Liz Zosseder
About
Hi! I’m Liz, a California-based harpist with a classical background and a love for teaching. I hold a Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance from the Colburn School, and Master’s degrees from USC Thornton and the University of the Arts Berlin, where I studied with JoAnn Turovsky and Marie-Pierre Langlamet. While at USC, I was a teaching assistant for the beginning harp class for four semesters, helping students build strong fundamentals and confidence on the instrument.
I’ve performed with ensembles including the Berlin Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Los Angeles Opera, and have appeared onstage with artists such as John Williams, Yo-Yo Ma, Andrea Bocelli, Plácido Domingo, and Laufey. My work also spans pop, film, and television.
I currently freelance throughout Southern California, performing everything from orchestral and chamber music to weddings and events. I love teaching because it lets me help students have fun while developing confidence, technique, and a genuine connection to the harp.
Teaching Style
My teaching style is warm, encouraging, and student-centered. My main goal is for students to have fun while building strong technique and musical skills. I believe students learn best when they feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely excited to play.
Lessons are tailored to each student’s interests and goals, whether that’s classical training, exploring new repertoire, or simply enjoying making music. I focus on healthy technique, musicality, and positive practice habits while keeping lessons engaging and enjoyable. With my classical training, I do encourage all students to learn some music theory and note-reading skills, which I believe are valuable tools for every musician, regardless of genre.
My goal is for students to leave each lesson feeling proud of their progress and motivated to keep playing.
Curriculum
I teach students ages 8 and up, with a preference for some piano or note-reading background. My approach combines traditional classical harp training and French technique with learning repertoire from the start, so students can begin performing early. Lessons are structured using weekly units adapted from the USC Thornton beginning harp curriculum, with Harp Olympics by Susann McDonald as a core method book, alongside supplemental repertoire and theory as needed.
Credentials & Affiliations
Bachelor of Music in harp performance from the Colburn School's Conservatory of Music
Master of Music in harp performance from USC Thornton School of Music
Master of Music in harp performance (orchestra track) from Berlin University of the Arts