Friday, May 1, 2015

May Pet of the Month


Meet Sammy (right) and Toby (left). These pals belong to the Holding family, whose two daughters take piano lessons at Harris.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

April Student of the Month


Violet Kirk


When she was younger, Violet Kirk wanted to be a nun or an opera singer, aspirations she attributes to The Sound of Music. While neither dream has been realized today, she has found her niche in Lincoln area community theatre, and voice lessons at Harris Academy of the Arts with instructor Jeff Kuhl.

"Violet has that natural instinct in bringing her beautiful characters to life, enhancing them with her rich voice,” shares Jeff.  “It's a joy to listen and be part of her discovery. Bravo!" Together, the student teacher duo has been working to add the elements to each song that make them come alive. You can watch the video below for just a snippet of the creativity and detail that goes into telling a story with a song.

In addition to her musical endeavors, Violet is a wife, mom to two little girls, and an employee of the Nebraska Press Association. We’re privileged to be a place that she makes time to visit weekly, even with her busy schedule. Learn more about this impressive Student of the Month below!

More About Violet:

What other instrument(s) do you play?
Piano, French horn

How long have you taken lessons?
1.5 years

What are your goals with music lessons?
I spent high school and college focusing on instrumental music, but singing always seemed so natural and fun. When I decided to start auditioning for community theater here in Lincoln, I started taking voice lessons to become a more confident and polished singer.

What are your favorite songs to sing?
I’m a terrible person to invite to karaoke night, because the only things I sing are a) show tunes and b) hymns — neither of which are popular choices for standard karaoke. It would be impossible to choose my favorite show tune, but my favorite hymn is “The Old Rugged Cross”.

What is something new and exciting you have learned in lessons lately?
I’ve been learning how to tell stories with songs and I love the ability to give each piece its own flavor and style.

What is one of your favorite recital or performance memories?
I really enjoyed singing “I Don’t Know What I’d Do Without You” from A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (fall 2014). It was such a fun, bouncy piece to sing!
I’ve found a cozy little theater home at The Stage Theater in Hickman, and some of my favorite roles there were Meg in Little Women and Jacqueline in Don’t Dress For Dinner.

What is your occupation? Tell us a little bit about what you do.
I work for the Nebraska Press Association, which is the trade organization for Nebraska’s newspapers. I work with advertisers to coordinate ad buys in newspapers, both statewide and nationally.

What other hobbies do you have besides music?
I’m a mother to two little girls, so lately my favorite hobby has been playing “princess superhero”. When I’m not doing that, I like to thrift shop, refinish old furniture and read as much as I can.

What is your favorite food?
Spaghetti from Valentino’s  — I’d eat it every day!
Coffee (not technically a food, but it’s definitely my favorite!)

What do you think is the best movie of all time? 
Ooo … tough question! A few of my favorites are Waiting for Guffman, Strictly Ballroom and Inception.

What is a book everyone should read? 
The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
All the Money in the World by Laura Vanderkam
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
(I know it’s not one book … but trust me when I say this is the abbreviated list. I love to read!)

What is your favorite quote?
“As long as we live, there is never enough singing”
-Martin Luther

What is a little known fact about you?
When I was little, I wanted to be either a nun or an opera singer, maybe both. I’m guessing watching “The Sound of Music” had something to do with that …


Instructor Spotlight

Christine Collins


Growing up in Houston, Texas in an English family in a neighborhood rich in Latin American traditions, Christine Collins developed a love for Latin culture, including music, Salsa dancing, and Latin food. In fact, she’s been playing Mariachi music for several years and had the memorable opportunity of opening for the world-renowned group Mariachi Sol de Mexico with her local mariachi group Mariachi Aguilas. Contrast that with the children’s songs you’ll hear almost any day of the week outside a Children’s Music Academy class and you’ll discover one of the many things we love about Christine. She loves music – teaching music, discovering music, performing music, and appreciating music.

In addition to her more than 20 students in Children’s Music Academy classes, Christine teaches private lessons in violin, viola, voice, and piano, as well as the Treble Maker Show Choir group class. She lives for those light bulb moments when a student understands a concept they had been struggling with. “It happens with every student I’ve ever had,” says Christine, “and it never gets old.”

