Preucil School of Music

Harp Lessons

In recent years, a generation of harpists has evolved using the Suzuki method. These harpists are playing at higher levels at younger ages. There are harps of all sizes for every age, from the pre-school to adult. This allows for early involvement with the instrument and leads to life-long enjoyment of music.

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Individual Lessons: Beginning students enroll for a thirty minute lesson. This time is shared by child and parent, in order to instruct the parent in his/her role as home teacher. All new parents and students are encouraged to observe other student's individual lessons, as well as a group lesson, during the first few weeks of the term. During these observations, the Suzuki Triangle can be seen in action: parent, teacher, and child working, sharing, and having fun together. Success in the Suzuki approach depends upon this triangular relationship, rooted in a rich environment.

The parent is expected to be present at all lessons and supervise home practice until the teacher determines that the student is sufficiently mature to work without help. Using a cassette recorder to tape each lesson is recommended whether or not the parent is present at the lesson. Questions which come up mid-week are easily resolved, and reminders of special details result in a better-prepared lesson.

Parents are asked to take pertinent notes in a notebook which is brought to each lesson. The teacher's instructions should be written in this notebook each session, so that a complete record is available for review and reminders. The parent's role as home teacher usually continues for several years, with the student gradually assuming more responsibility. The teacher will guide the student toward working independently at the proper time.

When music reading is introduced (around Book Two or Three), it is advisable to increase the individual lesson time to forty-five minutes, and the daily practice proportionately.

The Preucil School welcomes students who transfer from non-Suzuki backgrounds during any stage of advancement. Regardless of the age of such students, it is helpful for their parents to observe lessons at first to gain an understanding of Suzuki learning ideals and any necessary technical adjustments.

Home Practice and Listening: Progress occurs during home practice and listening sessions. At lessons, the teachers take students from where they are and move them to the next step. If growth has not occurred at home during the week, the lesson remains at the same level. Similarly, careful practice and listening habits in preschool and elementary years can result in outstanding musical and academic accomplishments in high school and later life. An open understanding with the teacher about realistic practice and listening expectations is essential. While the discipline of regular practice is not always easy, children are always happiest when they do well. Suzuki challenges parents to "create the desire to learn" in their children.

Additional information

Photos and video

Learning: Lessons/practice information

Harp Faculty

Registration policies and forms

Thank you for your interest in the Preucil School of Music. If you have trouble downloading the forms, please install the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

To put your child or an adult student on our waiting list for lessons:

1. Please read the Enrollment Process carefully:
Enrollment Process for lessons
2. If your child is under 5 years old, please read:
Pretwinkle Partner Lesson Information
3. For information about lesson tuition and fees:
Fee Structure 2008-2009
4. Print and complete the Placement Form:
Lesson Placement Form
5. Print and complete the Observation Form:
Observation Form
6. Send the completed forms and the $35 placement fee to:

Preucil School of Music - Main Campus
524 N. Johnson St.
Iowa City, IA 52245-2840

Financial aid is available.

Pam Weest-Carrasco

Pam received her music degrees from Indiana University where she was a student of Peter E. Eagle. In addition, her Suzuki teacher training took place at the Texas Christian University Suzuki Institutes with Mary Kay Waddington, and she has been teaching Suzuki harp since 1992. She plays second harp for the Cedar Rapids and Quad City Symphonies as well as with the University of Iowa Ensembles. Before moving to Iowa City in 1990, she free-lanced in the Washington, D.C. area, playing with the Arlington Symphony and at Ford’s Theatre (“A Christmas Carol”). Her free-lancing has included concerts with Julio Iglesias, Lainie Kazan, Jack Jones, Toni Tenille, Mark O’Conner, the Moody Blues and Josh Groban. All three of her children were students at the Preucil School.