Qualifications
Cynthy Johnson is a Professional Harpist and a Certified Therapeutic Harpist. The depth and breadth of her musical experience spans over 30 years encompassing Liturgical Organ, Piano, Flute, Acoustic Guitar, Voice, Native American Flute and Harp. She was classically trained beginning as a young child in piano and liturgical organ. For 20 years, she studied privately and at the University Level, at the University of Bridgeport, in Connecticut; encompassing Liturgical Organ, Music Theory, and Composition. Concurrently she studied flute, acoustic guitar, and voice.
She studied Pedal Harp at the The Academy of Music, where she was trained on the Pedal Harp, in the Salzedo Method, under the tutelage of accomplished harpist Lynnelle Ediger-Kordzaia. Cynthy has also received training on Lever Harp by several world renowned lever harpers. Cynthy serves the Richmond, VA and surrounding communities as a Certified Therapeutic Harp Practitioner. She graduated from the International Harp Therapy Program in San Diego,CA.
Harp Instruction
Cynthy teaches lever harp in her private Harp Studio in Richmond, VA as well as travelling for various workshops or for comprehensive, private lessons at the student's location. Harp Lessons with Cynthy are *Individually Paced and Student Focused, *Taught from written music and by ear, *Focus on Harp Technique, *Encompass Music Theory, *Applied Music Theory for the Harp and *Tailored to the student's preferred music genre.
Cynthy's Workshops and Individualized Instruction for the Harp will assist you in learning to apply these concepts to the harp and to harp music
in a structured, tailored and fun learning environment!.
Workshops - Improvising within Melodies
She has instructed students nationally and internationally in her original workshop, "Improvising Within Melodies". In this unique workshop, Cynthy builds upon a student's harp skill sets, introducing music theory concepts that can be utilized for improvisation within melodies of many types of music. Moving beyond simply offering variations of bass patterns or simple ornamentation to a melody, this workshop actually teaches the student how to improvise the melody line! The workshop presents simple and inspirational instruction for advanced beginners to bring improvisation into lead sheet, fake book, or simply arranged music; then progressing to a variety of techniques for those at the intermediate level including bringing LH patterns into RH melodies, building cadences, coloring RH melodies, changing rhythm and timing and creating repeating phrases or motifs. This is a fun and exciting workshop allowing the student to grow, be challenged beyond what they might see on a musical score, and enjoy shape-shifting their music.
Harp Students both locally and from around the country have sought Cynthy's unique and dynamic instruction, specifically tailored to encompass the student's initiatives and support the student in their specific goals. She teaches harp to students locally in her studio in Richmond, VA as well as regionally. She is available for private lessons and workshops with both local and out of state students. Contact Cynthy@CrystalHarp.com to learn more about unique opportunities to enhance your harp skills and repertoire!