Ed. note: The 2022 edition of our college harp directory is compiled from our online College Harp Program Directory. Check the online directory for updates or to add your own program.
Anderson University
Anderson, Ind.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Heaven Fan
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M.E., Artist Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Anderson University harp program aims to help students develop individual artistry, as well as offer them opportunities to perform in collaborative, orchestral, band, choral, operatic, and jazz settings. The curriculum includes studies in the instrument’s techniques, repertoire, literature, audition preparation, competition skills, and pedagogy. Scholarships and assistantships are available.
The ABCs of college degrees
Here’s a quick guide to help you decipher all of those letters in the “degrees offered” field.
B.A. Bachelor of Arts
B.M. Bachelor of Music
B.M.A. Bachelor of Musical Arts
B.M.E. Bachelor of Music Education
M.A. Master of Arts
M.F.A. Master of Fine Arts
M.M. Master of Music
M.M.E. Master of Music Education
Assoc. Deg.Associate Degree
Artist Dip. or Cert.Artist Diploma or Certificate
Performance Dip. or Cert. Performance Diploma or Certificate
Prof. Studies Cert.Professional Studies Certificate
Spec. Degree Specialist Degree
D.M.A. Doctor of Musical Arts
Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy
Aquinas College
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Martha Waldvogel-Warren
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Aquinas College offers one-on-one instruction to majors and non-majors with performance opportunities in small chamber groups.
Arizona State University
Tempe, Ariz.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Charles W Lynch III
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.A., M.M.E., D.M.A., Ph.D.
Harp students last year: 8
Number of school harps: 4
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The School of Music, Dance & Theatre at Arizona State University offers a music program with opportunities that inspire creativity. A partnership with Mesa Public Schools Music Education offers graduate students intensive pedagogical and administrative experience working with the largest public school harp program in the country.
Augsburg College
Minneapolis, Minn.
Type of school: College
Harp instructors: Kathy Kienzle, Andrea Stern
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, chamber music.
Augustana College
Rock Island, Ill.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Erin Freund
Degrees offered: B.A.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps:1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, symphonic band, concert band, chamber music, vocal ensemble accompanying, solo recitals, tours with large ensembles (regional, national, and international), harp pedagogy, harp literature, and harp ensemble.
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, Calif.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Allison Allport
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., M.M., Artist Dip or Cert.
Harp students last year: 4
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: For students who seek a well-rounded, balanced musical foundation with a liberal arts approach. Includes symphony orchestra, university choir and orchestra, touring ensembles, wind ensemble, harp ensemble, pedagogy, and chamber music.
Ball State University
Muncie, Ind.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Joanne King
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.A., D.M.A., Artist Dip. or Cert., Prof. Studies Cert.
Harp students last year: 10
Number of school harps: 7
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The harp program includes a weekly studio class, harp pedagogy, harp ensemble, orchestral repertoire, chamber music, symphony orchestra, opera orchestra, wind ensemble, symphony band, and new music ensemble. Scholarships are available.
Bard College Conservatory of Music
Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y.
Type of school: Conservatory
Harp instructors:Sara Cutler, Bridget Kibbey
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The mission of the Bard Conservatory is to provide the best possible preparation for a person dedicated to a life immersed in the creation and performance of music. The harp program, led by Sara Cutler and Bridget Kibbey, offers students performance opportunities in the conservatory orchestra, chamber music, harp class, and orchestral harp class.
Baylor University
Waco, Texas
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Karen Abrahamson Thomas
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., M.M., M.M.E.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps:3
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Belmont University
Nashville, Tenn.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Sarah K. Crocker
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.M.E.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps:2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: includes symphony orchestra, world string ensemble, jazz and pop groups, harp ensemble, studio class, harp pedagogy, harp technique and literature class, music business, applied lessons in both commercial and classical harp
Berklee College of Music
Boston, Mass.