Read on to learn more about Christine. Another “note”-able member of the Harris team, we’re pleased to showcase her this month!


More About Christine:

What is your main instrument?
Violin

How long have you played your instrument?
Since I was 6 years old

How did you get started playing your instrument?
The daughter of my mom’s best friend would always bring her violin to every holiday gathering we had since I was born. Around age 3, after listening to her perform, I began begging my mom to let me play violin and didn’t stop begging until she finally gave in 3 years later.

Do you play any other instruments?
Yes. I sing and play piano and played viola, oboe, and saxophone through middle school, high school, and part of college.

What is your favorite kind of music?
I am very into folk type music including bluegrass and Irish fiddle and Latin pop.

Do you have any good stories about where you grew up?
I grew up in a mostly Hispanic area in southeast Houston and so grew up speaking a little Spanish and to this day I love Latin food and music of all sorts. (That’s probably the reason I became super interested in Mariachi music later on.)

What other hobbies do you have besides music?
I love to dance, Salsa, swim, read, and binge on Netflix

What is your favorite food?
Pizza and cookies

Do you have a fun or inspiring story to share about teaching lessons?
I don’t have a specific story, but in general, I feel so inspired whenever I have a student finally understand a concept that they had previously been struggling with. It happens with every student I’ve ever had and it never gets old.

What is one of your favorite recital or performance memories?
My favorite performance was playing at the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival with the Mariachi group Mariachi Aguilas. I had a solo on a piece based on a Tango and got to play in front of my friends, family, students, and 300 people.

What is your favorite quote? 
“Let us take our children seriously! Everything else follows from this…only the best is good enough for a child.” –Zoltan Kodály

What do you think is the best movie of all time? 
Anastasia

What is a book everyone should read? 
The Harry Potter series. I know it’s actually seven books, but you can’t just read one book in a series.

What is a little known fact about you? 
Everybody in my family is English, so my upbringing was a mix of very English traditions and Latin American traditions from families that lived around us.

April Pet of the Month

Meet Gatsby, who belongs to violin student Cadi Wilbeck. Gatsby enjoys being serenaded by Cadi!


Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Instructor Spotlight


Garrett Hope


Dr. Garrett Hope would rather be golfing. Okay, not really (maybe). He’d rather be able to enjoy the moments when his students “get” something in a lesson –that sure sign that they are developing a genuine love and enjoyment of what they’re doing.

Garrett teaches guitar, upright and electric bass, beginning piano, and composition at Harris. Prior to joining the Harris teaching staff, he taught composition, music theory, music technology and ear training at the collegiate level. A lover of all types of music, Garrett offers his students knowledge and training in a wide variety of styles—rock, pop, alternative, blues, jazz, religious, and much more.

While his main instruments are guitar and bass, Garrett’s musical path was anything but straight forward. As many musicians experience, young and old, sometimes it takes some trial and error, and the right inspiration at the right time, to find that perfect bond between a musician and their instrument. Read Garrett’s story of choosing an instrument in his own words below, and get to know a little more about this fantastic member of the Harris team!

(But before you do, be sure to watch Garrett’s collaboration with other Lincoln musicians in the making of an entry for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Contest.)


More About Garrett:

What is your main instrument?
Bass, both upright and electric. I started university as a guitar major, but switched to bass halfway through my freshman year. I started studying piano when I was five and began studying clarinet when I was nine. I performed on clarinet in wind ensemble and marching band through university. I began studying guitar in middle school. I’ve also been singing my entire life. I’m not much of a soloist, but I love choral ensembles!

How long have you played your instrument?
Bass for 16 years, guitar for 23 years

How did you get started playing your instrument?
This question is so complex to answer! I was not given a choice about studying piano as a five-year-old. My parents just had me and my siblings do it. My parents also tried putting me in Suzuki violin at that age, but I absolutely hated it. In third grade, when children in my school district choose an instrument and join band or orchestra, I wanted to play saxophone. However, my mother, who is a classically trained musician, elementary school music teacher, choir director, and worship leader, wanted me to learn a “real orchestral instrument,” so I went with clarinet. I cringe at those words now. Oh well. In middle school my church hired a new worship pastor who had a classical guitar degree from USC, but was really into blues and jazz. This was the first instrument I really chose for myself and instantly fell in love with it. I would spend hours playing. At university there was a need for good bass players and I was able to meet that need. I quickly became an in-demand player and found I enjoyed playing the bass even more than the guitar. I realize now that part of the attraction was that I could absolutely control the music as a bass player—my compositional mindset was very active even then.

