Kristie's Music Studio
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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!
702-575-2793
[email protected]
Kristie Smith, Copyright 2023.
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Located near Charleston and 215, Summerlin, Las Vegas.
​Kristie welcomes persons of every race, culture, class, age, and orientation.
Photos include images from Sabrina W Photography.

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