Type of school: College
Harp instructors: Felice Pomeranz (head of harp program), Maeve Gilchrist (guest faculty)
Degrees offered: B.M., M.M. Artist Dip. or Cert., Perf. Dip. or Cert. Prof. Studies Cert.
Harp students last year: 6
Number of school harps: 6
Space provided for personal harps: No
Program details: Specific degrees include B.M. in Performance, Music Therapy, Music Production/Engineering, Electronic Production and Design, Professional Music and M.M. in Jazz through the Berklee Global Jazz Institute. Program includes improvisation orchestra, symphony orchestra, Broadway orchestra, world string ensemble, video game orchestra, chamber music, jazz groups, Berklee Global Jazz Institute, jazz harp ensemble, and internships. Now offering improvisation instruction for guzheng players.
Bob Jones University
Greenville, S.C.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Emily Waggoner
Degrees offered: B.A., B.M., B.M.E., M.M.
Harp students last year: 9
Number of school harps: 6
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: chamber harp ensemble, orchestra, opera, band, harp pedagogy and literature classes, harp orchestral literature classes, performance classes, choral and harp performances, soloist with orchestra opportunities, competitions, music harmony, analysis and literature courses, private lessons
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Boston, Mass.
Type of school: Conservatory
Harp instructor: Charles Overton
Degrees offered: B.M., M.M., Artist Dip. or Cert., Perf. Dip. or Cert., Prof. Studies Cert.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 6
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s Harp Program offers comprehensive training for a professional career in music under the instruction of Charles Overton. The curriculum focuses on high level preparation for solo performances, chamber music, orchestra / ensemble, competitions, new music collaborations, teaching and entrepreneurship in a friendly, supportive, and nurturing environment.
Boston University
Boston, Mass.
Type of school: Conservatory
Harp instructor: Franziska Huhn
Degrees offered: B.A., M.M., M.M.E., D.M.A., Ph.D.., Artist Dip. or Cert., Perf. Dip or Cert.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 5
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, chamber music, performance degrees or music education.
Brigham Young University
Provo, Utah
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Nicole Brubaker Brady
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: 40
Number of school harps: 9
Space provided for personal harps: No
Program details: The BYU harp program provides the opportunity to study with world-class musicians while participating in a wide range of performance opportunities. Ensembles include four orchestras, three bands, several choirs; jazz, contemporary, and chamber groups along with international concert tours. Harp courses include pedagogy, literature, orchestral excerpts, arranging, jazz, and harp ensemble (BYU Resonance). Around 40 harpists attend BYU and participate in the major and minor programs.
Cal Poly State University
San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Jennifer Sayre
Degrees offered: B.A.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, wind orchestra, band, jazz ensembles, chamber music, vocal ensembles accompanying.
California Institute of the Arts
Santa Clarita, Calif.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Alison Bjorkedal
Degrees offered: M.F.A., D.M.A.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 3
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts offers training in a variety of musical styles and cultures. Expand your artistic and cultural horizons and develop an innovative creative vision, through a stylistically open approach to musical creativity. Although no harp minor is offered, you can take “minor” lessons each term to continue your journey or to explore a new instrument.
California State University Los Angeles
Los Angeles, Calif.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Linda-Rose Hembreiker
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.A.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Studying music at California State University, Los Angeles places one in the Southern California music scene, near Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Music Center, recording studios, theme parks, and numerous other music performance venues where students and graduates frequently find opportunities for professional growth during their studies or employment after graduation. Scholarships available.
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, Calfi.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Allison Allport
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., M.M., M.A., M.M.E., Specialist Deg.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Cal State Northridge provides harpists an ideal environment to hone their technique and musicality while developing ensemble skills. Degrees offered in music performance, education, therapy, and industry prepare harpists for a career customized to their strengths and passions. Students will benefit from living and studying in Los Angeles, an area rich with professional opportunities in the arts. Scholarships available to qualified orchestral harpists.
