Kristie Smith, Music teacher
Hi! I’m Kristie Smith, and I teach harp lessons and piano lessons in Las Vegas. I have taught music lessons for over fifteen years.
I teach my students how to practice effectively and efficiently, with focus and discipline. I provide students with a thorough understanding of music history and music theory. I customize lessons to fit the unique needs of each student. My goal is to help each student become the very best musician they can be. |
Background
I began playing the piano at the age of six and the harp at the age of ten. I competed in and won many local and national music competitions during my teenage years.
UndergraduateI received my undergraduate training with Dr. Carrol McLaughlin, renowned jazz harpist and director of HarpFusion. I studied piano with Dr. Paula Fan, Regents Professor of Piano and principal pianist of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.
I was honored as the Outstanding Senior of my undergraduate class when I graduated summa cum laude and with Honors with a Bachelor of Music in harp and piano performance from the University of Arizona in 2004. Post-GraduateI have been privileged to study with internationally respected teachers. I am currently a doctoral candidate in harp performance at Indiana University, where I studied with Distinguished Professor Susann McDonald, artistic director of the World Harp Congress. I received my Master of Music degree from Indiana University in 2005.
|
LineageAs a student of Susann McDonald, I continue the tradition of harp playing in the method of Henriette Renié, a respected French harpist and composer for the harp.
|
Student accomplishmentsI am extremely proud of my students! Here are some of their accomplishments:
|
Fun Facts
|
Performance backgroundI have an extensive performance background. I have won first prize in several national music competitions, including the American Harp Society Young Professional Competition, the Anne Adams Awards, and the NFMC Young Artist Awards.
I have competed in international harp competitions, including the Israel International Harp Contest and the USA International Harp Competition. As the American Harp Society Concert Artist, I toured the US for two years giving solo recitals. I was honored to represent the American Harp Society at its Opening Concert in Los Angeles and at the World Harp Congress in Dublin. I play harp for weddings in the Las Vegas area. |
I belong to the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), the Las Vegas Music Teachers Association (LVMTA), and the American Harp Society (AHS).
Thanks for reading all about me. I would love to learn about your goals for music lessons! You may email or call me at 702-575-2793, or fill out the form on my Contact page. I look forward to hearing from you!