Technique that frees expression.
Thoughtful music instruction designed to develop independent, expressive musicians—not simply students who can reproduce notes.
Technique in service of expression.
My goal is not simply to help students play the right notes, but to help them become thoughtful, expressive, independent musicians.
Lessons are shaped around the student in front of me—their level, goals, personality, strengths, habits, and musical imagination. Technique matters because it creates freedom; musicianship matters because it gives students something meaningful to say; and good practice habits matter because growth happens between lessons as much as during them.
Whether a student is beginning, returning to music, or developing toward a more advanced level, I want the learning process to be clear, encouraging, purposeful, and musically alive.
Clear direction. Focused work. Growing independence.
Understand where you are.
We begin by looking at your experience, strengths, technical needs, musical interests, and goals.
Build a practical plan.
Repertoire, technique, reading, listening, and practice strategies are chosen to work together rather than compete for attention.
Develop musicianship, not dependency.
Over time, students learn to listen critically, solve problems, practice intelligently, and make increasingly confident musical decisions on their own.
Keep the music alive.
Technique and structure are always connected back to expression, communication, and the joy of making music.
Grounded in study, shaped by experience.
Jonathan holds a Master of Music in Harp Performance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and has taught music since 2017.
His work has included harp instruction, general music teaching, ensemble leadership, sacred music involvement, and coaching students in both technical and expressive growth.
He teaches from within an active artistic life, so students are learning not only from abstract principles, but from someone who continues to perform, study, and create.
Interested in lessons?
If you’re exploring harp or piano lessons, or simply want to ask a few questions first, feel free to reach out.
jschneiderharp@gmail.com