When Michelle Harper opened the doors as the single teacher in 2018 at Harper Haus Music Company in Platte City, she had 14 students.
Now, as studio director, she teaches more than 50 students per week and has 10 teachers who work at the studio.
“We service nearly 150 families and growing,” Harper said.
After graduating with a music degree in 2009, Harper hoped to become a professional singer. While she was trying to get her name out there, a friend encouraged her to teach some music lessons while she continued working toward her dream.
“A light bulb went off at that very moment, and I thought, ‘why teach a few lessons, when maybe I could start a studio,’” Harper said. “Within a month, I opened my first teaching studio, and it’s been an adventure ever since.”
Harper Haus offers lessons for voice, plus many instruments, including: harmonica, piano, guitar, ukulele, bass guitar, mandolin, violin, viola, cello, drums, percussion, tuba, trombone, euphonium, trumpet, saxophone, flute, clarinet and piccolo.
The business is also offering a new drama program for kids called Harper’s Playhaus, which is designed for beginning actors. Current classes are offered for ages 6-16. New classes are added every semester based on interest. Space is limited.
“Drama instills creativity and self-expression, as well as nourishing the imagination,” Harper said. “It can teach a child to ‘think outside the box,’ which is a great skill for success in future endeavors. Drama helps children to think on their feet and helps them to both stand out from the crowd and to work within a group. I am thrilled to be directing our new Playhaus program for the beginner actor.”
Harper’s PlayHaus, kids will learn:
acting skills
public speaking skills
creative thinking skills
leadership skills
networking and social skills
self confidence and self-esteem
a positive approach to life
Harper said her forte is vocal performance. She also plays piano and teaches introductory piano.
“I am no Mozart, so my goal with my beginner piano students is to get them to truly understand and enjoy playing,” Harper said. “Then, when they are beyond beginner levels, they graduate to our advanced instructors.”
Music and drama allow kids to gain not only education but also confidence.
“Art requires us to be vulnerable and showcase a wide range of emotions in front of other people,” Harper said. “It’s an uncomfortable feeling for some, while others thrive in that setting. Whether in an individual setting or as part of a group, arts education improves a child’s confidence tremendously.
Studies have shown that when children participate in art activities with peers, the feedback they give to each other builds self-respect by helping them learn to accept criticism and praise from others.”
When she began participating in community theater in 2018, the passion for drama was awakened in Harper. And what she has learned from being on stage, combined with countless hours of research have helped her to develop her continued love for drama and theater.
She believes that music and arts make a positive impact in people’s lives.
“Music and arts are an emotional language with no boundaries or limitations, a language that helps us to communicate our thoughts and feelings,” Harper said.
Harper was cast as Fiona in Shrek the Musical with Weston Community Theatre in 2018, as Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia in 2019, and she will play Sister Mary Hubert in the musical Nunsense, set to be performed in March at the theatre.
“I have auditioned for American Idol, The Voice, America’s Got Talent, and Duets,” Harper said. “Duets made a one-season run, but it’s the show I made it the furthest on. In 2012, I was called by ABC to say that my audition video had made it into the hands of John Legend, and that I was invited to come sing for him in person. Twelve of us were flown to California to sing for John Legend, and have a shot to make it as one of two singers on his team.
“While I did not make the final two, that is one of the coolest opportunities I’ve ever had! I have students who have made it to Hollywood week on American Idol, and one student who is currently waiting to find out if they are moving on to the third round of The Voice. We should know for sure in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.”
Duetable is the name of a duo music show that Harper is in with a fellow theatre enthusiast, Joshua Shockey. They brainstormed the idea following their run together in Shrek the Musical at Weston Community Theatre.
They have performed three shows, and are set to perform again this August. They sing duets featuring music from Top 40’s, Broadway, Disney, and more.
While the pandemic has been a challenge for live music and arts, Harper said they will make their way back to the stage and when they do, she will be ready and waiting.
“Things look a little different in lessons with wearing masks and maintaining distance, but continuing on with lessons, whether in person or virtually has allowed our students and teachers to maintain a sense of normalcy,” Harper said. “Lessons are something we all look forward to every week.
The best part of Harper’s job is that she gets to teach music and drama every day, while being her own boss.
“It doesn’t feel like work when you love what you do,” Harper said. “Teaching is so rewarding.”