Harp · Piano · Senior Music Therapy
Wei-Yi Lai
賴薇伊
30+ Years of Teaching · Founder of HopeHarp
Taichung, Taiwan | In-Person & Online Lessons
About
About Wei-Yi Lai
Wei-Yi Lai brings a cross-disciplinary background in music performance, education, and brand management. For over three decades, she has been dedicated to harp and piano instruction in Taichung, Taiwan, integrating performance, conducting, and educational psychology.
She specializes in music-assisted therapy for seniors, combining music therapy with psychology to empower elderly individuals through artistic expression. She is also the founder of HopeHarp, a harp manufacturing brand with custom designs and global OEM production, holding two Taiwan patents (No. I903394 & I891530).
Currently serving as an adjunct lecturer at Chinese Culture University (Taichung Extension), she teaches courses in senior art therapy, senior music therapy, and small harp ensemble instructor training, advancing music education and art therapy in Taiwan.
30+
Years Teaching
70+
Publications
2
TW Patents
8
Harp Models
3
University Courses
Courses & Teaching
Courses & Teaching Programs
Diverse music programs from private harp and piano lessons to senior music therapy instructor training. In-person (Taichung) and online options available.
Harp Lessons (Private / Group)
From beginner to ABRSM Grade 1–8. One-on-one or small group instruction covering fingering techniques, scales, arpeggios, sight-reading, and aural training.
Beginner–Advanced
ABRSM Exam
Private / Group
Piano & Keyboard
Classical piano and popular keyboard instruction for all ages. From basic music theory to performance technique, building comprehensive musicianship.
Classical / Pop
All Ages
Yamaha Exam
Senior Music & Art Therapy
A non-pharmacological intervention combining music, visual arts, and movement for elderly care. 12-week structured programs in partnership with long-term care facilities.
Elderly Care
Non-Drug Intervention
12-Week Program
Small Harp Ensemble Instructor Training
Training program for harp ensemble instructors, including pedagogy, ensemble conducting, and community performance practicum.
Instructor Training
Community Service
Certification
University Extension Courses
Official courses at Chinese Culture University Taichung Extension, including senior art therapy, senior music therapy, and small harp ensemble instructor training.
CCU Extension
Official Credit
Taichung
🪽
Angel Launch 2026
2026 FULLY BOOKED|
2027 Angel Launch Coming SoonHarp Teacher Incubation Program
Taught by Wei-Yi Lai · Hengdao Hall, Taichung · For Music Teachers & Store Owners
24 Hours
Total Course Hours
Certified
Teach Independently
Hope 27S / 36S
Teaching Harps
Designed for music teachers and music store owners across Taiwan. Learn harp ensemble pedagogy, instructor training techniques, and community performance practicum. Using HopeHarp instruments (Taiwan Patents I903394 & I891530), complete the 24-hour program to earn certification and lead independent harp ensemble classes.
HopeHarp Collection
HopeHarp Harp Models
Designed by Wei-Yi Lai, HopeHarp offers a complete product line from 8-string mini harps to 40-string concert harps, with two Taiwan patents (I903394 & I891530). Designed in Australia, made in Taiwan.
