Meagan Pandian

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What People Say

"She makes every class joyful and easy to understand"

"Learning harp at the Harp India School has been such a wonderful experience. Meagan, our teacher is skillful, talented and very patient. I have been learning from her for the last 7 years and she makes every class joyful and easy to understand. I also bought my harp from them and I am happy with both the instrument and the guidance I received on maintenance. Harp India is the perfect place for anyone who dreams of playing the harp."

- Irina

About Meagan

Meagan teaches online and in person at the Harp India Harp School in Mumbai, India. She has been teaching music in private lessons and schools since 2005. She has a passion to impart the knowledge and mentorship she has received to aspiring musicians. Along with her weekly private studio teaching experience, she has experience teaching at various studios and schools presenting masterclasses, private and group lessons, and giving ensemble coachings. She has also been an invited adjudicator at several competitions and music festivals. Meagan has studied harp with Christina Brier, Olga Shevelevich, Susan Mazer, Deborah Henson-Conant and Veronika Lemishenko. She has studied piano with late Rita Gomes, Regina D’Souza and Blossom Mendonca. She has studied violin and the Carl Orff method with Ms Jinni Dinshaw and performed alongside her teacher the violin and viola in the Bombay Chamber Orchestra (BCO) as well as assisted her in her Orff lessons. She has studied cello with Fiona Ross. She is also a certified Montessori Teacher with the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) in the Netherlands having completed her Birth to 3 certification with Vibuthi Jain, her 3 to 6 certification with Zarin Malva, her assistant 6 to 12 certification with Alison Awes and her Montessori Sports certification with Jip Bartels.

Teaching Philosophy

From complete beginners to advanced players, Meagan teaches harp to all ages. We have ages five to seventy – five learning at the Harp School which is proof that learning is possible at any age. She focuses on the fundamentals of performance with proper technique, music theory and ear training, as well as catering to the student's own interests and needs. Meagan aims to help her students achieve their musical goals, to help guide them to becoming versatile and well- rounded musicians, to support them in their music exams and to instil a lifelong appreciation of music along the way.

Methods

Methods include working with the Trinity College of Music London certification levels. She uses beginner friendly books that are supplemented by other exercises, etudes, pieces, as well as music theory and ear training.

Students are encouraged to bring their own song suggestions to lessons! If the music is level appropriate, these songs can be worked alongside the regular curriculum. Meagan is always happy to guide you through learning any video game, film, holiday, classical, pop, bollywood or even metal music!

For registered students only: Student Resource Page →

Online Lessons:
Do they work??

Meagan has taught complete beginners to be able to perform their favourite songs within as little as a few months and has seen students grow to advanced players in as little as 2 to 3 years. She has also brought many online students through successful competitions, orchestral performances, genre specific engagements as well as the Trinity College of London theory and practical music exams – all receiving distinguished grades.

Online music lessons work very well! Since so much of learning music is visual, studying an instrument online can be just as effective as learning in a teacher’s studio. Although lessons through a screen may be difficult for some younger children with attention difficulties, Meagan has found teaching online just as efficient and effective as teaching in- person.

Lessons are more accessible than ever to those who may not have a teacher in their area, and for those wanting to stay in the comfort of their home!

Debunking the myth of online lessons: The time it takes to learn a new instrument or overcoming its difficulty is not hindered by online teaching. Just as much work can be accomplished in online lessons. The speed students learn their instrument will depend greatly on how much time they are able to practice outside of their lesson time, if they are able to apply what the teacher suggests for improvement, and depends how much homework the teacher is able to give.

Many teachers dislike teaching online because it requires more effort from the teacher than in- person teaching. However, Meagan has thoroughly enjoyed connecting with students worldwide through online lessons and has adapted very well to teaching efficiently online. She has seen firsthand her students thrive, so she decided to teach online, alongside her in-person lessons and masterclasses.

Debunking the myth of group lessons: nearly two decades of teaching one on one individual music lessons, Meagan switched to almost exclusively teaching only group lessons of not more than five students in a batch. Seeing the benefits of mixed group lessons as a Montessori teacher as well as her own research, Meagan switched to group lessons both in person and online from March 2025. The benefits of online lessons are many – community, camaraderie between students, learning through observing another student being taught a concept, being already exposed as a beginner to higher level grade preparations and practice, encouragement and learning not just from Meagan but a whole community supporting your music goals, allows for performances in a safe setting and so much more. The pros in our experience far outweighed the cons. In a group session we found even younger students more aligned to learn for longer periods and a broad range of concepts because of the sense of learning with their friends and not alone. Group music games, improvisation, theory and aural tests are so much more fun when done as a group not to mention endless possibilities for ensemble playing and performance practice, so essential for a musician.

How does a group class actually work? At the Harp India School, leaning, teaching and feedback extend beyond the weekly group class. Students avail a once a week hour long group lesson, feedback to individual assignments posted to Meagan during the week and a once a month 45min Music Together session where the whole school meets to work on general music concepts that may not get covered in the group class. In the weekly group lesson, there are concepts taught to the group so one can avail learning from another’s questions as well. The group session then moves into Meagan and each student listening to each person’s individual work with feedback given by Meagan for the same. This feedback can be to what the student has played at the group session or feedback given to the assignments the student has posted on the school whatsapp group for that week. Every student has the music scores and learning materials that are being played in class accessible since they are uploaded on the Google Drive of the school and hence all students are able to follow along. Sometimes two students or more work on the same piece or concept thus allowing them to learn from the feedback given to another. Individual one on one lessons are only given in the case a student needs a little more additional preparation before an exam, performance or audition thus allowing them to practice with Meagan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is good to begin learning?

