I teach all ages 7 and up. Lessons are custom-made for individual students’ learning styles and musical passions. I happily welcome homeschoolers during weekdays. I use some Suzuki approaches ( community and repertoire-building; strong ear training; encouragement of parental involvement for young students) but am not a Suzuki harp teacher, nor do I know of one locally. 
I teach beginners to read so they can be musically independent quickly.

I was trained in classical music beginning at age 5 and studied the pedal harp (see “About Mary DeMocker” for details on schools, teachers). I teach the Renie-Granjany / French method (though I was also trained in the Spanish / Salzedo method) because I find the French method more relaxed and it produces a gorgeous tone.

I teach many folk harp students — this style and size of harp is the most affordable, lightest weight, easiest to play, and easily transportable.  Due to the French method I teach, anyone can begin on lever harp and advance to pedal harp. 

Performance opportunities: I offer quarterly recitals (“harp parties”) that encourage students to perform. It’s a wonderful chance to meet other players, play as an ensemble, build performance skills, and try various harps, especially when researching to buy one.

 I use a whole child approach to teaching, meaning that I believe children learn better when they feel loved, listened to, and excited about their time with me and their pieces. Students and parents choose the level of rigor. I suggest practice routines and durations for children as well as  challenges and incentives, but don’t advocate forcing children unwilling to practice.  I strive to make lessons fun, educational, and tailored to each student.

I give out animal stickers (siblings get them, too).

A wonderful benefit of lessons — aside from the joy of playing a lovely and unusual instrument with and for loved ones — is that music study has been shown to enhance healthy development in children, and the health and wellbeing of anyone of any age. 

My studio is in my spacious, quiet backyard garden where there’s room for families to relax during lessons either in the yard or under covered patio. The studio loveseat seats 2-3 family members sitting (quietly) during lessons.

I live in South Eugene near the U of Oregon School of Music. There’s ample space on the street, and I can sometimes keep our driveway open on lesson days for parents to easily pull in and drop off older children.

You do not need to bring  harps to lessons unless you want to.

Students may cancel with 24 hours’ notice without charge. Makeups will be offered the same week when possible. Lessons start and end at the time scheduled. 

I sometimes mask for lessons, depending on what’s circulating. You don’t need to mask.  An Austin medical-grade air filter is always on quietly in my studio.  I’m sensitive to perfumes, so ask visitors not to wear scents on lesson day.

This is an inclusive studio that honors all genders, creeds, nationalities, races, sexual identities. All teaching is grounded in loving kindness and principles of inclusion, tolerance, and justice for all.

I currently have several lovely folk harp rentals of various size and cost available, ranging from $35 – $65 a month. Delivery / pickup available for a fee (dependent on location).

Required to start harp rental:
ID, signed rental contract, first / last month’s rent. I accept cash, check, Venmo, PayPal.
Harps are most vulnerable to damage while being moved, so the contract stipulates that harp is not to be transported outside of your home without my permission. I prioritize renting harps to those actively taking lessons; if I have extra harps, I can rent to non-students. One month notice is required when returning harps.

String replacement:
Harps come with a complete set of replacement strings and string chart; renters return harp with a full set of the same brand of  string (you’ll receive info on how to order ). One early lesson is usually dedicated to  string changing; there are also tutorials online.

Harp buying consultations: 
I’m happy to help you purchase a harp.  For such a big investment, it’s important to know what you want, what’s available where, how to buy used, and which brands and models are high quality. Consultations are charged like lessons (ie, starting at $32 for half hour).

• 1 hour lesson: $50 lever harp / $55 pedal 
• 45 min lesson: $40 lever / $45 pedal
• 30 min lesson: $32 lever / $35 pedal (30 min. is available to children under 8 or those already reading music)
• Lessons for the month are prepaid when times are reserved; harp rentals are due on first of month (or at first lesson)
• I offer a free 30-minute Meet and Greet so you and / or your child can see the studio, share your musical goals, try a harp, and decide if my style and space feels right for you. I don’t do (or believe in) pressure or sales pitches, but if it feels right to us both, let’s begin your harp journey!