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Harp Private Lessons

 

Susan (Tudy) McLain

Harp, Pennywhistle, Irish Flute


Teaches at Dusty Strings: Wednesdays & Thursdays

Ages Taught: Adults

Levels Taught: All Levels

 

Teacher Biography: A professional harpist for over 25 years, Susan was principal harpist with the Seattle Philharmonic, has recorded Celtic and concert harp music, and has performed at over 2000 weddings. She has also played Irish flute and pennywhistle for over 30 years. Susan enjoys working with a wide range of students, from those who need help boosting their confidence level to those who want to break into the world of professional performance. Her teaching style is very low-pressure. Recognizing the pressures of the modern world, she encourages students to practice when or if they can, but to keep the harp in their lives forever!

 

 

Laurie Riley

Harp, (nylon-strung, wire-strung, & double-strung), Guitar, Clawhammer Banjo, Bodhrán, Voice

Teaches at Dusty Strings: Saturdays & Sundays

Ages Taught: All

Levels Taught: All

 

Laurie is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, and songwriter; her repertoire is drawn from many cultures and eras. Laurie has played harp with the Chieftains, sung with the Masterwork Chorus at Avery Fisher Hall, and been featured on American Airlines in-flight music and on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered”. Laurie feels it’s important to stay in touch with the joy of playing and the soul of the instrument. She respects individual students’ different needs and wishes while making sure basic techniques and skills are learned and mastered so that the maximum amount of progress can be made.

 

 

Michael MacBean

Harp

Teaches at Dusty Strings: Mondays & Wednesdays

Ages Taught: 6 and up

Levels Taught: All Levels


Teacher Biography: Michael MacBean is a co-founder, director, and instructor at the Vashon Island Harp School, and has presented at the O'Carolan Harp Festival in Ireland as well as at Dusty Strings’ Folk Harp Symposium. He toured for years with Laurie Riley and with the Celtic/Nordic group Stone Circle. Michael believes that almost anyone can learn to play - and he has taught students from age six to mid-70's who prove that this is true. He welcomes students interested in all styles of music.