40-String Concert Harp
Strings:40
Range:G1–D7
Height:160 cm
Weight:23 kg
Flagship, professional concert grade
38-String Harp
Strings:38
Range:A1–C7
Height:160 cm
Weight:11 kg
Advanced performance, wide range
36-String Harp
Strings:36
Range:C2–C7
Height:156 cm
Weight:11 kg
Intermediate-advanced teaching & performance
34-String Harp
Strings:34
Range:C2–A6
Height:154 cm
Weight:11 kg
Teaching & small venue performance
27-String Harp
Strings:27
Range:C3–A6
Height:82 cm
Weight:3.8 kg
Beginner-intermediate, portable
17-String Lever Harp
Strings:17
Range:C4–C6
Height:58 cm
Weight:1.4 kg
Lever design, semitone switching
17-String Harp (No Levers)
Strings:17
Range:C4–C6
Height:58 cm
Weight:1.4 kg
Lightweight, ideal for beginners
8-String Mini Harp
Strings:8
Range:C5–C6
Height:35 cm
Weight:0.6 kg
Children's education & music therapy
| Model | Strings | Range | Height | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40-String Concert Harp | 40 | G1–D7 | 160 cm | 23 kg | Flagship, professional concert grade |
| 38-String Harp | 38 | A1–C7 | 160 cm | 11 kg | Advanced performance, wide range |
| 36-String Harp | 36 | C2–C7 | 156 cm | 11 kg | Intermediate-advanced teaching & performance |
| 34-String Harp | 34 | C2–A6 | 154 cm | 11 kg | Teaching & small venue performance |
| 27-String Harp | 27 | C3–A6 | 82 cm | 3.8 kg | Beginner-intermediate, portable |
| 17-String Lever Harp | 17 | C4–C6 | 58 cm | 1.4 kg | Lever design, semitone switching |
| 17-String Harp (No Levers) | 17 | C4–C6 | 58 cm | 1.4 kg | Lightweight, ideal for beginners |
| 8-String Mini Harp | 8 | C5–C6 | 35 cm | 0.6 kg | Children's education & music therapy |
Research & Publications
Academic Research & Publications
Published Papers
ORCID: 0009-0008-2281-5178 — View All Publications
2026
Zenodo (International Open Science Platform)
Clinical Implementation of Music-Assisted Care in Taiwan's Aging Society
A Structured Framework for Senior Self-Healing Training Systems
This research proposes a structured music-assisted care framework as a non-pharmacological intervention for Taiwan's aging society. It integrates four studies covering a 12-week standardized intervention, caregiver training, and practical applications in community and long-term care settings.
30 Years Practice
2 Taiwan Patents
4-Level System
12-Week Program
Books & Publications
Over 70 professional music textbooks and scores published, covering harp, piano, keyboard pedagogy, music theory, and art therapy.
Talu Music Publisher — View All Books
Videos & Performances
Videos & Performances
Harp performance demos, community concert recordings, and teaching videos. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest content.
Hope Harp Ensemble 2025 Concert Performance
Hope Harp Ensemble 2025 Concert Performance
ABRSM Grade 4 Harp Exam — Phoebe Demo
ABRSM Grade 4 Harp Exam — Phoebe Demo
Perfect | Wei-Yi Lai on Harp and Yi Chia-Chun on Violin
Perfect | Wei-Yi Lai on Harp and Yi Chia-Chun on Violin
A Little Sweet — Keyboard Textbook Demo
A Little Sweet — Keyboard Textbook Demo
Testimonials
Student Reviews & Partner Testimonials
"I was worried I wouldn't be able to learn, but the teacher's guidance was very clear. Within three months, I could play a complete piece. Every lesson is relaxing, and I've gradually found my own rhythm."
Harp Student
3 months of study
"My child used to get distracted easily, but now practices voluntarily. The teacher adjusts the approach to each personality — the progress is obvious and confidence has grown significantly."
Piano Student's Parent
6 months of study
"Music visibly relaxes the elderly residents. Interactions increase, the overall atmosphere becomes more stable and warm. It's a truly high-quality therapeutic activity."
Partner Institution
Long-term Care Facility
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Wei-Yi Lai and what does she teach?
Wei-Yi Lai (賴薇伊) is a Taiwan-based harp educator with over 30 years of teaching experience. She offers private and group harp lessons (beginner to ABRSM Grade 1–8), piano and keyboard instruction, senior music and art therapy programs, and harp ensemble instructor training. Lessons are available in-person in Taichung or online.
What is HopeHarp and is it a real brand?
