August 1 Recital

On August 1 we had an AWESOME Recital. Everyone did so well and prepared perfectly for the event. We had a great turn out and I tried to take some pictures-but I didn't capture the excitement very well. I need to get some of my moms to send me their pictures because all I got were those students that came early as well as those that would pose for a picture afterwards. Parents, please send me pictures of your cute kids at the recital so that I can be sure to have them for this post! Thank-you again for your hard work and participation!

Our Program

The Set up-CD's, Programs and Beautiful pictures!

The Mann's practicing for "Honeybee"

The Gang eating after the event

Blog Face Lift!

I apologize for not being on top of blogging the past couple of months. I will do better, especially with this new blog face lift. Please be patient as our sight is still under construction!

Harp Recital!

Last Saturday my students got to do their first performance which we nicknamed a "Recital."  I took the girls to go play at the hospital that I play at and the Hospital was so excited that they are doing a news story on our little group!  (Hooray!)  The girls did so well.  I always wondered what it felt like to be a teacher at one of my recitals and now I have a little taste of it.  I was actually really nervous that there was something that I didn't teach them that they needed to know...I wonder if thats how my teachers felt-but either way it was most rewarding.  Having my students be able to get up in front of a number of people to perform is fantastic in and of itself-but to have them willingly play for those that are in need of comfort was even better.  Anyway they did a great job and I'm so grateful for the things that I am learning from them.

BIG THANKS:  Thank-you so much to Michelle Dixon and her fabulous camera skills.  She videotaped everything as well. 

All of us-we are pretty cute...

Dominique!  Amazing that she wanted to perform even though her first lesson was the Tuesday prior to it!

Even I got in on the fun

Andrea, she looks like she's meant to be behind a harp...

Sweet Rachel, and we especially loved her Bows

Perfect Sarah, with perfect and envious Hand position!

RAY POOL!

 I dropped my parents off at the airport yesterday and felt very subdued and down-trod.  I got to work and heard voices on the Harp floor and lo and behold it was the ONE the ONLY....RAY POOL!  For those of you who aren't aware, Ray Pool is a world-renown Jazz Harpist.  As a little girl I went to a number of his work shops and was inspired multiple times over by him.  Anyway these are my shots with him as I was clearly star-struck.

Mary (my boss), Ray and I....

Congratulations Sarah!

Sarah Mann just completed her first EVER performance on the Harp this past Sunday.  She played "A Child's Prayer" in Primary for her church and did a FANTASTIC job.  She showed excellent poise and confidence as she answered questions about the Harp and explained her love for her instrument.  Congratulations Sarah we are so proud of you!

March 14th Performance:

Remember to practice performing for those around you because we have our Hospital performance coming up around the corner! I would like at least one Suzuki song per student being performed, but the rest is up to you! The hospital doesn't allow anyone involved with the staff to wear jeans, and on that day...that means YOU! So no jeans please. The goal is to meet in the Pinecroft lobby at 11:30 to set up and be playing by 12:00 while everyone is eating in the Cafeteria, how does that sound? We will work out who is bringing their harps...etc...Thanks for all your hard work!

Group Lessons

Remember that there are no private lessons this week unless previously arranged. Group lesson starts at 6:30 on Tuesday the 24th and will end at 7:30. Girls, come prepared to perform your pieces that you are going to be performing at the hospital. We will critique each other and learn more about each others performing styles. I am also hoping to record those pieces! I'll also have some sort of treat so we can make it a Harpist hang-out! See you then!

Successful Performance!

Congratulations to Andrea Mann for her courageous and fabulous performance at the Glenloch Youth Fireside last night! You amaze me with how much you progress in all of the activities that you are doing outside of school! Thanks for being a wonderful student and a great friend! (PS-Don't think we didn't notice all those boys noticing you before, during AND after your performance!)

Memorial Hermann...Today!

Harpist on the loose today at Memorial Hermann! I plan on being there from 12-2PM and will be selling my CD's for those who requested them. Hope to see you there!

Contact Information

Phone: 801-688-5434

e-mail: harpforhire@gmail.com

alternate e-mail: cathrynparker16@yahoo.com

Performance Schedule

A priority in my Harp Studio is teaching the importance of performing. However, how can I teach that if I do not do that myself? Everyone needs to practice performing, which is why you can find me at Memorial Hermann Hospital nearly every Thursday around lunch time. I too, need all the practice I can get at performing and it is only through practice that I believe one can get better at it!

A heads up to my students: I am going to be preparing us for some performances at the hospital. This will be a great opportunity for you to perform in a relaxed setting. Not only will it help you become a better performer but it will help heal those that listen to you!

Harp Lessons

Finding the teacher that fits your student's personality is the most important part of their musical training. I have studied with over fourteen teachers all of whom were wonderful but very different. My goal is to combine a number of their positive teaching techniques into my own Harp Studio.

I have studied the Harp using the Suzuki Method which, simply defined, is studying the music through ear training. We train our students to understand music just as a young baby would learn to understand language. This technique has been proven to provide the greatest opportunity for students to master memorization and performance techniques. I require all of my students to listen to their CD at least once a day for at least 20 minutes. This allows the repetition needed to imbed the pattern of notes in the students head, making it easier to hear the melody while experimenting on the Harp. Every student receives an informative book describing the Suzuki method in greater detail as well as goals that I have as their teacher.

Although ear training is enormously important and a large part of my teaching style, I also think that it is important to learn theory and be able to read music. I teach traditionally to help with sight reading and provide greater motivation for the students to keep studying and learning.

Although performing and my personal study provides fulfillment, there is nothing that can take the place of seeing a student being successful and progressing in music. It is wonderful! If my students learn anything, it is a love of music and a respect for the power that it has.

I'd love to play at your Special Event...

I have been performing at Special Events for ten years.  I am skilled in Solo, Ensemble and Background performance.  Contact me to bring the simply elegant sounds of professional Harp music to your Wedding, Company party, family gathering, etc.  Upon hiring me for your event I will send you a contract in which you are requested to sign and mail back to me within two weeks.  This will ensure that your special event becomes part of my performance calendar.

I am a classically trained Harpist which contributes to my performing style and repertoire.  Although popular classics including works by Beethoven, Mozart and Handel can be heard when I perform, I also have gained a large repertoire of traditional and contemporary favorites.  A list of these pieces will be sent in your contract.  I am also able to customize music to suite your specific requests.

I understand that hiring a Harpist without the assurance of her performance skills can be daunting.  I hope to be of help by offering a copy of my CD entitled "Harp Classics."  Please contact me at the number below to receive your copy.