About Harmony with Hope
My Mission and Purpose
Aristotle once said that “music directly imitates the passions or states of the soul... when one listens to music that imitates a certain passion, he becomes imbued with the same passion.” There is power and responsibility in being a music educator, performer, and composer. My mission and purpose as a born-again believer is to steward these passionate gifts well for the glory of God and to encourage others physically and spiritually.
Musical Background
Hope Reed was taught piano by her mother and grandmother before graduating high school. During this time she was involved in concerto competitions and numerous music festivals and recitals, including the MAPMTO Honors Recital and Maranatha’s Great Lakes Music Festival in high school.
In 2017 Reed began pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Pedagogy and Composition at Maranatha Baptist University. She began teaching students in the MBU prep school and wrote arrangements of some of her favorite folk songs as well as lovely church hymns. She accompanied the Chorale and Madrigal choirs in her junior and senior years and enjoyed singing as an alto in the Madrigal choir. Reed graduated in the spring of 2022 with her BA in music.
Shortly following graduation, she accepted a music teaching position at a Christian academy in Madison, WI where she is currently teaching theory, classical music literature, and choral techniques. Some of her classroom students take piano lessons from her as well. Reed enjoys the opportunities she has to share her love of music with the next generation!
Let’s Begin
FAQs
Q: How much time should I commit to piano lessons?
A: Each student is required to practice for an established minimum time per week, as outlined in my studio policy. Students are not required to practice on lesson days, but lessons do not count toward their minimum practice time. I use the Faber Piano Adventures curriculum to evaluate a student’s level and progress
Example: Beginning (Primer-Lvl.1) - 15-30 min. lesson, 20-60 min. weekly practice time
Q: Does Harmony with Hope offer summer lessons or summer music events?
A: Contact me directly for scheduling summer lessons for the year 2025.
Summer music camps and other events are currently not offered.
Q: What repertoire does Harmony with Hope use for events?
A: My repertoire list can be located on my “Services” webpage. It includes classical literature, romantic songs, contemporary Christian arrangements, hymns, and modern piano compositions ideal for background music, weddings, and similar events. Clients may choose from the repertoire list provided and/or request a new selection*. This list can also be used to evaluate difficulty level for choral or instrumental accompaniments.
*Harmony with Hope reserves the right to accept or decline repertoire requests.
Q: Do I need my own piano, and what kind of piano should I use?
A: To develop a healthy practice routine, a student must have regular access to a full 88-key electric or acoustic piano. Acoustic pianos are required for late intermediate-advanced students.
Q: How often are students required to perform (i.e. recitals, competitions…)?
A: In-person students are required to participate in at least one significant performance per academic year. A significant performance includes, but not limited to: studio recitals, school performances, solo or collaborative competitions, solo church offertory or Studio recitals are currently held once in the spring for in-person students; recitals for online students are currently not offered.
Q: What ages and levels does Harmony with Hope teach?
A: I teach students of all ages starting as early as 6 years. Adult students are welcome in my studio! I teach beginning-advanced students (kindergarten-advanced high school levels).
Q: What curriculum is used for piano lessons?
A: My primary curriculum for lesson books is the Faber Piano Adventures (for all ages). To supplement for older students, I use Classics for the Developing Pianist, an intermediate-late advanced classical series, and the Rejoice hymnal for church musicians. Students are welcome to bring fun, supplemental pieces to lessons as well!