Do you play any other instruments?
I can get around and figure out most instruments, but I would never perform on them. I do a lot of sequencing and composition in the computer, so I could say the computer as well.

What is your favorite kind of music?
Don’t have one. I’m really a musical pluralist. If the music is done well I can enjoy it.

Do you have a fun or inspiring story to share about teaching lessons?
My favorite moments as a teacher are when a student finally “gets” a concept or skill. At those moments the eyes go wide and the face beams. These moments are joy for me because the student begins to enjoy what they are doing even more.

What is your hometown?
Arvada, CO

Do you have any good stories about where you grew up?
From my parent’s front door you can see most of the Front Range (the first set of Rocky Mountains). Four 14,000ft peaks are visible as well as Boulder’s Flatirons. I find the mountains extremely inspiring and have a lifetime’s worth of good memories hiking, skiing, exploring, and camping in the mountains. I love Lincoln, but I miss the mountains.

What other hobbies do you have besides music?
I love to golf. If I could, I would play 18 holes a day.

What is your favorite food?
One can’t go wrong with pizza and burritos.

What do you think is the best movie of all time?
It’s hard to choose one, but here’s a short list:
The Godfather, Part II
The Matrix
The Princess Bride
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

What is a book everyone should read?
Such as with movies, here’s a short list. I’ve read so many books, and average 2–3 month it’s really hard to say.
William Goldman, The Princess Bride (This is the funniest book I have EVER read)
J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia
Annie Proulx, The Shipping News

What is a little known fact about you?
I can clap with one hand.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

March Student of the Month

Noah Kohl


She may be small, but she’s got it all! Nine year old Noah Kohl, a piano and violin student at Harris, is our March Student of the Month. Noah’s goals with piano lessons are to “become great” at piano and note reading. She’s making terrific progress! Her piano teacher, Mai Butler says, “Noah is such a motivated student who always impresses me by preparing for her lesson very well. Her dream is to be a concert pianist and she is working so hard to make her dream come true. Her upcoming debut solo piano recital will be a great first step for her journey.”

Yes, you read that correctly—Noah is preparing for a solo piano recital to be held this April. She’ll play about 25 minutes of her favorite music from lesson books, mostly from memory. That’s quite an accomplishment and we can’t wait to hear the result of her hard work!

Besides her dedication to music, Noah is also a fan of math and…chicken! Read more about our newest Student of the Month, and be sure to congratulate Noah when you see her around the studio.

More About Noah:

How long have you taken lessons?
Piano: 3 years
Violin: 6 months

What other instrument(s) do you play?
Vocal (chorus)

What are your favorite songs?
Just Give Me a Reason and Fur Elise

What other hobbies do you have besides music?
Petting cats, math, and shopping

What is your favorite food?
Chicken

What are your favorite classes in school?
Math, reading, P.E., art

What are your goals with music lessons?
To become great at piano and note reading

What is something new and exciting you have learned in lessons lately?
Lots of classical songs

What is one of your favorite recital or performance memories?
My first recital with my friend

What is your favorite quote?
I may be small, but I’ve got it all!

What do you think is the best movie of all time?
Mr. Peabody and Sherman

What is a book everyone should read?
Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur

What is a little known fact about you?
That I’m half Albanian

Do you know any good jokes?
How do basketball players cool off at games?
By all their fans!

March Pet of the Month


Meet Maddie, a yellow lab who belongs to David and Andrew Swanson, piano students at Harris. Their mom, Amy, says, “Maddie is as sweet as they come and a very smart girl!  Maddie has a March birthday (she will turn 3) and we feel so "lucky" to have her.”


Friday, February 27, 2015

A Piano Tuning F.A.Q.

by Garrett Hope, certified piano technician and
owner of the Nebraska Tuning Company, LLC













Pianos are beautiful instruments, but there is often a lot of confusion about the care and maintenance they require. Below are some of the frequently asked questions asked of me. I hope you find this information useful! If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 402-875-6271, or tuner@nebraskatuningco.com.

