(For more information about taking lessons please call me at 859-919-0082 or email me at [email protected]. I teach on Zoom or FaceTime.)
Always wanted to play the harp, but couldn't find a good teacher?
Don't have a harp, but would love to take lessons?
I love helping people get started in harp... especially if you're that person who's had a long-cherished dream that "someday I'm going to learn to play the harp!"
People often ask me, "Is the harp hard to learn?" I must admit, it's a challenging instrument, and some of my students have been heard to say, "The harp really brings you to your knees!" (I think they mean, in prayer!) But the fact is that any instrument can be learned a lesson at a time, even if you can't read music and have never played a note before. I recommend that beginners take a minimum of 6 months of lessons, then decide whether it's going to "click" for them. This allows them to get beyond a few early learning plateaus when they may feel "stuck" temporarily. Even at the first lessons, harp is fun, relaxing, enjoyable... a lovely, and many say, a spiritual instrument. So, regardless of the difficulties and challenges, hundreds of harp students will testify: Quiet, steady, slow daily effort yields results.
Is it possible to teach yourself to play? Some say "yes, but..." only to a limited point. Without seeing correct technique consistently modeled, mistakes take over, injuries such as carpal tunnel can occur, and it is very difficult to advance to any level beyond the most elementary. Thus--the desire to play more and better repertoire is best fulfilled through lessons.
My own training in classical harp technique began at the University of Kentucky in Lexington with the wonderful Joan Ceo. In later years, I was honored to be coached by my now-friend and colleague, "super-harpist" Elizabeth Cifani of the Chicago Lyric Opera Co.
I also spent years as a student in piano and voice at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and other fine schools where high standards were set, respect for the learning process was emphasized, and I learned to take pleasure in the discipline of practice... without which, our dreams simply can't take flight!
Comments from Diane's Students
Laurie So grateful for Diane and her patient teaching! I've been playing piano since childhood but always wanted to learn harp - bought my first one at 50. I assumed it would be like playing a piano on its side. I thought I could do just a couple of lessons and then continue on by myself, easy-peasy, right? Ohmy! There is so much detail in how to move your fingers, and how to gradually build strength and flexibility. Diane really cares about making sure you start with good habits right away. I really appreciate her! Posted Jul 30, 2024
TakeLessons Student Such a wonderful teacher. Very patient and detailed. I feel so comfortable with her! Posted Jul 16, 2024
TakeLessons Student My instructor was so nice and so patient. I can’t wait for my next one! Posted May 31, 2024
Ron As a former (now retired) professional career musician, my experience in working with Diane has surpassed my expectations. Her knowledge and skills in providing technical guidance through the virtual platform has been effective and enjoyable. Her expertise is apparent and she clearly loves what she does as she exudes that in sessions with her .... her multiple 5 star reviews speak for themselves and attest to her competence as a teacher, and implicitly endorse a recommendation to select her as the person you would benefit greatly should you decide to engage her as your teacher and guide Posted Dec 11, 2022
Laura Absolutely outstanding teacher! Very kind and patient. Posted Dec 3, 2022
Maryam She is so patient and understanding Posted Oct 18, 2021
Michelle I really enjoyed my first lesson. Diane made me feel at ease. I am looking forward to our future lessons together. Posted Aug 25, 2020
Alana Dr. Diane was my first harp teacher. She inspired me with her beautiful playing. She emphasized correct technique and instilled the idea of taking time to breathe as you play. This helped me so much to gain confidence and to get over my nerves. I consider her to be a master teacher. Posted Jul 8, 2020
Andrea Diane was my first harp teacher. I had lessons with her for approximately 5 years before she relocated to another state. She is incredibly talented and experienced in all aspects of harp knowledge and performance. She is trained and qualified to provide harp vibration therapy to patients in the hospital setting, as well as in hospice settings. She is a patient and encouraging teacher. At the same time, she is dedicated to instructing her students in proper positions, form, and technique as well as the musical nuances to ensure not only the beautiful sounds from the harp, but beautiful hand positions and movements as the harpist plays. Highly recommend Diane Schneider as an excellent harp teacher. Posted Jul 8, 2020
How I Became a Harp Teacher
Hello! I started my harp teaching life as a research doctor and therapist, using harp vibrations with patients for 9 years in Mayo Clinic hospitals. I recorded my main album, Harp Of Hope, as a harp therapy treatment to help people with anxiety and other symptoms. Many people wanted to learn harp for healing their own symptoms. So I began to teach harp, specializing in adult beginners.
I am a Conservatory-trained harpist and pianist, so I emphasize good technique, but I want my students to enjoy life. So I try to fill lesson times with peace, laughter, and joy in the music. That's what it's all about!
I live on a beautiful lake in Northern Kentucky, near Cincinnati, Ohio. I teach there, and I sometimes gather my local students at the lake for an informal "harp retreat", including food, fun conversation, and lots of playing together! Most of my students are adults who have always wanted to play the harp but never knew a teacher, or had the time, until now... so, if that's you, too, I look forward to meeting you!
Try a first lesson, and see how peaceful and fun it is to enter the beautiful world of harp! I will be at your side to help you with everything you need to get started. You will never regret adding this wonderful skill to your life.