Lesl Harker, Certified Irish Traditional Music Educator

Lessons Offered

Where are Lessons Offered

About Me

Hello! I'm an instructor of Irish Traditional Music on the Irish flute and whistle.

If you wish to learn or improve your playing, I will help you to achieve your goals.

I specialise in the music of East Galway, and how to learn music the traditional way. This includes how to practice for best results.

Visit my website for more information at iflute.weebly.com for lots of information and a way to contact me directly.

My Musical Education Background

I started at age 7 on a whistle-like instrument called The Tonette, followed by piano studies at age 8 from composer Joseph Franco. Recording artist Richard Dyer-Bennet gave me much instruction about traditional song. All my Irish traditional dance music education came from my mentor Mike Rafferty, with whom I studied and played for many years.

Genres and Subjects Taught

Irish tradtional music on flute and whistle.

Lesson Rates

As of 2025, lesson rates are $55 per lesson, preferably in monthly blocks after the first lesson. Most lessons are 45 minutes. For children the lesson may be 30 minutes at $55 per lesson, and the parent or guardian must stay in my comfortable music studio (there are no drop-offs allowed). Please contact me for further information via my website iflute.weebly.com - thank you!

Ages / Skill Levels Taught

All skill levels taught. I teach primarily adults but accept students from age 9 if they really want to learn the instrument, and if there is an open after-school slot. Please contact me through my website iflute.weebly.com for available scheduling and other queries.

My Certifications and Awards

2009 award recipient "Distinguished Achievement in the Preservation of Irish Music and Culture" - Mid-Atlantic Regional Council of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (Irish for ‘gathering of Irish musicians’), the international Irish music organization.

State Arts Council folk arts master for SC, NJ and PA.

NJ Heart Grant recipient for Iirish traditional music from 2010-2023

BA (Bachelor of Arts), State University of NY at Stony Brook. Education and music.

RIAM certified traditional music instructor. (Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin.)    

My Musical Influences

Mike Rafferty and other Irish traditional musicians.

Service Area

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