Harriet is an absolutely outstanding teacher, who is extremely knowledgable and dedicated to her work.
Didier C, parent
The founder of Harp Exam Boot Camp, Harriet has over fifteen years’ experience teaching the harp to all ages and ability levels. She teaches both pedal and lever harp and has both at her home in Battersea, South West London, so there is no need to bring your harp with you to lessons.
Harriet is a highly sought after teacher who in addition to maintaining a busy private studio, is the specialist harp coach for the LRAM course at the Royal Academy of Music, and was recently appointed as harp teacher at the Junior Department of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Prior to this Harriet also taught at the Junior Department of the Royal Academy of Music and has been invited to give classes at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and the Purcell School. Harriet is passionate about education and outreach work, having performed for several years with the charities Music in Hospitals and Vital Arts, and concert series Classical Babies and Bach to Baby. She is also an experienced workshop leader, engaging with students of all ages both as a harpist and as a composer.
Once a student has decided to learn the harp, Harriet is able to advise on the best harps to hire or purchase, bearing in mind the age and physicality of the student, and also their available budget. Whilst harps are not cheap, there are plenty of options to make them more affordable, including private hire, purchase schemes, and second hand instruments.
She believes in making lessons fun and informative, with a particular emphasis on teaching solid technique. Lessons will cover exercises and scales, pieces, and sight reading, and in addition will also cover general musicianship, performance practice, and aural awareness. With younger students there is also the opportunity for ‘musical games’, learning through play and developing their musical imagination.
Harriet's experiences as a teacher inspired her to create several solo and ensemble pieces for harp students, including the ground breaking series 'The A-G of Sight Reading for Harp'. Her books have helped students all over the world with their studies, and more information can be found here.
Harriet has a 100% success rate with ABRSM exams, with many of her exam entrants getting high distinctions. In addition to organising a hugely popular student Christmas concert each year, she also supports pupils in attending harp courses and performing at festivals and competitions where they are frequently prize winners in their classes. Harriet is also proactive in helping her students achieve goals such as music scholarships at their chosen schools, and selection for prestigious organisations such as the National Youth Harp Orchestra and National Children’s Orchestra.
Harriet has an advanced DBS check and has undertaken safeguarding training through the NSPCC.