About | Kristie's Music Studio - Kristie's Music Studio

Kristie Smith, Music teacher

Hi! I’m Dr. 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.

Kristie teaching a harp lesson at her studio in the Summerlin neighborhood of Las Vegas.

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.

Undergraduate

I 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-Graduate

I have been privileged to study with internationally respected teachers. I completed my Doctor of Music degree from 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.

Lineage

As 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.

My piano training was with Dr. Paula Fan, internationally renowned pianist.

Student accomplishments

I am proud of my students! Here are some of their accomplishments:

My harp student of 7 years now studies harp performance and music therapy at Utah State University.
First prize winner at the Las Vegas Music Teachers Association Silver State Competition in 2016.
Winner of the Henderson Symphony Concerto Audition in 2017.
Winner’s recital, Handel harp concerto with the Henderson Symphony in 2017.
Winner of the Southwest Symphony Concerto Competition in 2017.
Winner’s recital, Handel's harp concerto with the Southwest Symphony in early 2018.
First prize winner of the Nevada Music Teachers Association Legacy Competition in 2018.
First prize winner of the ASTA solo competition in 2018, with a performance at the winner's recital in January 2019.

Fun Facts

I also teach Pilates!
I love furry animals, and you'll get to meet my 2 cats and ferret at lessons! (Just give me a heads up if you are allergic or afraid of animals.)
I have two kids: a brilliant and headstrong daughter, Katerina, and a curious and enthusiastic son, Raphael.

Kristie Smith, harpist and harp teacher in Las Vegas.

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 and for destination weddings around the country.

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 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!