How often should my piano be tuned?
Piano manufacturers recommend a piano be tuned at least twice a year. In geographic regions, like the state of Nebraska, that experience four seasons it becomes very important to tune your piano every six months. With the change of temperature and humidity from winter to summer and back again, the wood in your piano experiences a tremendous amount of contraction and expansion. This, along with the general quality of your piano, explains why a piano goes out of tune so quickly. Can some pianos get by with only tuning once a year? Yes, but you risk having to perform a pitch raise. The rule of thumb is to have your piano tuned every six months.

When a piano is regularly tuned it becomes more stable so it will fall out of tune less quickly, and each new tuning takes less time. Furthermore, your piano technician will be able to identify any problems before they become a major issue.

What is a pitch raise?
When a piano is grossly out of tune a pitch raise is required to bring the strings back up to the pitch standard of A440. When a piano has not been tuned regularly (I often encounter pianos that have not been tuned for years!) the strings will generally be extremely flat. Simply bringing the strings up to pitch risks applying uneven tension across the piano and string breakage. When conducting a pitch raise, the piano technician will have to do a preliminary tuning to increase string tension before fine tuning, which is why a pitch raise can add an additional 45 minutes to an hour to the regular tuning. Furthermore, if a piano is extremely out of tune or very old, it may be necessary to tune the piano to itself but not bring the strings all the way up to pitch.

I like to use the analogy of visiting the chiropractor for spine care when discussing pitch raises on the piano. If you are in chronic pain a single adjustment might relieve some acute pain, but the underlying problem will still be present. In order to get your body working optimally it will require additional adjustments until you can get on a regular maintenance schedule. So it is for pianos. If the piano has not been cared for it will take several tunings (including one or more pitch raises) before the tuning of the piano is stable. This is, of course, assuming that the piano is of good quality and doesn’t have any other major issues preventing it from being raised up to pitch or becoming stable.

My child is taking piano lessons. How necessary is it to tune my piano?
It is critical that a student hear and experience the music they are playing with an in-tune piano—the way it was meant to be heard. When a child is studying an instrument they are not only learning technique (the how of playing an instrument), but they are also training their ears on how to hear music. Musicianship is a combination of technique, theory (the study of how music works), and ear training (learning to identify scales, intervals, chords, etc. aurally). A piano that is out of tune hampers the student’s development of ear training. This, in turn, can have a negative effect on the overall musical development of the student. You should consider having your piano tuned both as an investment in maintaining the instrument as well as an investment in the musical education of your child.

How much does it cost to have my piano tuned?
The Nebraska Tuning Company, LLC charges $95 plus tax for a standard tuning. If your piano requires a pitch raise it will be an additional $30. If you are tuning your piano regularly (every six months) the cost averages out to only $0.52 a day!

I have a key that seems to stick, can you help with that?
This is a common problem, especially in older pianos. The piano is a large, finely engineered mechanical device with lots of moving pieces. Typically, these pieces are made of wood and move on flanges and pins that can become dirty and sticky, or break, over time. When you call a piano technician to set up a tuning you should let them know if you’re having any problems with the keys and he or she can evaluate the problem while tuning.

How can I find a good used piano?
Many families with children studying music desire to have a real piano for their children to learn on. And rightly so! It is possible to learn a lot of the technique of playing piano at an electronic keyboard, but keyboards generally lack the touch, weight, and sensitivity of a real piano. There are electronic keyboards that offer these features, but their cost is nearly equivalent to purchasing a good used piano. Furthermore, they never sound as good as a real piano.

If you are in the market for a used piano you need to be wary of free or very low cost pianos on Craigslist. Many of these pianos are older and may not be worth the cost of getting back into playing order. Sometimes even family heirloom pianos, such as Grandma’s old upright that she wants to pass on to you, will only be worth the effort and expense of moving it and tuning it if it has high sentimental value.

