Students' Comments

"I have been a student of Lesl’s for many years (7 and counting), and she has been an amazingly in-depth and supportive teacher. Lesl learned from one of the best and passes down a wealth of knowledge to her students. She is very focused on your individual learning style and goals and is a great teacher whether you’re a complete beginner or a more experienced player. You will learn the foundations of the music as well as new ways of approaching it, and you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the tradition. Lesl has an endless supply of tunes to teach and is truly dedicated to sharing the music with her students and helping them grow. You can’t go wrong learning from Lesl!" - Jessie, Morris Plains NJ. 2025

"I eventually wound up taking lessons with Lesl for close to 10 years because I enjoyed each lesson so much. Lesl was extremely patient and I progressed rapidly. I eventually amassed a large selection of tunes to play and the confidence to play them to others. Along with her teaching skills Lesl has a wealth of knowledge about the tunes and the people behind them which brings the music alive." - John E, 2025

"What a wonderful lesson. I feel as if I have a very solid plan and direction and that I won't be working against myself. It feels like a new start... that's great! I really appreciate your time and knowledge. And I'll also add that as a teacher, I really appreciate fine teaching. The ability to share knowledge effectively, with grace and passion, is an art all to itself. You have that gift. Thank you!" - ML, 2024

"I have been a student of Lesl Harker's for more than 15 years. I had little experience with learning and playing by ear. It would sometimes take me an entire week of listening to learn the tune and the fingerings. But over the course of my lessons with her, I've acquired the ability to listen to tunes and pick them up on my own. Along with that, Lesl has taught me the history and tradition surrounding the music, how to practice better, and how to infuse my music with feeling and pulse. Now I play with more confidence with other musicians, and continue my lessons with the goal of improving my musicality and taking my playing to a higher level." - Karen J, 2025

"I have a fantastic relationship with Lesl, who I consider both a mentor in this discipline and a personal friend. She has helped me rediscover myself as a musician. Beyond her technical facility, she has a depth of knowledge of the great players in the tradition and all of their antecedents. She is a true cultural translator and knowledge keeper beyond being a teacher of music. Lesl is a warm and encouraging teacher who brings art back into the hands of everyday people, and I get a lot out of working with her." - Katie B, 2025

"I highly recommend Lesl as a flute/whistle teacher.  I have taken lessons from Lesl for more than 10 years.  I began on the tin whistle and then transitioned to flute.  In addition to her obvious expertise in the East Galway flute and whistle musical tradition, I especially appreciate Lesl’s patience and respect for her students, regardless of their musical experience and background.  For example, when I became discouraged in my lack of progress in learning how to play the flute, Lesl encouraged me to keep working at it, and gave positive feedback for the incremental “wins” I achieved, until I was finally able to achieve a level of proficiency with the instrument.  At other times, when I struggled with the timing of certain tunes, Lesl worked with me to break down the tune into manageable pieces, until the tune “clicked” with me.  Her encouragement in her students’ abilities to achieve an understanding of the music of East Galway is what I believe helped me to work through whatever difficulties I faced in learning to play the instrument and the music." - Joy M, 2025 

"As a lover of Irish traditional music, Lesl has not only taken my desire to translate my silver flute playing into Irish flute playing, but she has given me a whole world of cultural context & knowledge. She is warm, encouraging, & I consider our relationship not only mentor/mentee based but also a friendship. She’s facilitated a pathway for me that feels tailor-made for me that has allowed me to dust off my musician skills from my childhood/adolescence & find out who I am as an artist in a new but familiar way. My lessons with her have been life changing & under her knowledge & skill I have gained confidence, changed old practice habits into new & improved ones, honed my playing, & have broadened my repertoire. Thanks to her I am always learning something new while still getting to keep the old playing traditions & style alive." - Courtney F, 2025