Carleton College
Northfield, Minn.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Elinor Niemisto
Degrees offered: B.A.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 3
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, band, chamber music, folk instruments, private lessons on all orchestra instruments and Chinese instruments, and harp ensemble.
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Penn.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Gretchen Van Hoesen
Degrees offered: B.A. M.M., Artist Dip or Cert, Professional Dip or Cert
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 3
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes aspects of a conservatory (small class size, individual attention, and creative opportunity) along with experiences of a university (double majors, extensive student organizations, and uniquely CMU traditions). Program includes major ensembles, chamber music, pedagogy, orchestral literature/repertoire, and competition opportunities.
Carthage College
Kenosha, Wis.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Anne Morse Hambrock
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: No
Program details: Includes orchestra, band, choir, jazz ensemble, improvisation, arranging, pedagogy.
Centre College
Danville, Ky.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Elaine Humphreys Cook
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A.
Harp students last year: 5
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Opportunity for a variety of performance experiences including harp ensemble, orchestra, wind symphony, chamber music, African Drum Ensemble, Kentucky Ensemble, jazz, pedagogy, and other World Music ensembles. Repertoire used to support relaxed technique for facility, and understanding music from aspects of meter and rhythm, form, harmony, melody, style, and historic perspective. All students have at least one semester in another country through the exchange program.
Chicago College of Performing Arts, Roosevelt University
Chicago, Ill.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Marguerite Lynn Williams
Degrees offered: B.M., M.M., Artist Dip. or Cert., Prof. Studies Cert.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 4
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: At CCPA, Music Conservatory students are given the opportunity to work with faculty members who are members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera of Chicago. With an average studio size of four, students receive individual attention and opportunities to harbor professional connections and establish themselves in the heart of the Chicago arts scene. Harpists receive weekly private lessons and studio class.
Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) at University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Type of school: Conservatory
Harp instructor: Gillian Benet Sella,
Degrees offered: B.M., B.M.E., M.M., M.M.E., D.M.A., Artist Dip. or Cert., Perf. Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: 8
Number of school harps: 5
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes harp masterclass, separate weekly pedagogy class, weekly private lessons with Gillian Benet Sella and an additional weekly lessons/practice sessions for undergraduates with the harp graduate assistant , orchestra, chamber music, jazz, harp literature, orchestra repertoire. In addition to having orchestra and chamber ensembles, CCM stages full productions of operas, ballets, and musicals.
Cleveland Institute of Music
Cleveland, Ohio
Type of school: Conservatory
Harp instructor: Yolanda Kondonassis
Degrees offered: B.M., M.M., D.M.A., Artist Dip. or Cert., Prof. Studies Cert.
Harp students last year: 6
Number of school harps: 6
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes weekly private lessons with Yolanda Kondonasis, orchestra, contemporary music ensemble, chamber music, pedagogy, harp classes, and orchestral classes.
College of Charleston
Charleston, S.C.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Abigail Kent
Degrees offered: B.A., Artist Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: College of Charleston has two pathways in harp—traditional Celtic lever harp and classical pedal harp. Located in the middle of historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina, The College of Charleston offers a liberal arts education with musical training with both majors and minors in music, as well as an Artist Certificate in Performance.
College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, Va.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Anastasia Jellison
Degrees offered: B.A.
Harp students last year: 8
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: No
Program details: College of William and Mary is located in historic Williamsburg, Virginia. Private lessons are given once a week for a total of 12 lessons per semester. Students can register for 25- or 50-minute lessons. Students can also register for orchestra and chamber music.
Columbus State University—Schwob School of Music
Columbus, Ga.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Susan Bennett Brady
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.A., B.M.E., M.M., Master of Arts, M.F.A., M.M.E., Artist Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Harp at Schwob includes many performance opportunities. Susan Brady teaches all aspects of harp playing to meet students needs and potential, creating their niche in the world as working professionals. The program includes lessons, harp ensemble, orchestra excerpts, studio, pedagogy, literature classes, chamber coaching, orchestra, jazz, chamber music, contemporary music ensemble, wind ensemble, chorus, opera, and visiting artist masterclasses/lectures.
