Classes & Lessons

Mia Theodoratus teaches harp at Sarah Lawrence College, the Irish Arts Center and the Mozartina Conservatory, and takes private students in pedal harp, Celtic harp, electric harp and improvisation. She trained at the University of Texas at Austin and CalArts and has a Suzuki teaching certificate from Mary Kay Waddington.

I have studied with Susan Allen, Jeanne Chalifoux, Alice Chalifoux, Gloria Agostini, Amiya Dasgupta and Jody Guinn.

I create a lesson plan for each student. I have a BFA from the University of Texas at Austin and an MFA from the California Institute of the Arts. I teach Western classical pedal harp, Irish harps from 20 to 34 strings, medieval harps, single-action historical harps, ancient Greek lyre and improvisation.

You can take lessons with me in your home (availability is limited), online, or in inexpensive group classes at the Irish Arts Center.

Harp students and their harps in concert in a church — My students in concert

Harp students performing in concert — My students in concert

Irish Arts Center

This is a group class at the Irish Arts Center, and a great first step if you are not sure about becoming a harpist. It is a mixed-level course, for everyone from those brushing up to students who have never had any music lessons. We cover basic hand positioning, rhythm, chord positions and how to accompany melodies. Harps are available to rent.

Classical

I teach a modified Salzedo method infused with a healthy measure of Renié. I believe that playing the harp should not feel unnatural, and I work with each student to ensure a relaxed technique. I started out as a classical player and placed in several competitions, played in orchestras and premiered new music works.

Celtic/Irish Harp

Small Irish or Celtic harps are magical and require a more creative outlook than a concert grand. I specialize in teaching how to play and interpret Irish and Celtic folk music while creating your own harmonic language. I encourage students to go to some of the wonderful Irish sessions in NYC!

NYC Harp Orchestra

I direct the NYC Harp Orchestra, which was created to have a good time. The membership rotates and it is a musical democracy, with musicians choosing their parts and the tunes. We hold two or three harp circles a year at different venues around the city. Most of the members are my students, but anyone is welcome. We are a non-traditional Celtic group that plays from memory.

Our music includes Irish, Welsh and popular folk songs. Please contact me if you would like to join and play with us!

“Brian Boru,” arranged by Mia Theodoratus for the NYC Harp Orchestra:

“Inisheer” by Tommy Walsh, arranged for harp ensemble by Mia Theodoratus:

Flyer: the Folk Music Society of New York presents the NYC Harp Orchestra, Porch Stomp 2025, 11:30 AM, June 21, Governors Island — The NYC Harp Orchestra at Porch Stomp, Governors Island, June 2025

Workshops

I give workshops on improvisation on the harp, inspired by my work with Butch Morris, Charlie Haden, Baikida Carroll, Adam Rudolph and my collaborators in New York and around the world. Past workshops have taken place in Switzerland, Los Angeles (the American Harp Society conference), Toronto (Harps on the Hill) and New York, with many groups of musicians. Others include guided improvisation using Butch Morris’s Conduction, Irish harp workshops with Ann Heymann, Cormac de Barra and Patrick Ball, and workshops with students with disabilities in the New York City school system.

Jump off the cliff: in-the-moment playing and improvisation

Ever wonder how an artist plays without a composer, a chart or an established tune? Why you should start thinking off the page? Which steps lead you to composing your own music?

This workshop starts you on the path to diving in and contributing your voice to improvising groups. I explain systems like Conduction and matrices, and how to put together rhythmic grooves. Then together we jump off the improvisation cliff and make music in the moment!

Poster: Harps on the Hill improvisation workshop with New York City harpist Mia Theodoratus — Improvisation workshop, Harps on the Hill, Toronto

Workshop participants with Mia Theodoratus at Harps on the Hill — Workshop at Harps on the Hill, Toronto

American Harp Society magazine page previewing the 2023 Summer Institute, with Mia Theodoratus among the featured artists — Improvisation workshops at the American Harp Society Summer Institute, Los Angeles, June 2023

Contact Information

Phone (917) 696-2314 or email [email protected]