Many piano technicians offer the service of evaluating used pianos for a nominal fee so consider asking a technician to perform an evaluation before purchasing a used piano. I don’t mean to be so negative though! You might find a real peach out there. A safer bet, and the option I recommend, is to visit Dietz Pianos (48th and R) because they have a great rent-to-own program for used pianos at a very low monthly rate.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Welcome: Jesse McBee


Harris Academy of the Arts proudly welcomes new instructor, Jesse McBee! Jesse will be teaching trumpet, baritone, euphonium, trombone, and tuba.

Jesse McBee is a jazz trumpet player currently based in Lincoln, NE. He graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, and the University of Louisville with a Master of Music in Jazz Performance. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Performance at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he also serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Hixson-Lied Fellow.

Most recently, Jesse has had the opportunity to serve as a sabbatical replacement in the Jazz Division at West Virginia University, as well as working as a Master Teacher for the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts. He has had the opportunity to perform with the University of Louisville Jazz Ensemble I as a featured soloist with Jamey Aebersold at the 2012 JEN Conference in Louisville, KY, as well as performing John Zorn’s “Cobra” with the Ophidean Ensemble at the International Society for Improvised Music Conference at the University of Michigan in 2010.

In his spare time, Jesse is an enthusiastic, if not skilled runner and is looking forward to completing his first half marathon in Lincoln in May.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

February Pet of the Month


Meet Gir, who belongs to Amy Fairchild, General Manager at Harris Academy of the Arts. Gir loves to attack feet and make trips outside onto the deck, and has a strange fascination with water. 

Do you have a pet you love? Send us a photo for a chance to be featured as the Pet of the Month!
Now accepting submissions for the March Pet of the Month. 

Instructor Spotlight

Lee Heerspink



Lee Heerspink has had his share of both life and musical experiences prior to joining the Harris teaching staff. After getting his music education degree he went on to study jazz performance for his master’s degree. From there, after a few years of private teaching and performing, he was placed in the US Air Force Heartland of America Band in Omaha, NE where he had the opportunity to boost the morale of troops both near and far.

Lee recalls a moment during his time with the US Air Force Band when he played at the bedside of a wounded soldier in Afghanistan. “One of my favorite performances,” Lee shares, “was playing an acoustic version of “Knee Deep” by the Zac Brown Band for a wounded warrior at the hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan. We asked what he wanted us to play, he said “anything.” He smiled as we quietly sang and gave him a short bedside concert.”

Now, Lee shares his love of music in a different way, by connecting with students in private lessons. At Harris, Lee teaches guitar, bass guitar, and string bass. One of his main goals, right along with the nitty gritty technique and determination with learning any instrument, is to make learning music fun and enjoyable. We hope you’ll enjoy getting to know yet another of Harris’ fine music teachers.

Read Lee’s Bio


More About Lee:

What is your main instrument?
My main instrument is the guitar!

How long have you played your instrument?
I’ve played for close to 20 years (wow that’s scary, I’m having a moment…)

How did you get started playing your instrument?
I spent my first 8 years playing classical piano. I had a wonderful piano teacher, but once I got to middle school I began listening to rock n’ roll and more contemporary music. My dad suggested that maybe I should try guitar lessons, so I made the switch and never really looked back!

Do you play any other instruments?
Piano, voice, upright and electric bass

What is your favorite kind of music?
I love jazz! I’m a huge fan of the guitarist Pat Metheny, and spend quite a bit of time playing and analyzing his solos. That being said, I also have a soft spot in my heart for playing rock and popular music because it’s what got me into playing guitar in the first place!

Do you have a fun or inspiring story to share about teaching lessons?
I used to encourage my younger students in Michigan to practice with the help of candy. I’ll never forget when one of my students, Simon, found out that I had an ENTIRE drawer dedicated to just candy. His eyes got as big as saucers! #mindblown

What is your hometown?
Holland, MI

What other hobbies do you have besides music?
Making dinner with my wife Bethany, walking my English bulldog Edward, and playing video games!

What is your favorite food?
I could eat stir fry every day of the week.

What do you think is the best movie of all time?
Back to the Future. There’s no question.

What is your favorite quote?
“You’ve got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail.”
-Charlie Parker

What is a little known fact about you?
I was in show choir in High School and loved it! We had a wonderful director named Kerry Daab, and he made it so much fun. Somewhere there are videos floating around of my dancing and jazz hands!

