Music Lessons

We believe that music education is a key part of a well-rounded learning experience. Playing an instrument helps students develop important skills such as focus, discipline, creativity, and problem-solving.

 

In addition to individual growth, our students have opportunities to perform in front of peers, parents, and the community. Whether through solo performances or group ensembles, these experiences are an important part of their musical journey, teaching them teamwork, perseverance, and the joy of sharing their talents with others. Join us and watch your child discover the power of music!

Harborlight is incredibly fortunate to have professional musicians as part of our dedicated faculty. This unique opportunity sets our school apart, enriching the learning experience for our students in ways that are truly special. Our music teachers are not only passionate about nurturing young talent, but they also bring real-world experience into the classroom.

 

Having professional musicians as educators means our students are learning from experts who have performed on stages, recorded music, and collaborated with other musicians across various genres. This expertise allows them to offer invaluable insights, mentorship, and inspiration, giving students a deeper understanding of the artistry and discipline behind music. Whether they are guiding students through their first piano piece or coaching them on ensemble performance, our music teachers infuse every lesson with the professional skills and knowledge that make music come alive.

 

We are proud to offer Harborlight students the opportunity to learn from such accomplished musicians, ensuring that their musical education is as rich and dynamic as possible.

Harborlight Performing Arts Director
Private Instructor: Voice (K-8) Koberlander@harborlight.net  

Katie is a director, teacher, playwright, and vocalist with a Bachelor's in Voice Performance from the Eastman School of Music and a Master's in Arts Management from American University. She has had a long career as a performing arts educator at institutions such as Norwood School and Gloucester Stage, where she served as Education Director. Additionally, she has directed and written plays and musicals for professional theaters, including Imagination Stage, Ogunquit Playhouse, and Seacoast Repertory Theatre, where she was the Director of Youth Theatre. Many of Katie’s youth theater plays have been published and are regularly performed across the U.S., Canada, and Australia.

 

Harborlight Music Teacher
Private Instrumental Instructor: Piano & Ukulele (K-8) Erombolaaveni@harborlight.net

Elaine is a pianist and teacher who works with students of all ages and levels of experience. She has been teaching piano for more than 20 years; her approach to lessons, while backed by rigorous conservatory training, is sensitive to the individual needs, abilities, and interests of each student. Since 2019 she has been the Music Specialist at Harborlight, working with students K-8, adding ukulele to her teaching in order to support musical learning in the absence of singing during the pandemic. Elaine earned degrees in Piano Performance from Oberlin Conservatory (B.Mus.) and New England Conservatory (M.Mus.). As a performer, she has a particular love for new music and has worked with many living composers. She performs regularly with large and small ensembles around the Boston area.

 

Harborlight Band Director
Private Instrumental Instructor: Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute (K-8) shaferds@gmail.com

Dennis loves working with kids and making music FUN! He has a passion for music and instills this in his students. Dennis has over 15 years’ experience teaching all ages and styles of music, and holds degrees at Longy of Bard College, Boulogne Conservatory (France), The Boston Conservatory, and Brooklyn College. He feels it is important to organize performances for his students. His students have performed in many venues from Harvard Square to Carnegie Hall.

 

Harborlight Band Teacher
Private Instrumental Instructor: Trumpet, Trombone (4-8) anneglinders@gmail.com

Annie draws from over 12 years’ experience as a professional musician, bandleader, classroom music teacher and private instructor including teaching bands at the Soloman Schechter School in Newton and right here at Harborlight! Annie specializes in traditional jazz, folk, modern jazz, blues, neo soul, and pop. Her teaching uses a combination of reading and ear training, connecting with a student’s music interest while working on the fundamentals, technique, and musical vocabulary. Annie has a Bachelor of Science in music education from University of Missouri, Columbia.

 

 

Chris can prepare you for the symphony or the big band on the upright bass! Chris Brandt is a music practitioner and educator who has played and taught music far and wide: from Singapore and China to here on the North Shore. As a performer, Chris played principal bass for the Malaysian and Hong Kong Philharmonics. He has instructed music of diverse genres and led various ensembles and bands of middle and high school students over his career. Chris has a Bachelor of Music from Oberlin and a Masters of Music from New England Conservatory.