Jessica Harvey
Lesson Feesfrom $50.00 / 30 Minutes
Promotions Available
About
Hello! I am a freelance composer and teacher based in the Twin Cities. I started teaching violin over 14 years ago and since then, have expanded my studio to incorporate theory, composition, and beginning piano. I have a MFA in Theory and Composition from the University of New Mexico and a BA of Music from Bryn Mawr College.
I have played the violin for almost 25 years and over the course of my playing have experience in playing solo, in chamber ensembles, and orchestras of all sorts from symphonic, with chorals, and in the pit for musicals. I was trained in the Western classical tradition though have expanded to incorporate fiddling due to student interest. Since I started teaching, my students have ranged from ages 4 to 60+, with about half my studio consisting of adult beginners.
As a theorist and composer, my music have a basis in nature that incorporates solid structure, humor, and improvisation. Works have been performed throughout the United States and Canada and been commissioned by Opera Elect, the Art Song Collaborative Project, Karin Stevens Dance, LA duo Strange Interlude, clarinetist Julia Lynn Lougheed, among others. Recent highlights include First Prize at the 2020 Darkwater Festival Composition Competition, a residency at the Rensing Center in the summer of 2021, and being part of the 2021 Collaborative Composition Initiative with the Unheard-of//Ensemble.
Lessons are focused on individual interests while building a solid technical foundation. The first lessons are focused on learning the goals of each student and a custom curriculum is designed from there. At any point, students are welcome to bring in their own music and curiosity into other subjects. Students can expect a patient and fun environment that hones technical skills while maintaining motivation and enjoyment of music.
Violin lessons include: proper violin posture, bowing, efficient practice techniques, phrasing and expression, various musical styles, sight reading, tips for playing with others, and fun historical facts.
Composition lessons can cover: music theory, music history, how to bring out your individual style, notation practices, arranging, how have a successful composition career, collaboration with other artists, leading rehearsals, and more.
Theory Lessons can cover: basics of notes and rhythm, learning how to read different clefs, how chords are made, creating chord progressions, understanding small and large-scale structure, analysis of music, and more. From their lessons, students will be able to understand the different aspects of music, how they fit together, and be able to apply that knowledge to their own performance practice, compositions, and more.