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

February Student of the Month

Morgan Madsen



Thursday nights you’ll hear any combination of Hound Dog, Thriller, The Twist, YMCA, and more coming through the studio walls.  It’s not an all studio dance party (although that’s an idea), it’s the Treble Maker Show Choir, a singing group for ages 7-12 years led by Christine Collins. This lively group is learning new songs for the upcoming Spring Recital. Among these energetic singers and dancers is Morgan  Madsen, the February Student of the Month!

Christine shares about having Morgan in class:
"Morgan is a natural born leader and singer. She has such a passion for singing and the talent to go with it. She is always ready to work and participate in whatever activity we are doing and knows how to lead by example. It’s an absolute pleasure to have her in my class!"


Morgan is 12 years old and also plays violin at school. Her favorite subjects in school are science, art, and—naturally—music. Morgan loves to dance and when she’s not doing the Twist (or the YMCA, or the Chicken Dance) she likes to draw. Read on to learn more about this talented girl.

More About Morgan:

What is your favorite food?
Pie!!!

What are your goals with music lessons?
To do the best I can.

What is something new and exciting you have learned in lessons lately?
A new song that we’re learning called “Over the Sea to Skye”

What is one of your favorite recital or performance memories?
My very first one when we (Ella, Eliza, me) sang “Seize the Day” from the musical “Newsies.”

What is your favorite quote? 
“Go forward. Be brilliant!”
“Do or do not, there is no try.”

What do you think is the best movie of all time? 
The Hunger Games!

What is a book everyone should read? 
Spirit Animals

What is a little known fact about you? 
I broke my arm when I was 10 years old.

Do you know any good jokes?
Me: Why did the chicken cross the road?
You: I don’t know.
Me: To get hit by a car!
Me: Knock, knock.
You: Who’s there?
Me: Not the chicken!

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Welcome: New Instructor!

Christine Collins

Violin, Viola, Piano, Voice, Children's Music Academy


Christine Collins began teaching at Harris in 2015.  She received her Bachelor degree from the University of North Texas where she studied Music Education with a focus in orchestra and elementary music education.  She has had opportunities to study abroad all over the world including the Orff Institute in Austria, the Kodaly Institute in Hungary, and Universidad Veritas in Costa Rica.

Christine began studying piano at the age of 5 and started violin lessons at the age of 6.  She was involved in band, orchestra, and choir throughout middle and high school and college.  In 2013, Christine began playing with the mariachi group Mariachi Aguilas and had the amazing opportunity of opening for the world-renowned group Mariachi Sol de Mexico when they performed in North Texas in 2014.

Christine taught at the Frisco School of Music in Frisco, Texas from 2012-2014 where her studio was named the “Best Improved Studio” in 2014.  Christine loves teaching and is thrilled to be a part of the Harris team!

In her free time, Christine enjoys fiddling, reading, discovering new health conscious and delicious recipes to cook, and swimming.

Friday, January 2, 2015

Instructor Spotlight

Heera Jang



Heera Jang has been teaching piano lessons at Harris Academy of the Arts for more than four years, but she has been teaching since 1989. She grew up in Seoul, South Korea with a family that loved music. At five years old, she began piano lessons and, as she says, “it came naturally to learn to play the piano.”

Heera, her husband, son, and daughter moved to the United States from South Korea in 2004 where she and her husband worked on degrees in St. Louis. They moved to Lincoln in 2011 when her husband became pastor of the Lincoln Korean Church. Now, with her daughter in high school (learning cello!) and her son finishing his freshman year at college, their family is a blend of preserved Korean tradition and absorbed American culture.

Heera teaches beginning to advanced students of every age, some as young as four years up to adults. Her teaching is just the right combination of “push” and nurture, modeling and praise, creating a discipline in her students that leads them to succeed. Above all, Heera helps her students find the love of music within the music itself.

On top of that, you should hear Heera play! She’s truly a master of the piano, both in performance and instruction. We’re lucky to have her at Harris—a modest, caring gem developing each student’s unique skills back in Studio 6.

More About Heera:
How long have you played your instrument?
For a long, long  time….. since I was 5 years old.

Do you play any other instruments?
No. I only play the piano but I have always wanted to learn to play cello as well.

