizons by researching online, attending live concerts, and exploring art forms of all kinds as part of their studies. Exam Preparation for Royal Conservatory of Music Exams, auditions, music festivals and competitions is available. Q. What is your perspective as a harp teacher, and what form of experience will your students gain? We are dedicated to ensuring that each of our students developed a Healthy, Artistic, Recreational, and Positive experience (H.A.R.P.) to enrich their personal lives. I believe that the journey of learning the harp can also be a valuable metaphor for ones journey through life; in setting goals, learning new skills, meeting challenges, finding solutions, building self-confidence, and taking joy in the satisfaction of accomplishing ones aims. Q: Is the harp very difficult to learn? This depends equally on the individuals approach and dedication to the task. The harp has survived thousands of years because people love to play it! While it is true the harp takes effort to master, its beauty is accessible from the start. Even ‘simple’ pieces sound lovely and carry an eloquence that can often transcend ones initial aptitude. The key to musical success is careful instruction from the beginning and a commitment by the student to practice regularly, even if only for 15 to 25 minutes for the beginning stage, 4-6 days a week. A steady lesson schedule is important to ensure that you learn proper hand position, a solid but relaxed technique, fluent reading skills, and an effective practice method —– for these all work together to enable your music to grow. Your commitment is matched by our attention to your goals – to perform, to entertain friends and family, or simply for your own delight! Q: How often do people take harp lessons? Most students benefit best from weekly lessons to maximize personal progress. However, for those with a busy schedule, bi-weekly lessons are another option to explore. As a beginning student, you can choose to start with 45-minute lessons, although most choose to graduate to a full hour weekly as they progress. Q: How is your teaching schedule divided? We attempt to be as flexible as possible with my students by having availability for both weekend and weekday, daytime or evening appointments. Q: Do I need to buy a harp right away in order to take lessons? That is the best choice; however, students can also choose to rent a lever harp for the first few months of lessons prior to investing in an instrument of their own. When deciding to purchase an instrument, there are many aspects to consider, you’re your Harp instructor will be happy to assist our students so they benefit from our expertise. Q: Are harps expensive to buy/rent? Harps are individually produced instruments, often on a by-order basis and with much hand-crafting involved. However, new technology has lowered the price for good beginner instruments in recent years. Prices widely range from several hundred to several thousand dollars for a solid instrument. The final cost greatly depends on the individual and their needs. Many students choose to rent a harp for the first several months of lessons while they develop a familiarity for the harp. Rentals are available on a monthly basis. Q: What kind of music do I learn? A variety of repertoire, including Classical, Celtic, folk, early and contemporary music. We do believe that having a Classical background is important for developing the solid foundation and discipline required to excel in all genres. Students are encouraged to discuss with us the repertoire they are interested in learning so that we may work together to achieve their goals. Q: I am a beginner, when can I play Amazing Grace, or Clair de lune? This largely depends on the individual student. With consistent lessons and dedicated practice, most of our students after the first few months of lessons, including those who did not have any music background, have been able to read music fluently, play satisfying tunes and even perform for friends and relatives! Q: Are piano lessons required as a prerequisite for learning the harp? While a background in piano can be helpful, especially with reading skills, understanding music theory and in developing an acoustic sensitivity, we don’t agree that there is a ‘prerequisite’ for learning the harp, or any other instrument. However, advanced students who plan to pursue professional studies for a music degree, will be encouraged to take up a secondary instrument and consider piano lessons to broaden their musical senses. Q: Are parents of young students welcome to sit in on lessons? Parents are most welcome to observe the lessons quietly and also to practice with their child at home. They may choose to bring a book or their laptop while waiting. Shall parents choose to drop off the students, there are coffee shops, grocery stores, book stores, a park and shopping area only steps away for your convenience. Q: What do I need to do to prepare for my first harp lesson? Clip your finger nails to the shortest you can. Bring a notebook to write down lesson notes. Come with a pair of clean hands, and a positive spirit! Q: Will I be required to bring my own harp to lessons? Not at all. Students are able to learn on our lever or pedal harps. Visit our Teachers Page to see who is teaching HARP at Paris Academy of Music. |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
