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Howard Lee Harkness
Current Schedule
Shakespeare called music “The Food of Love” – but it’s much more than that. A child who studies music shows increased development of the parts of the brain that govern mathematical and engineering abilities. The discipline of practice will benefit any other pursuit in later life.
I developed a love for the violin at the age of 9, when I began my own study of the instrument. 7 years years later, I became concertmaster of my high school orchestra, a member of the El Paso All-City orchestra, the Texas All-State orchestra, the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, and concertmaster of the Baylor Summer Symphony. During my senior year of high school, I won the El Paso Music Teachers’ Award For Outstanding Violin Performance.
Since that time, I have performed with several groups in the DFW area, including Threadneedle Street and The Old Crusty Minstrels. My favorite genre is Celtic music, but I also teach various other fiddling techniques.
My teaching experience includes substitute teaching for the Austin Independent School District, technical course presentation, and teaching continuing education classes for Collin County and Richland Community Colleges.
My philosophy is that music should be FUN, and I emphasize techniques for getting the best possible sound from the violin. I teach a variety of styles, but I start all beginners with classical technique (including reading standard music notation), because that is the most versatile. I do not use the Suzuki Method, although I use some of the Suzuki materials (I find the Suzuki editions generally higher quality than some other publishers).
Private Lessons are $25/half-hour, payable monthly in advance. I offer a discount for more than one student in a family. I can also advise beginning students on instrument selection. There is no charge for an initial interview with prospective student. Minimum age for private lesson is 6 (first grade). For students under the age of 12, a parent or guardian should attend* each lesson with the child. I also accept adult students at any age. 10% discount for two or more students from the same family.
I was affiliated with Music Learning Unlimited until the end of November 2006, when the school closed. I now teach at my residence in Plano, near Custer and Cross Bend. To arrange your free initial consultation, contact me directly at the number below for directions.
Call (214) 390-4896 or email (celticfiddler@gmail.com) today to arrange your free initial consultation.
Notes:
- Parent of younger student is expected to take notes and learn to tune the instrument, and should be willing to commit to supervising regular practice with the student. This is an enormous help to the younger student. You are also welcome to bring a recorder to each lesson — it makes a wonderful record of the progress of your child.
- I recommend the “Don’t Fret” fingerboard decal for beginning students. This marvelous invention is a superior replacement for fingerboard tapes typically used for beginning students. I can also help with instrument selection.
- I have a limited selection of violins for sale, including some inexpensive beginner’s instruments that can be much more economical than renting, especially with my generous buy-back guarantee. Please call or email me for details. I no longer rent instruments, but I can refer you to some excellent rental sources.
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