I believe that children feed off of each other in a great way! That’s why, in addition to their private lessons, my students attend group sessions. These sessions have approximately eight students per class and are structured by age: Group 1 (K-Grade 6) and Group 2 (Grade 7-12).

In each class, students get to perform a piece and receive positive feedback from their peers. This helps to boost their confidence and prepare them for performing in front of an audience. Additionally, students participate in fun theory games and activities. It’s a great way to develop strong friendships while also improving musical knowledge.

A big crowd-pleaser at Ottawa Harp Academy is our PJ parties, which are held prior to our studio recitals. Aside from the fun factor (who doesn’t love wearing pajamas at a party?), these events provide students with a practice performance of their recital piece(s) in front of their peers.

Together, we discuss recital etiquette, practice our stage presence, and perform our pieces. This is followed by a fun night of dinner, games, and a movie.

With my Practice Buddies program, I pair my beginner/junior students (who need extra assistance) with an advanced high-school student to learn how to practice effectively. Students sign up for the Practice Buddies program in the fourth week of the term, with the program commencing in the fifth week.

Each pair meets weekly online for the same amount of time as their private lesson (30-minute lesson = 30-minute Practice Buddies session). The younger students love the support, and the high-school students are rewarded with volunteer hours, teaching experience, and a boost in confidence through this leadership role. Registration reopens every term with a limited number of participants.

Each term, I also hold one to two practice challenges. These are typically held when students need an extra boost of motivation or are preparing for a big performance. While these challenges vary – focusing on a variety of practice elements, including length of practice, consistency, and metronome work – they always include a creative element to up the fun factor. They’re also tailored to the individual student to ensure success.

By increasing the time and frequency of practice, the student makes more progress, feels more successful, and becomes more confident.

Talented musicians are great, but fostering children who care about their greater community is even better. Each year, I get my students involved in community outreach programs to help spread kindness.

In the past, we performed to residents of a local nursing home and care facility. During the pandemic, we created a video of the studio performing holiday tunes (both as solos and duos) and shared it with over 25 nursing homes and 65 families in Ottawa. We also fundraised to support one of our own students, who won the Ottawa Youth Orchestra concerto competition, to offset the cost of renting expensive music from New York City. These initiatives warm my heart and are often celebrated with a well-deserved ice cream party!