Are there any scholarships for harpists?

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This topic has 7 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 10 months ago by laura-palmieri.

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)

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September 21, 2009 at 8:37 pm #108148

laura-palmieri
Participant

Someone long

September 21, 2009 at 9:53 pm #108149

Saul Davis Zlatkovski
Participant

I have heard that scholarships are available from several schools, sometimes to only one harpist at a time or per year. Look at Peabody, Oberlin, Ball State, Boston University, etc. As for a scholarship that will pay you to go where you want, I’ve never heard of such a thing. They are usually tied to a school.

September 22, 2009 at 2:28 am #108150

Misty Harrison
Participant

A lot of schools have partial scholarships for harpists who play in their ensembles this way they ensure they have a harpist in the group. The idea that playing the harp automatically guarantees you a scholarship at college is really misguided but a lot of people do seem to get that idea. Harp often doesn’t get scholarships at all because it is viewed as a non-essential instrument in music programs. The big scholarships go to piano and violin because those are the instruments schools are most judged by.

That’s not to say you couldn’t get one but just to give a more realistic picture.

September 22, 2009 at 3:00 am #108151

barbara-brundage
Participant

> long ago told me that being a harpist gives you an advantage because you can get lots of scholarships

Even in those long ago distant days (ah, the golden era), it was only from a few schools that were desperate for a harpist for their orchestra (not conservatory type schools, but liberal arts colleges back when things like symphonies were considered important). It was never “go anywhere, get a scholarship just for being a harpist”, unfortunately.

September 23, 2009 at 1:17 am #108152

laura-palmieri
Participant

Yes all this does make sense to me.

September 23, 2009 at 3:12 pm #108153

Jan Jennings
Participant

There are several universities that offer harp scholarships or at least tuition help.

September 24, 2009 at 12:58 am #108154

Misty Harrison
Participant

Well Laura, it kind of sounds like you’re already in college and aren’t necessarily looking to switch to another school.

June 14, 2010 at 2:10 pm #108155

laura-palmieri
Participant

That is such a good idea Misty! We have a Mansion on campus that sometimes hosts tea parties and fancy dining events. I should mention that to them and see what they say.
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