Harp Department
Harp Department - Core Philosophy
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| Harp Department Chair - Dr. Chaerin Kim |
I believe that a wonderful, considerate teacher can impact and influence many aspects of a student’s life in positive ways, and also can play an important role in their life. I want to be more than just a harp teacher. Apart from teaching a student how to play the harp, I also want to teach them how to live, and think as a musician, and contribute to the beauty of the overall harp sound.
For more information about Dr. Kim: www.chaerinkim.com
Instrument Instruction
Private Lessons
Students may start harp lessons as early as age 7. Younger students are encouraged to first begin piano lessons before transitioning to harp. At the end of each 17-week semester, private lesson students receive a full evaluation from their teacher to keep the student and the parent apprised of the student’s progress. Private and semi-private lessons are offered at 30 minute,
45 minute, and 60 minute lengths. Group instruction (for three or more students) is 60 minutes in length. Click here for complete pricing.
Harp Department - Class Offerings
Basic Musicianship Workshops
Vartan Aghababian, Edwina Li, Margaret Li
Basic Musicianship is offered to all private lesson and Suzuki students to supplement their music literacy. These one hour classes review and teach basic elements of music.
South Shore Conservatory Harp Ensemble
Ensemble Leader: Head of the Harp Department, Dr. Chaerin Kim
South Shore Conservatory Harp Ensemble is comprised of Conservatory students who are selected in their levels and perform regularly. The Ensemble class meets once a week.
Ensemble work is good to introduce as early as possible, because it is fun and interesting, and improves all aspects of musicianship, such as listening, counting, watching and keeping in the right place. There are skills that need to be in place before a student starts playing in an orchestra. For example, some students won’t realize that they have to allow wind and brass players time to breathe! I want them to get used to this aspect of playing as soon as possible.
SSC Harp Ensemble gives students a chance to play duets, and in trios, quartets and quintets. Exams and Competitions: This is always a controversial subject but I believe they can be useful teaching aid. They mean that a student has to perform, and this is always useful, and their playing will be commented on by someone different to their regular teacher. It is good because it can get a bit too cosy, just playing for their regular teacher, and it introduces an extra challenge. I find they create a useful goal, and push students to reach a higher level. Some students bring more productive result when they play with competitive pressure, but some do not. Therefore, the decisions will be made up depending on students.
Sight Reading is included because it improves the extent of student’s knowledge of keys and rhythms. Students are required to know their own best pedal setting and marking, and not depend on the teacher’s markings.
Students compete. Click for details
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for those who can document financial need.
Financial Aid deadlines and application.