Connecticut College
New London, Conn.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Megan Sesma
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The Department of Music encourages all students with an interest in music to explore a rich variety of ways to engage with music, whether as performers, listeners, music-makers, or scholars. Music offerings—including courses, ensembles, and individual lessons—are available to majors and non-majors alike. Students work closely with musicians who engage them in classroom and performance experiences, and give each student personalized attention.
Davidson College
Davidson, N.C.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Andrea Mumm
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Davidson College is a liberal arts institution with high academic standards. Program includes orchestra, jazz, choir, chamber music, concerto competition, and touring. Davidson offers both music major and minors with no audition for the music major program. Students must meet academic criteria for acceptance. Students can take music classes even if they are not a music major or minor. Scholarships are available.
DePaul University
Chicago, Ill.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Julia Coronelli
Degrees offered: B.M., M.M., Perf. Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: A new harp program at a university with a new music building with concert and recital halls and two new harps. Equal focus on solo, chamber music, and orchestral repertoire.
Dickinson College
Carlisle, Penn.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Ruth Hunter
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: 4
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
P#students who would like to pursue another major but improve skills and further their musical education.
Duke University
Durham, N.C.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Laura Byrne
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A.
Harp students last year: 4
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Duke offers numerous opportunities to perform harp solo, chamber music, Duke Symphony Orchestra, Duke Wind Symphony, Duke Chinese Music Ensemble, and New Music Ensemble.
Eastman School of Music
Rochester, N.Y.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Kathleen Bride
Degrees offered: B.M., M.M., D.M.A.
Harp students last year: 12
Number of school harps: 7
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Eastman is a community of artists, performers, composers, and scholars who are committed to preparing students for meaningful lives in music. Program includes orchestra, wind ensemble, opera orchestra, contemporary ensembles, chamber music, harp pedagogy, harp technique, private lessons, jazz theory, and jazz arranging.
Emory University
Atlanta, Ga.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Elisabeth Remy Johnson
Degrees offered: B.A.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, symphonic band, and chamber music. Double majors are welcome participants in the studio.
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Fla.
Type of school:University
Harp instructor: Noël Wan
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., Master of Arts, M.M.E., D.M.A., Ph.D.
Harp students last year: 5
Number of school harps: 9
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: FSU College of Music is one of the largest collegiate music programs in the country, presenting more than 500 concerts and recitals per year and offering more than 40 ensembles. Performance opportunities include orchestras, opera orchestra, wind orchestra, bands, chamber music, early music, new music, and world music.
Frost School of Music, University of Miami
Miami, Fla.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Laura Sherman
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.A., B.M.E., M.M., Master of Arts, M.M.E., D.M.A., Ph.D., Artist Dip. or Cert., Perf. Dip. or Cert., Specialist Deg.
Harp students last year: 8
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: No
Program details: Weekly harp lessons and studio and forum classes. Performance opportunities include the symphony orchestra, symphonic winds, wind ensemble, Henry Mancini Institute, Ibis New Music Ensemble, opera, chamber music, musical theatre, and jazz. Frost also offers harpists degrees in music therapy, music engineering, music business, and composition. Scholarships available, including a graduate TA in harp.
Furman University
Greenville, S.C.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Anita Burroughs-Price
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The harp program includes performance in harp ensemble, chamber music, orchestra, band, wind ensemble, and pit orchestra for musical theater and opera. Studio class includes training in major repertoire, pedagogy, arranging, freelancing, and an introduction to the use of the harp in therapeutic settings.
George Mason University
Fairfax, Va.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Adriana Horne
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.M.E., D.M.A., Ph.D.
Harp students last year: 4
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Located close to the nation’s capital, George Mason University students have the opportunity to pursue other academic interests, including a double major in another field.