What is your favorite kind of music?
I appreciate various kinds of music, but I find myself enjoying classical music the most.

What is one of your favorite recital or performance memories?
I believe some of you still remember that last year, we instructors played a piano sextet with 2 keyboards. It was a lot of fun.

What is your hometown?
I was born in Yusung, South Korea but grew up mostly in Seoul.

Do you have any good stories about where you grew up?
Seoul is the capital city of South Korea, so it is quite a big city, and has a lot of fun places to visit. It’s also a city where older palaces and newer, more contemporary buildings coexist because it has been the capital city for more than 500 years.

What other hobbies do you have besides music?
I love watching movies and spending time with my family.

What is your favorite food?
I like Korean food such as kimchi and bulgogi, but like spaghetti too.

What do you think is the best movie of all time? 
Gone With the Wind

Thursday, January 1, 2015

January Pet of the Month


Meet Rosco (right), a rat terrier and Yama (left), a German short haired pointer. These relaxing canines belong to Shea, Brin and Luke Swanson, piano students at Harris.


January Students of the Month

The Van Cleave Family


In the early afternoon on Mondays, there’s an influx of piano students at Harris, all from the same family. One, two, three, four…in walks the Van Cleaves! These energetic kiddos take piano lessons with Cristina Vlad and Heera Jang. Help us congratulate Gable (14), Dane (12), Elise (9) and Petra (6) as our January Students of the Month!

Four students in piano lessons is a lot to handle but, as Cristina shares, “their parents do a great job in keeping them on track with practice and preparation.” Having their siblings in lessons also creates a challenge for each one to learn and improve. Cristina says she especially appreciates the Van Cleave’s drive to perfect their pieces close to recital time so that they are sure to perform well.

This month, we’ll step aside and let these students tell you a little about themselves.

More about the Van Cleaves:
How long have you taken lessons?
Gable: 5 ½ years
Dane: 5 years
Elise: 3 years
Petra: 5 months

What are your favorite pieces to play?
Gable: Allegro Grazioso
Dane: The Fly’s Adventure
Elise: Morning Has Broken
Petra: Dancing with Frankenstein; Hey, Hey Look at Me; My Invention

What is something new and exciting you have learned in lessons lately?
Gable: I learned about ostinatos (I think that’s what they are called)
Elise: A song gets more fun if you practice

What is one of your favorite recital or performance memories?
Gable: There was that time we had our apologetics tournament before the recital on the same day, and I was really tired. Then when I got up on stage to introduce myself, I ALMOST went into my illustrated oratory!
Elise: My first [recital]
Petra: I’ve only had one recital and I yelled into the microphone

What other hobbies do you have besides music?
Gable: Hunting, trapping, guitar building
Dane: Farming
Elise: Knitting, Crocheting, Playing Legos, Playing dolls
Petra: Puzzles, Games, Legos, Dolls

What is your favorite food?
Gable: Bread
Dane: Meat
Elise: Whatever mom makes me or oatmeal
Petra: Cheeseburger soup, potato soup, chicken and wild rice soup

What are your favorite classes in school?
Gable: Playing guitar
Dane: None
Elise: Piano
Petra: Math

What do you think is the best movie of all time?
Gable: The Hobbit
 Dane: The Avengers
Elise: Kit Kittredge
Petra: Curious George 2

What is a book everyone should read?
Gable: Cronk’s Scientific Coon Trapping
Dane: The Land Time Forgot
Elise: Fancy Nancy Super Sleuth
Petra: Curious George, Fancy Nancy, Encyclopedia Brown

What is a little known fact about you?
Dane: Like farming
Elise: I love horses
Petra: I’m the only one in my family that has curly hair. My mommy has never cut my hair!

Do you know any good jokes? (Share one with us!)
Gable: Okay, there are a bunch of snakes all tangled up on the floor in a huge knot, and no matter how hard they try, they can’t untangle themselves. And then one of them says. “Okay, so whose idea was it to play twister?!”
Dane:
Q: Why did the raccoon cross the road?
A: To show the chicken it could be done
Elise: Want to hear a dirty joke? A pig fell into the mud.

What is your favorite quote?
Gable: Lazy is as good as dead
Dane: Give me liberty or give me death.
Elise: I love my mommy and my daddy.