Cheryl Grohn Harp and Piano

Serves , WA

35244

Hired 41 times

1 employee

15 years in business

$125/hour

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Venmo, and Zelle.

Next Service

Credentials

Background Check

Cheryl Grohn
Completed on 12/8/2019

Introduction

I offer individualized lessons on pedal harp, lever harp and piano for ages six to adult. I focus on starting where the student is and where s/he wants to be, and design a course of lessons based on the student's goals. I also offer harp and keyboard or piano music for special events including weddings, showers, teas, religious services, holiday and retirement parties and retirement communities. These services are at an hourly rate. I offer discounts for package purchases. I love sharing the sound of the harp and piano with others, and especially enjoy helping others learn to play. I can also provide other musicians including violin, flute and cello for your special event. For weddings, I offer a variety of packages including discounted prices for ceremony plus reception. I can also offer additional instruments including violin, cello and flute. I offer a complimentary first lesson for students to get acquainted, try out the instruments, and see if their goals and my style is a fit. I also offer a discounted lesson price for packages of 10 lessons paid in advance.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

For harp and piano lessons, I charge by the amount of time requested for lessons, with 30, 45 and 60 minute blocks available. I offer a discount for groups of 10 lessons paid in advance. For entertainment events, I charge an hourly rate. For weddings, I charge a standard package price starting at $450 which includes a private consultation, all needed preparation, setup and take down time, and up to 90 minutes of music day of event. Reception music available for an hourly rate. I offer a discounted wedding package price for ceremony + reception.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

For new students, I schedule a free trial lesson to review the student's musical knowledge, skills and goals, when we discuss my services, the typical structure of lessons, and cost structure, along with available lesson resources. For entertainment events, I meet with the customer to discuss the type of event, style of music desired, length of time, and logistics. We discuss my services and prices. For weddings, I set up a consultation with the bride and groom either in person or online to select the music for each part of the ceremony. Package prices include a one hour consultation and up to 90 minutes of music before, during and after the ceremony. Reception music available at hourly rate.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

Fourteen years private music lessons on piano and harp, both pedal and lever. Thirty years experience as a church musician, playing piano, organ, harp solo and ensemble music. Member of Puget Sound Folk Harp Society and Snohomish County Music Teachers Association. I attend harp symposiums, play with other harp players, and take online courses regularly.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I have been playing the piano since I was a child, and began playing for church services in the 8th grade. I continued formal music studies through high school, then started individual harp lessons as an adult. I began studying harp 20 years ago, and have taught for 15 years. I play regularly at private and public entertainment events, both solo and with other musicians including in concerts and for recordings, and love doing this type of work.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I work with students of all ages, including children, teens and adults. The ability to read music is not required, as I have a complete program to help you learn to read music quickly. I have collaborated with event planners and families for special events including weddings, retirement, birthday and dinner parties, formal teas, holiday parties, and memorial services.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

I organized, planned and coordinated three Celtic music events including a Celtic party and two sessions at local Irish restaurants/pubs, including harps, violins, flutes, bodhran, guitar, and whistles. Our audiences shared they loved the variety of songs and instruments.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

For harp lessons, talk to a knowledgeable harper or harpist before you rent or buy a harp, to make sure you get the size and quality instrument that will further your learning and enjoyment. While ability to read music isn't required, it will help you learn the harp faster. Ask how the teacher incorporates reading music and music theory into lessons. For piano lessons, decide if you will be buying a keyboard or piano. A full sized keyboard with weighted keys will be sufficient to start, and there are many free or low cost pianos available on community sites. Ask about the teacher's experience with piano, both playing and giving lessons, as well as their philosophy about music lessons. For event music, consider the venue and number of people attending when selecting musicians. Ask questions about other similar events the musician has done, if they have amplification equipment, and the styles of music they can provide.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

For harp teachers: what style(s) of harp do you teach? What resources or techniques do you use? Am I required to purchase certain books or materials? How big should my harp be? Can you help me locate a harp to rent or buy? Can I play popular/Christmas/Christian music on the harp? For piano teachers: What resource or techniques do you use? How do you structure a typical lesson? Can I start on a weighted keyboard instead of investing in a full sized piano? How long have you been playing the piano? Will I be able to learn popular/Christmas music? For event music: how long have you been providing this service? What styles of music do you perform? How large of a space do you require for performing? Do you require any special set up or equipment? Can you provide amplification if required? Do you have other musicians available if I want an ensemble (small band) to play at my event?