There is no age requirement for adults to learn an instrument! Any age is appropriate to start learning harp, even if you have no musical background. For children, Meagan recommends being at least age 7 though there have been exceptions of children starting at age 5 and learning very well.

How long are lessons?

Meagan's lessons are designed to be efficient, helping students learn the harp quicker than average. Her goal is to teach students to become their own teacher, enabling them to learn efficient practicing, learn any music they wish, teach them to create their own arrangements of their favourite music, and maintain proper technique. Meagan offers an hour long group lesson – once a week and one Music Together session – once a month where the whole school meets. The group lessons are structured to cover all necessary material in a focused timeframe. Lessons run for as long as the student wishes to study. Typically, students can expect to understand basic techniques in about 4 months and develop a strong foundation within 2 to 3 years of regular lessons and practice. Lessons are only on a month-by-month commitment, so they may study for as long or short as they like! Meagan also offers one-on-one harp lessons which are one hour long.

How often are lessons? Do you offer biweekly or one-time lessons?

Meagan offers weekly group lessons and a monthly Music Together session to beginners. She offers once-in-a-while or one-time lessons to intermediate and advanced players. Weekly lessons are for the benefit of the student to progress well, for motivation to study, and to help with goals. Most importantly, weekly lessons are beneficial to ensure the technique is being addressed weekly to avoid injury from incorrect positioning and that repertoire is practiced correctly to avoid backtracking in their study. Meagan offers once-in-a-while or one-time lessons to players wanting supplementary lessons, such as a student with established technique preparing for an audition, competition, performance, exam or wants to extend their repertoire. Students booking occasional lessons are encouraged to come with a plan of what they’d like to work on.

What type of instrument do you recommend?

It's recommended that beginners start on a harp of at least 27-34 strings with levers. It's fine to begin with a smaller harp too like the 19 string Walter Harp, but students tend to outgrow them quickly within a few months of lessons though they can then make for great travel harps. Lyon & Healy and Salvi are reputable harp brands. Meagan personally recommends the Salvi Mia, or similar. Renting is recommended for the first few months of lessons. Meagan is more than happy to help her students find a good long-term instrument.
For my review of the 19 string Walter Harp click here
For the Salvi Harps Student Lever Harp Catalogue click here
For the Salvi Pedal Harp Catalogue click here

What platform do you use for online lessons?

Meagan uses Google Meet to teach lessons. She uses Google Drive to support her students with sheet music, theory materials and other learning resources.

What do I need for online lessons?

Lever or pedal harp (minimum 19 strings. 34 strings is ideal for long-term)
Phone/tablet/computer with camera (computer preferred for audio quality - no need for any advanced microphone or video setup, but bonus if you do!)
Reliable internet (min. 25 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload)
Firm padded bench (no swivel/recline/wheels; adjustable preferred)
Music stand (recommendation: Hercules Stands or similar)
Sheet music for lessons (All learning materials are provided with the exception of exam books or any fun songs the students wishes to study)
Tuner and Metronome (recommendation: TE tuner phone app)
Tuning key
Pencil & eraser
Short nails
Spare set of strings (not required, but highly recommended. Depending on string type, humidity in your home, and usage, strings break occasionally, especially during seasonal changes)

I'm interested in learning pop songs, Bollywood songs and video game music that I can’t find harp arrangements for. How can we incorporate this into our lessons?

Yes, this is a must! While Meagan uses the TCL program to build a solid foundation in harp technique and musicianship, “fun” repertoire is essential for keeping students inspired and connected to their instrument. Students get priority for custom song arrangements tailored specifically to their level as well as Meagan teaches students how to arrange their own song covers so over time they gain the skills to pick up any song they want to play and be able to play it on the harp!

Can I meet you before committing to lessons?

Yes of course! Before booking your first lesson, there will be a complimentary meet-and-greet for those interested in booking weekly lessons: a short meeting over Google Meet to get to know each other, talk about your musical goals, how lessons are run, camera setup with your harp, and answer any questions you may have. Students must have their harp in their possession before the first meeting.

Teaching Resume

Harp India School: founder and teacher 2015-present
Piano Teacher: private studio 2008-present
Violin Teacher: private studio 2012-present
Fazlani La Acadamie Globale International School: piano teacher 2009
The Mehli Mehta Music Foundation: Accompanied the adult choir and held the post of assistant teacher for the Discover Music Programme for young children ages 2 – 6 years old. 2011
Carl Orff Method Classes: teaching assistant 2010

The School of Ballet and Western Dance: piano accompanist 2011
Accompanist to International Graded Music Exams: 2010
The Arijit Singh Symphony Orchestra: 2015
Christ University (Bangalore), The Hindustan International School (Chennai), The Pilar Music Academy (Goa), Schools in Mumbai and Goa, Harp Demos 2015 – present

Meagan has completed the Associate of the Trinity College of London (ATCL) in pedal harp performance, the Licentiate of the Trinity College of London (LTCL) in piano performance, the Dip.ABRSM in piano performance and the Grade 7 with distinction in violin performance from Trinity College London. She is a certified Montessorian having completed the training for levels Birth to 3, 3 to 6, Montessori Sports and the assistant programme for 6 -12.

Online Lever & Pedal Harp Lessons