Teaching Studio

Private Studio Lessons

Marissa has extensive experience in the art of teaching the harp. She leads the harp program at CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) of the Pittsburgh Public School system, working with students grades 6–12 in a class environment where she gives both individual and ensemble harp instruction.

She also maintains a private harp-teaching studio where she sees students for weekly lessons. All students have a 30-minute to one-hour lesson on a weekly basis. Beginners develop the necessary music theory skills required to read music. Weekly assignments from music theory workbooks supplements areas needing improvement. Marissa emphasizes correct technique! She teaches the Salzedo method. This technique helps students stay loose and relaxed while maintaining good posture so they can express themselves with ease. Students must own or rent an instrument for regular practice. Marissa suggests renting a harp from the Virginia Harp Center.

Marissa was the harp instructor at Youngstown State University, the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble in Atlanta, GA, and Toccoa Falls College. She was also the harp-teaching assistant at the Young Artists' Harp Seminar for four summers, and has conducted many harp ensembles including at Beginning In The Middle, a training program for adult beginner harp students.

Marissa occasionally has openings in her private studio. Please reach out to inquire about current availability.