Annette Bjorling Harp Studio

Depending on if they have already prior experience with harp and/or music generally - or if I start from zero:

There would be more or less explaining about the different harp types, including hands-on experiences / harp tasting   (I usually have different makes, types, and sizes of harps in my studio) 

First moments of proper position and beginning (or continuing) steps of technique.

There will be at least one first exercise, and one first tune (small, easy - or more advanced, depending on level).

And in between I play a few examples of my own music / or music styles the student asks to hear.

I have been playing harp since 1989

- learning under various teachers,

- still taking the occasional lesson/masterclass/workshop.

I got my diploma (akin to MA) in 'Kulturpädagogik" (cultural education) at the University in Hildesheim, Germany - with major in music (harp & recorder)

I have been teaching harp since 1995

Yes, it's my 'standard system', but quite intricate... ;-)

It is based on a scale of duration and frequency of lessons.

The base fees are for one lesson every week:

$45 for 30 minutes, $55 for 45 minutes, and $65 for 1 hour lessons.

$5 each more for bi-weekly schedules.

$5 each less for two lessons per week.

All of the above are fees for my own studio.

I charge additional fees if I travel to students' homes.

A girl in my high school, a few years younger than me, heard me play once and asked if I could teach her - and I treid it, and enjoyed it - and belive was successful too.

So pretty much from the beginning I had always one or more students.

Once I moved to the US (in 2001), I pretty soon had a regular student roster as one of my main occupations (the other being a performing harpist, free-lance as well.)

What types of students have you worked with?

Any age (so far the youngest 3, the oldest 77...)

(any gender, color, religion, culture, country....)


From beginners (who never played any instrument before, or at least never played harp) to advanced (switching from a different harp teacher or resuming after a change in location / life / ...) 


Some were/are serious about music and learning, practicing diligently and making a steady progress, and enjoying that journey.

Others want to play 'just' for fun, less practice, less frequent lessons, progress in their own time but not as goal. 


Kids often don't enjoy practicing - I don't force them, but I do still encourage them and help to come up with happy solutions - as long they do enjoy coming to lessons, which most do :-)


I had a few grown-ups who told me from the beginning they would not practice, but ejoy the lessons , and so we share music joy together (without too big a progress, but that's not important than.)n

I often have to help build/keep self-confidence in some of my students - encouraging and supporting.

I've met musicians who did not want to learn to read music, so I found ways to teach without.

I've worked with pupils who didn't want to do any exercise - so I worked with tunes and pieces which introduced and helped techniques that way... 

I also had students who rather want to play exercises than 'real' pieces. And I am happy to work with that as well.


I had students with disabilities or other physical difficulties - so I had to adjust technique and style.

I helped kids with learning disabilities, anxieties or other problems - helping to enjoy music and making progress in any small but steady way.


I met kids who 'only' played the harp because it was one of their parent's wishes - and then helped them to figure out if that really was their instrument or if they'd rather learn another one - and sometimes had that parent then take lessons instead.


I've seen so many people making a long-time (childhood) dream come true.


I've encountered lucky people who just suddenly stumbled on the harp and found it their instrument.


In short, I have been - and still am - lucky, to meet people of any shape and background, and enjoy sharing the beautiful instrument that is the harp! ...

One of my young boys (10ish) who plays harp since about 2 years, now performs regularly in his church, and is very happy about that (as are his fellow church goers, I am sure :-) )

My youngest girl (8ish) just prformed two pieces in her school talent show. She was so bnervous before - but happy that she did it.

Just a couple days ago I bought a new (used) harp - and already three of my students chose to play on it during their lessons  - and have fallen in love with it as well ...

Meet with a teacher in person (or online) and see how you connect.

See, if you like the way how she or he explains things,

how they play their instrument - how it feels over all.

Tell them, if you have any questions, any particular goals or wishes. Ask them if they have particular rules or plans. Any styles or techniques they prefer/specialize in etc.

Find out if lever or pedal harp - or, if that matters to you/to them at all.

You might not always have the chance of choice, but if you do, go see a few before you decide. - or, if you're happy with the first, give her/him a try for a while...

What is my budget?

Do I need to own a harp first, or can I start with renting one?

What is the difference between lever and pedal harp, and which one might I / my child need or like?

How much time can I / my child bring into learning a new instrument?

How often do I want lessons?

How far am I willing to travel?

Could I meet online only / mainly?

Are there any music styles / musicians / eras I would like to learn more about?