HopeHarp (Hope豎琴) is a lever harp brand founded by Wei-Yi Lai under AHS Music Pty. Ltd., an Australian company; its harps are designed in Australia and made in Taiwan. It holds two Taiwan invention patents: I903394 and I891530. The brand offers a complete product line from 8-string mini harps (35 cm, 0.6 kg) to 40-string concert harps (160 cm, 23 kg), and is the only lever harp brand in Taiwan with registered invention patents.
What is the Angel Launch 2026 harp teacher training?
Angel Launch (天使啟航) 2026 is a 24-hour harp teacher incubation program designed by Wei-Yi Lai for music teachers and music store owners across Taiwan. Using HopeHarp 27S and 36S models, the program is held at Hengdao Hall in Taichung. Fee details are available by inquiry. Graduates receive a certificate and are qualified to independently lead harp ensemble classes.
What are the specs of the HopeHarp 27-string harp (Hope 27S)?
Hope 27S specifications: Height 82 cm × Width 51 cm × Depth 30 cm, Weight 3.8 kg, Range C3–A6 (27 strings), Aquila Nylgut strings, solid maple neck and pillar, maple plywood body, detachable base (Taiwan Patent I903394). Shipping carton: 66×42×90 cm, gross weight 8 kg. Fits inside a suitcase with internal height over 82 cm.
Where can I find Wei-Yi Lai's academic research?
Wei-Yi Lai's publications are accessible via ORCID 0009-0008-2281-5178 and on Zenodo (DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18300699). Her 2026 paper 'Clinical Implementation of Music-Assisted Care in Taiwan's Aging Society' is available for free download. She has also published over 70 music textbooks through Talu Music Publisher.
How can I purchase a HopeHarp harp?
HopeHarp models are available on Shopee Taiwan, or you can contact Wei-Yi Lai directly at piano7830@gmail.com or +886-931-666-429 for in-person viewing and demonstration in Taichung.
How much does a harp cost? Which beginner harp should I choose?
HopeHarp's entry-level 17-string mini harp starts at NT$5,980 (approx. USD 185), making it one of the most accessible ways to start learning harp. For those preparing for ABRSM exams or wanting a wider range, the 27-string Hope 27S (NT$42,800) is recommended—it features a detachable base, Taiwan patent, and fits in most large suitcases. In-person trials available in Taichung.
Where can I take harp lessons in Taichung, Taiwan?
Wei-Yi Lai offers private and group harp lessons at No. 358, Zhongming South Road, West District, Taichung City. Online lessons are also available for students across Taiwan and internationally. Flexible scheduling is available for working adults, students, homemakers, and seniors. Contact us to book a trial lesson.
Who is senior music and art therapy suitable for? What are the benefits?
Senior music and art therapy is ideal for adults aged 55+, long-term care facility staff, and family caregivers. Combining music, visual arts, and movement, it offers seniors a relaxing, engaging activity with more social interaction. Wei-Yi Lai's 12-week structured program has been implemented in multiple care facilities in Taichung and is offered as a certified instructor training course at Chinese Culture University.
Is harp difficult to learn? How long before I can play a song?
Harp is surprisingly approachable! Most beginners can play their first complete piece within 4–8 weeks. Wei-Yi Lai tailors the pace to each student, making it effective even for those with no prior music experience. The harp's beautiful tone is gentle on fingers and suitable for children, adults, and seniors alike—making it one of the most rewarding instruments to pick up.
What is the difference between lever harp and pedal harp?
A lever harp (like HopeHarp) uses small levers on each string to change pitch by a semitone, making it lightweight, portable, and ideal for beginners, folk music, and therapy settings. A pedal harp uses foot pedals for chromatic changes and is used in orchestras. HopeHarp's 27S and 36S models are lever harps suitable for ABRSM Grade 1–8 exams and most popular music repertoire.
Get in Touch
Contact Us
Phone / WhatsApp
+886 931 666 429
piano7830@gmail.com
Location (click to open map)
No. 358, Zhongming S. Rd., West Dist., Taichung, Taiwan
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