Harp Lessons at BKCM
Whether you are new to the harp or have been playing for years, private lessons offer a chance to explore the instrument in a wide range of styles from classical to jazz to pop. Students can begin harp lessons when they are tall enough to comfortably sit with and handle a small harp; generally, over the age of five is recommended. In private lessons, students learn to read and interpret music and develop their technical ability and listening skills. A trial harp is available, and information on harp rentals can be found below.
Harp Group Classes & Ensembles
Looking for ways to get involved with other harpists? We have two different group class offerings: Intro to Harp for Adults and our Harp Ensemble, open to those 11 and up! These classes are offered for beginners and mixed levels.
How To Register
All private lesson registrations must be completed by phone or in-person. To schedule a trial lesson, re-enroll, or get help finding the right instructor, please call the registration desk at 718-622-3300.
Harp Instructor
Harp Lesson FAQs
Students can get started on the harp by booking a trial lesson (call 718-622-3300), renting a harp, and of course, having a chance to try a harp!
Students can begin harp when they are tall enough to comfortably sit with and handle a small harp. Generally, over the age of five is recommended.
Monthly rental fee ranges for a lever harp range between $65- $150 depending on the size of the instrument. Most students begin harp studies on lever harp. If you’re interested in purchasing a lever harp, the average cost is between $1,500-3,500 depending on the size and quality of the instrument.
- The Virginia Harp Center in Haddonfield, NJ has lever and pedal harps for sale, rental and additionally offers a highly recommended rent-to-own program. To find the latest harp offers, call the Virginia Harp Center at 856-428-1430 or visit www.vaharpcenter.com.
- Lyon & Healy Harps offers a rental program in addition to their harps for sale. Lyon & Healy is located in Chicago, but offers shipping nationwide.
- To find used harps for sale, visit Harp Column Classifieds.
BKCM has a small lap harp available for trial students to use for a period of two weeks. If more than one student wants to use the trial harp in a similar time-frame, the trial period will be one week per student. The trial lap harp is not available for rental or extended use. Pedal harps will be available to try out throughout the year at BKCM events and in class, or upon request.
Students who want to be sure that private lessons are the right fit, or just want to try out a specific teacher or instrument, have the option to enroll and pay for a single trial lesson before committing to the full term. Trial lessons are scheduled for the next available lesson day, for the cost of a single private lesson. After the trial lesson, students have 24 hours to contact our Registration team to enroll for the full term. If registration is not confirmed within 24 hours, the lesson time will be released. Registrars will work with you to set a trial lesson time that works for your regular schedule. Payment is required to complete registration.
Once a trial lesson is booked, it can be rescheduled or refunded with 24 hours notice prior to the trial lesson occurring. Same-day cancellations or missed trial lessons are non-refundable. Students may take as many trial lessons as they would like, however, you may only book one trial lesson per teacher. Brooklyn Conservatory of Music also offers audits for group classes based on class availability. Audits are not for our beginner group instrumental classes on Piano and Guitar. We do not offer trial lessons during the summer semester.
Harps come in many different sizes!
- The smallest harps, called lap harps, are two feet tall. BKCM has a lap harp available for trial, please see below.
- However, the most frequently rented harps for young beginners are lever harps, which are are between three and four feet tall with 26-34 strings. Full-sized lever harps are five feet tall, and are a good option for adult and intermediate students.
- Pedal harps (5ft-6ft) are available in petite, semi-grand, and concert-grand sizes. Pedal harps are recommended for teen and adult students who have been studying harp or another instrument for a couple of years.
Tuning harps is challenging, but fun! Harps are tuned daily using a tuning key (included in your harp rental or purchase) and a chromatic tuner. Harp tuning is taught during your first few harp lessons. You may also use this video guide for reference.
2026-27 Tuition & Financial Aid
16-WEEK SEMESTER*
30-minute lessons: $1,792
45-minute lessons: $2,064
60-minute lessons: $2,372
32-WEEK ANNUAL*
30-minute lessons: $3,584
45-minute lessons: $4,128
60-minute lessons: $4,744
* 16-week single-semester lessons are only open to students 18 and up.
Enrolled private lesson students get a significant discount on group classes and ensembles.
Fees: There is a $55 Registration Fee charged once per family per school year upon registration. Students who choose to enroll using one of our automatic payment plan options must provide a valid credit card for all scheduled installment payments, and pay a $55 Payment Plan Fee, charged once per school year, per family.
Your family may qualify for financial aid. If you are interested in applying, please go to our Financial Aid page for more details on availability and eligibility criteria.
All Private Lesson Offerings:
Private music lessons are a core learning experience at BKCM, available for every major instrument including voice. Drawing from our diverse, world-class faculty, we match each student to a teacher whose approach fits their learning style and musical goals. No audition or experience is required to begin private music lessons.
For guidance in finding an instructor or to register for a trial lesson, call the registration desk at 718-622-3300.