Georgia State University
Atlanta, Ga.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Elisabeth Remy Johnson
Degrees offered: B.A., M.M.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, symphonic band, opera, chamber music, and pedagogy.
Glenn Gould School
Toronto, Ont. (Canada)
Type of school: Conservatory
Harp instructors: Judy Loman, Angela Schwarzkopf, Heidi Bearcroft
Degrees offered: B.M., Perf. Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes weekly private lessons with Judy Loman (1.5 hours), teaching methodology for harp and harp literature classes with Angela Schwarzkopf, and orchestral repertoire for harp with Toronto Symphony Orchestra principal harpist, Heidi Bearcroft. Performance opportunities in orchestra, opera, and with various chamber ensembles.
Gustavus Adolphus College
St. Peter, Minn.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Phala Tracy
Degrees offered: B.A.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, chamber music, and early music ensemble.
Herb Alpert Music Center—Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles, Calif.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Caroline Reyes
Degrees offered: Prof. Studies Cert., Assoc. Deg., Transfer Degree
Harp students last year: 6
Number of school harps: 5
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The Applied Music Program at the Herb Alpert Music Center is designed for students seeking to transfer to four-year institutions to complete a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Music degree. Students receive private lessons to prepare them for auditions and performances, as well as music theory, history, and ensemble courses. The Applied Music Program offers students a direct transfer pathway to its fellow Herb Alpert programs at UCLA and CalArts.
Hope College
Hope, Mich.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Martha Waldvogel-Warren
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 3
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes pedal and lever harp instruction, orchestra, band, jazz ensemble, and harp ensemble.
Indiana University—South Bend
South Bend, Ind.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Heaven Fan
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., Artist Dip. or Cert., Perf. Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: IU South Bend offers students a personalized, interdisciplinary college experience. Students can interact with theatre, dance, fine arts, communication, and new media artists. This experience is guided by faculty within a small-class setting.
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Bloomington, Ind.
Type of school: University
Harp instructors: Elzbieta Szmyt, Sarah Bullen, and Fan-Fen Tai
Degrees offered: B.M., B.M.E., M.M., M.M.E., D.M.A., Artist Dip. or Cert., Perf. Dip. or Cert., Bachelor of Science with an Outside Field
Harp students last year: 26
Number of school harps: 13
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: One of the largest in the world. It includes harp majors, harp elective students, pre-college, and adult harpists. The program prepares students for a career as a professional harpist by offering individual lessons, masterclasses, chamber music, orchestra classes, harp ensemble, pedagogy, and harp literature classes. Harp students at Jacobs have the opportunity to work and collaborate with world class faculty members and visiting artists.
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Ind.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Erzsébet Gaál Rinne
Degrees offered: B.M., M.M., Ph.D.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: IUPUI has state of the art music production studios and nationally ranked health care facilities and students are immersed into the analytical, technical, and artistic skills of fast growing professions with the personalized attention of small classes.
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, Va.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Anastasia Pike
Degrees offered: B.M., M.M., D.M.A.
Harp students last year: 5
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: James Madison University harpists study under the direction of academic and performance faculty.
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Ga.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Elisabeth Remy Johnson
Degrees offered: B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: includes orchestra, wind ensemble, chamber music. Music Education majors are welcome participants in the studio.
Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, Ont. (Canada)
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Teresa Suen-Campbell
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., Artist Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Lakehead University has a long association with Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, which provides mentorship opportunities for students. Harp studies include weekly lessons, studio classes, guest artist masterclasses, and chamber ensembles. The program gives equal emphasis on solo, chamber and orchestral repertoire. Lessons will be conducted both online and in-person.
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, Penn.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Andrea Wittchen
Degrees offered: B.A.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Lehigh University’s music program provides an opportunity for the college student who wants to pursue serious music study along with another major. The program offers private harp instruction, performance opportunities in orchestra, wind ensemble, small ensembles, accompanying choral groups, and on- and off-campus solo performances. Ensembles perform advanced level repertoire as well as new music by Lehigh faculty and student composers in first-class on-campus performance venues.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Va.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Kristin Szandzik
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.M.E.
