Music Conservatory of Westchester • Faculty

Alyssa Reit began her studies of the harp at age seven in her hometown of Chicago, Illinois. She considers herself lucky to have had a strong Salzedo method background in her early years as well as the influence and guidance of Marcel Grandjany at the Juilliard School, where she received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

“I see each student as a unique wonder, so I adapt my approach depending on his or her special package of strengths, weakness, and inclinations. I work by ear with all students, introducing reading when they are ready. Along with insisting on strong technical fundamentals, I stress good practice methods, encouraging each student to learn how to think for him/herself as to how a problem can be solved. I also introduce principles of musicianship and composition from the very beginning, so that the student’s understanding grows along with technique.”

Alyssa believes it is important for young musicians to perform regularly, and to experience playing with others as a crucial element in developing listening skills. So as part of her teaching program, she offers and encourages all students to take part in harp ensemble. She organizes concerts several times a year where, in addition to playing a solo, each student participates in the performance of a large ensemble piece.

Alyssa enjoys a wide range of musical styles, both as a performer and as a listener. Currently the focus of her performing career is with her theater company, Singing Harp, which presents myths and fairy tales set to her original music. She teaches at the pre-college division of Manhattan School of Music, and has been on the faculty of the Music Conservatory of Westchester for three years.

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Conservatory faculty are all highly skilled and experienced teachers. Teachers are assigned to maximize the learning experience of each student taking into account the students musical interests and goals, age and scheduling needs.

"I am very happy and proud of Jun Luke Foster’s and Benjamin Boventer’s achievements. I taught Jun Luke for 12 years and his acceptance to Juilliard School of Music is a great sign of his musical maturity and accomplishment. He was also accepted to Harvard and Yale. Benjamin was with me for five years. He won a prestigious $40,000 scholarship from Skidmore College for music studies. He was the only pianist in that competition who received this award. He was also accepted at Tufts University. It is very satisfying to know that our students continue to achieve such success." —Svetlana Gorokovich, MCW Faculty

Conservatory faculty are all highly skilled and experienced teachers. Teachers are assigned to maximize the learning experience of each student taking into account the students musical interests and goals, age and scheduling needs.

"I am very happy and proud of Jun Luke Foster’s and Benjamin Boventer’s achievements. I taught
Jun Luke for 12 years and his acceptance to Juilliard School of Music is a great sign of his musical maturity and accomplishment. He was also accepted to Harvard and Yale. Benjamin was with me for five years. He won a prestigious $40,000 scholarship from Skidmore College for music studies. He was the only pianist in that competition who received this award. He was also accepted at Tufts University. It is very satisfying to know that our students continue to achieve such success."
—Svetlana Gorokovich, MCW Faculty

Alyssa Reit | Harp

Music Conservatory of Westchester • 216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606
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