A Brief Introduction
Catherine Reid is a Scottish-American harpist and pianist who regularly performs solo, chamber, orchestral and operatic repertoire while maintaining a passion for teaching. Her music teachers have taught her that skills in the practice room such as time management and discipline are as valuable for practicing as they are for non-musical endeavours. Through teaching Catherine seeks to share both musical knowledge, and how to apply musical skills to other aspects of a pupil’s life.
My Methodology
I believe in a balance of positive reinforcement and constructive criticism. I will strive to identify and acknowledge any progress or strength within a student's playing and then note any opportunities for growth. When starting lessons I first ensure my pupil feels comfortable at the harp or piano and is using good posture and technique that will avoid injury prior to addressing musicality. Depending on the student's experience, I will incorporate music theory into lessons through activities such as identifying melody notes, chords names, any cadences, etc. and help a pupil find the natural melodic flow using singing. This can also help train one's inner ear to hear a written phrase's natural climax and conclusion prior to playing it.
My Inspiration
Teaching is both a way to share my love of music, and see someone else learn the joys of a beautiful phrase or conquering a particularly tricky passage. I am lucky to have had several strong, female harp and piano teachers who have taught me not only how to play my instruments, but valuable life lessons applicable outside music. I strive to emulate them and teach both the repertoire and values such as discipline, time management, self-confidence and, as Eastman's Prof. Bride once told me, how to let negativity roll off me like water off a duck's back. I teach so I can see the joy and pride in a pupil's face when they realize that, with practice and persistence, they can overcome any obstacle.
Your Questions, Answered
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I am based in Acton, W3 area, and travel to people’s homes to teach piano and harp. This is flexible if it is a person’s first harp lesson and they do not have the instrument yet, but eventually I would expect my student’s to rent or purchase their own.
In-school piano lessons through Pelican Music at the following schools:
Ark Byron Primary Academy ; John Betts Primary Academy ; Strand on the Green Infants & Strand on the Green Juniors
For more information about Pelican Music, here is their website:
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I match the RCM Teaching Service’s rates as I am an alumna still on their registered list of teachers.
As of January 2026:
30 minutes - £45
45 minutes - £50
60 minutes - £55
*Please note that I reserve the right to increase the rate for students who are over a 30minute train or bus ride away to reflect the greater travel cost and impact on my time.
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Lessons must be canceled or rescheduled a minimum of 2 days (48 hours) prior to the lesson.
Any lessons canceled by the student after that time will still need to be paid in full. This means that a Friday evening lesson at 6pm must be canceled by 5:59pm on the immediate Wednesday prior.
Lessons canceled by the teacher will be rescheduled or credited if already paid and it is unable to be rescheduled.
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HARPISTS:
Below are some very helpful websites for finding a harp that I trust:
Affairs of the Harp - Used and Second Hand Harps : https://www.affairsoftheharp.com/
Salvi Music Store London based in Battersea : https://www.salvimusic.co.uk/
Must book an appointment prior to appearing at the store.
Please note that a lever or celtic harp will satisfy all ABRSM grades up to Grade 4, but after Grade 5, you will need a pedal harp to continue. For young students, I recommend beginning on a lever harp, then transitioning to a pedal. For adults, please feel free to reach out and tell me about your goals and I will recommend which is better for you.
PIANISTS:
Recommended keyboard models: Roland FB10, Yamaha P125, Kawaii ES120 ; for younger beginners, a smaller keyboard than 88 keys will also work to start.
Keyboard hire website:
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These sites are both great for harp strings, tuning keys, and sheetmusic. Please make sure to have a look at their charts describing which types of strings to get before purchasing.
Salvi Music London Store String Configurator: https://store.salvimusic.co.uk/configurator
Salvi Music London Store for Strings and Accessories : https://store.salvimusic.co.uk/
The Harp Studio: https://www.theharpstudio.co.uk/
This Welsh based store has both sheetmusic and strings, and has very speedy shipping!