Harp students last year: 6
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Liberty University’s School of Music provides a blend of traditional and contemporary environments for harpists to explore their musical giftings. Collaborative opportunities include the symphony orchestra, wind symphony, worship band groups, and more. Weekly lessons offered in 30- and 60-minute increments according to skill level and interest. Students participate in several studio classes throughout the semester in addition to weekly lessons.
Lipscomb University
Nashville, Tenn.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Sarah K. Crocker
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes chamber and reading orchestras, wind ensemble, chamber music, choral/opera collaborations, and commercial music ensembles and degrees. Applied harp lessons and harp pedagogy and literature courses. Competitive harp scholarships available.
Luther College
Decorah, Iowa
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Amy Nam
Degrees offered: B.A.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 3
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Harp students prepare for performances with choir, orchestra, chamber ensemble, harp ensemble, band, Christmas at Luther, as well as national and international tours. Music theory, ear-training, an artistic focus in harp repertoire and history, as well as technique training are taught in lessons and in harp class.
Lynn Conservatory
Boca Raton, Fla.
Type of school: Conservatory
Harp instructor: Deborah Fleisher
Degrees offered: B.M., M.M., Artist Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: A full-scholarship program focusing on orchestra and chamber music with a small student body given individual attention.
Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, Penn.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Gretchen Van Hoesen
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., Artist Dip. or Cert., B.M. Therapy, B.M. Ministry, B.M. Technology
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 3
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Programs in music education, performance, music technology, music therapy, composition, jazz, or music ministry, we have the faculty and resources to prepare you for a successful and fulfilling career in music and beyond. Students connect historical practices with modern methods, blend the traditional with current technology, and explore artistry, creativity, and ingenuity.
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ont. (Canada)
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Angela Schwarzkopf
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Weekly private lessons with Angela Schwarzkopf. This intimate program offers many performance opportunities and a new specialization in music cognition.
Mercer University, Townsend School of Music
Macon, Ga.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Calista Anne Koch
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.A., B.M.E., M.M.
Harp students last year: 5
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: With a variety of majors and minors for harp students, including: pedagogy, chamber music, jazz ensemble, chorus, wind ensemble, harp ensemble, other many other ensembles, Mercer offers a thriving harp program for harpists that want to have an intimate program on a campus that is not too small, nor too large.
Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, Penn.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Ruth Hunter
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: includes orchestra, band, chamber music, solo repertoire, theory, and private lessons.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, Colo.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Jenna Hunt
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The Department of Music at MSU Denver aims to help students build successful modern musical careers.
Michigan State University
Lansing, Mich.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Chen-Yu Huang
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., Master of Arts, M.M.E., D.M.A., Perf. Dip. or Cert., Specialist Deg.
Harp students last year: 5
Number of school harps: 5
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes private lessons, weekly studio, guest masterclass and concert, orchestras, bands, new music, jazz, pedagogy, literature, etc.
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Sarah K. Crocker
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes symphony, chamber, and concert orchestras, wind ensemble, symphonic band, chamber music, choral/opera/musical theatre collaborations, and jazz, commercial, and world music ensembles. Applied harp lessons and harp pedagogy and literature courses. Scholarships are available.
Montclair State University—John J. Cali School of Music
Montclair, N.J.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Kathryn Andrews, André Tarantiles
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.A., B.M.E., M.M., Artist Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The Montclair State University John J. Cali School of Music harp program offers private lessons and wonderful performance opportunities with the orchestra, opera, musical theatre productions, wind symphony, chamber groups, and many other ensembles.
Moravian University
Bethlehem, Penn.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Andrea Wittchen
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Moravian College’s music program provides an opportunity for the college student who wants to pursue either a harp performance or a music education path. The program offers private harp instruction, performance opportunities in orchestra, wind ensemble, Celtic ensemble, accompanying choral groups, and on and off-campus solo performances. Ensembles perform in modern facilities, some of which are tucked into restored, historic Colonial-era buildings.
