Lesson Expectations
Starting Out
Students should begin taking lessons alongside switching to oboe, or very soon after. These early lessons help students transition smoothly to a new instrument and keep up in their ensemble class. Typically, these students are in 6th or 7th grade, though some students are ready to switch to oboe as early as 5th grade. Lessons focus on establishing a solid foundation of technique, tone production, rhythm, and pitch accuracy.
Weekly 30 Minute Lessons, Tuition Track option
30 Minute Tuition Track students receive two handmade reeds per month, plus any emergency reeds. Reed strength is customized to each student's level.
Students spend time establishing good embouchure habits through reed exercises and long tones, work through all major and minor scales, and play etudes from Book One of the Gekeler Method for Oboe.
Practice sessions start at 15 minutes and increase to 25-30 minutes, at least 4 days a week.
Intermediate
Most students reach the Intermediate level between 8th and 9th grade. These students have experience playing some solo literature and can work through basic rhythm and technique in their individual practice.
Weekly 45 Minute Lessons, Tuition Track option
Intermediate Tuition Track students attend the full Summer Reed-Making Seminar, and receive three Advanced Reeds and one bundle of Gouged and Shaped cane per quarter. Students will also order reed-making tools through the studio.
Intermediate students work on advanced long tones, off-book technical exercises, and scale memorization along side the Rubank Advanced Method Book I and Book II.
Practice sessions are expected to be 45-60 minutes, 4 days a week. Students should also complete one reed per week.
Advanced
Advanced students have a thorough knowledge of technique and are capable of making marked improvement through independent practice. The student can make musical decisions regarding style and phrasing and can prepare larger works from the standard repertoire.
Weekly 60 Minute Lessons, Tuition Track option
Advanced Students have reed-making experience and can independently make a reed through "Day 3" but still requires assistant in finishing. Tuition Track students receive two Advanced Reeds and two bundles of Gouged and Shaped Cane per quarter.
Advanced students work on full and extended range fundamentals, along with a wide variety of etudes ranging from Barret Complete Method for Oboe, the Vade-Mecum of the Oboist, Ferling 48 Famous Studies, and Singer Book III. Students also study orchestral excerpts and works from the standard solo repertoire in preparation for college auditions, should they choose that path.
Advanced students are expected to practice a minimum of 5 days a week, averaging 60-75 minute sessions. This practice time is separate from reed-making time, where students should have two or three reeds at various stages each week.
FAQs:
What are your COVID-19 precautions?
Harper Music Studio is a fully vaccinated and boosted household and encourages anyone who is eligible and able to be vaccinated to do so. If a student is feeling ill or has been exposed, please switch to an online lesson or reschedule. I will do the same if I am feeling ill or have been exposed. Any masking requirements established by state and local governments will be followed. Students are welcome to mask to their level of comfort. The use of playing masks and bell covers effects playing ability and quality, but students are welcome to use them if they feel comfortable doing so.
Where do lessons take place?
Lessons are taught in my home studio in Lacey. I am also on faculty at South Puget Sound Community College and St. Martin's University. If you are interested in attending either institution, please contact me for a free lesson.
What are your lesson rates?
Weekly lessons (non-tuition track) are $30 for half-hour lessons, $45 for 45 minute lessons, and $60 for 1 hour lessons. Tuition track rates can be found here.
How can I pay for lessons?
Lessons can be paid by cash, check (made out to Laura Harper), Venmo or PayPal, either weekly or monthly. I also offer a monthly auto-billing option.
Do you offer bi-weekly lessons?
No, I am unable to offer bi-weekly lessons for students. The inconsistency and large amount of time between lessons hinders student progress to such a degree that it is worth neither your time nor your money. Weekly lessons are a worthwhile investment.
I am able offer bi-weekly, monthly, or semi-regular lessons for adult students who are looking to get back into playing, brush up their skills, or learn to make reeds. Please contact me for more information.
Do you offer group lessons?
I offer group lessons for beginning oboists during the summer session. See the Beginning Oboe Class tab for more information.
Do you offer reed-making lessons?
Yes! 45-minute and hour long lessons include reed making if the student is in high school and has been playing for at least one year. I also teaching reed-making specific lessons, one hour for $60.
Do you play or teach any other instruments?
I am an oboe and English horn specialist and do not teach or perform on any other instruments. If you are looking for lessons on different instruments, I have plenty of great suggestions for teachers!