Tara Carway Hooker Harpist from Pearl River, NY

Tara's nascent love for the harp blossomed early, as her musical studies began at the age of 6 in Bronxville, New York. Her teacher and mentor, Geraldine Ruegg, has had a life-long positive influence on her. She has encouraged Tara's passion for the harp, music and education. After Tara received her bachelor's degree from Iona College (where she minored in music,) Tara continued on her educational journey by completing her Master's Degree of Science in teaching from Fordham University. Tara's musical aptitude afforded her performing opportunities from the precocious age of seven! Over her lengthy career she has won several competitions in the United States and abroad. As music is "part of her DNA", Tara actively performs at a plethora of events such as weddings and parties at both storied venues such as The Plaza and the Waldorf in Manhattan, as well as private halls throughout the tri-state area. Tara's love of children and her passion for teaching have allowed her to make formative impressions on her students, encouraging them to reach for the stars! Her high expectations coupled with her patience help every student she teaches to perform and learn in a comfortable and positive environment. "I know each student has different levels of ability" says Tara, "I adapt each lesson to meet the needs of that particular student." As a former elementary teacher in Edgemont and Pleasantville, the experience of teaching provided Tara the arena in which to fine tune her abilities and thereby help her to successfully teach the harp professionally. Under her tutelage, many of Tara's harp students have become prize winners and have even gone on to perform at the prestigious Little Carnegie Hall. Tara currently works as a harp instructor at the Rockland Conservatory of Music.