Nashville State Community College
Nashville, Tenn.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Phyllis Taylor Sparks
Degrees offered: Perf. Dip. or Cert., Prof. Studies Cert.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Applied Harp private lesson instruction via classroom or Zoom. Provides programs for the untraditional students of any age.
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, Ill.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Faye Seeman
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., M.M., Perf. Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Personalized attention, small school benefits, while being at a major research institution with large university resources and experiences. Close to Chicago’s music and culture, but located in a hometown community that allows you to hone in and focus on your craft.
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, Ky.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Joseph Rebman
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: No
Program details: Northern Kentucky University is a small, undergraduate-only program, so students have many opportunities without the competition of high-level graduate students. Harp faculty Joseph Rebman also directs the SCPA harp program, an arts magnet public school with 25-plus students enrolled in daily harp-ensemble classes. With this experience, harp pedagogy is a major topic in Rebman’s teaching.
Northwestern University
Evanston, Ill.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Marguerite Lynn Williams
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., D.M.A., Ph.D.
Harp students last year: 5
Number of school harps: 4
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Students participate in ensembles ranging from symphony orchestra, contemporary music ensemble, opera and harp ensemble. Harp specific studies include weekly private lessons, studio class, pedagogy, orchestral literature, harp ensemble, guest artist masterclasses, and mock auditions. Dual Degrees within the university are welcomed.
Oral Roberts University
Tulsa, Okla.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Lorelei Kaiser Barton
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: includes orchestra, pedagogy, harp ensemble, performance class
Osher School of Music at the University of Southern Maine
Gorham, Maine
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Jara S. Goodrich
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, concert band, chamber music, harp ensemble, pedagogy. and private lessons. A university owned 85CG harp is available for use in orchestra and other university programs.
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, Calif.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Alison Bjorkedal
Degrees offered: Assoc. Deg.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: No
Program details: Pasadena City College is number one in awarding Associate Degrees for transfer in Southern California. The student body is supported by career and transfer centers, clubs, tutoring centers and more. Study on the school’s pedal harp with a Grammy Award-winning harp teacher in a new performing arts center.
Peabody Conservatory of Music at Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Mass.
Type of school: Conservatory
Harp instructor: June Han
Degrees offered: B.M., M.M., D.M.A., Artist Dip. or Cert., Perf. Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 12
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes symphony orchestra, concert orchestra, modern orchestra, conductor’s repertory orchestra, wind ensemble, opera orchestra, chamber music, harp maintenance, jazz, early music, harp pedagogy, HarpAdventures Outreach (Pedagogy Lab), off-campus monthly department recital series, other area performance opportunities. Chamber music and cross-disciplinary projects encouraged.
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, Calif.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Julie Smith Phillips
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: PLNU offers musical training in a Christian setting. Opportunities to explore music performance, music education, composition, commercial music, or many other fields in Southern California. Ensembles include symphony orchestra, chamber ensembles, and more. Faculty instructor, Julie Phillips, serves as principal harp for the San Diego Symphony and teaches majors and minors in weekly private lessons.
Pomona College
Claremont, Calif.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Alison Bjorkedal
Degrees offered: B.A.
Harp students last year: 9
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Consistently ranked in the top 10 national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News, Pomona College is part of the Claremont Consortium with a high faculty to student ratio and opportunities to explore and build students’ unique interests and talents.
Rowan University
Glassboro, N.J.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Chelsea Lane
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.M.E.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Rowan University’s Department of Music offers a wide range of courses designed to introduce students to various career paths, including those as music educators, performing musicians, composers, music industry professionals, and audio engineers and producers. Harp majors or minors receive individualized attention and have the opportunity to participate in private lessons, orchestra, chamber music, and recitals, among other musical activities.
Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
Cardiff, Wales
Type of school: Conservatory
Harp instructors: Caryl Thomas, Catrin Finch, Valerie Aldrich-Smith, Meinir Heulyn, Amanda Whiting
Degrees offered: B.M., M.M., Master of Arts, Ph.D., Perf. Dip. or Cert., Spec. Degree
Harp students last year: 6
Number of school harps: 6
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: RWCMD courses prepare harpists for a life in the professional world, whether it is centered on solo performance, chamber ensemble playing, orchestral work, teaching, arranging and/or performing in popular idioms or jazz.
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, Conn.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Wendy Kerner
Degrees offered: B.A., M.A.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The SHU faculty will custom design an educational plan based on each student’s skill level and interests. Study music theory, history, and harp to earn a B.A. in Music or a minor in music. Music majors may concentrate on either music performance or production. Music majors interested in music education can earn a B.A. in Music, a minor in Music Education, or Master of Arts in Teaching program which includes Connecticut teaching certification.
St. Mary’s College
Notre Dame, Ind.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Heaven Fan
Degrees offered: B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The College has core values of learning, community, faith, spirituality, and justice, and students develop close, meaningful relationships with faculty and fellow students.
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
San Francisco, Calif.
Type of school: Conservatory
Harp instructor: Emmanuel Ceysson
Degrees offered: B.M., M.M., Prof. Studies Cert.
Harp students last year: 5
Number of school harps: 5
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s Harp Department comprises fewer than five students under the instruction of Emmanuel Ceysson. At SFCM, students have opportunities to perform with resident ensembles, including the conservatory orchestra, the historical performance program, small and large chamber ensembles, and technology and applied composition recording sessions, as well as enter into the biannual Harp Concerto Competition.
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, Calif.
Type of school: San Francisco
Harp instructor: Karen Gottlieb
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., M.M., M.A.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, choral, chamber music, jazz, world music, pedagogy, composition, electronic music, music for films, and music education.
Shenandoah Conservatory at Shenandoah University
Winchester, Va.
Type of school: Conservatory
Harp instructor: Lynnelle Ediger
Degrees offered: B.M., B.M.E., M.M., M.M.E., D.M.A., Artist Dip. or Cert., Prof. Studies Cert.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 4
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Offering bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees, and artist diplomas, harpists enjoy performance opportunities with the conservatory’s orchestra, opera, wind ensemble, and chamber music ensembles, as well as solo experiences. The program includes weekly lessons, studio, and pedagogy classes with faculty invested.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
St. Mary’s City, Md.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Rebecca Anstine Smith
Degrees offered: B.A.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The Music Department at St. Mary’s offers numerous opportunities for harp students, whether they are majors, minors, or simply enrolled in private lessons. All of the ensembles, performance opportunities, and courses in the music department are open to all.
St. Olaf College
Northfield, Minn.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Rachel Brandwein
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., M.A.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 4
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: St. Olaf’s music program includes two full orchestras, two concert bands, seven choirs, chamber music, harp ensemble, jazz, early music, theory, music history, pedagogy, and composition courses, and music education accreditation. Each ambassador ensemble tours annually in the U.S. and internationally every three years. Non-music majors are eligible to take private lessons and audition for any ensemble and music scholarships. The nationally recognized Christmas Festival is broadcast annually.
State University of New York At Fredonia
Fredonia, N.Y.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Sonja Inglefield
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.M.E.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 5
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes private lessons, performance seminar, orchestra, opera, wind ensemble, chamber music, contemporary music, pedagogy, and an individualized repertoire progression. The Excelsior Scholarship offers free tuition to qualifying families in New York. Other scholarships are also available.
Susquehanna University
Selinsgrove, Penn.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Ruth Hunter
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, band, chamber music opportunities, and theory.
Temple University—Boyer College of Music and Dance
Philadelphia, Penn.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Elizabeth Hainen, Maria Luisa Rayan
Degrees offered: B.M., B.M.E., M.M., M.M.E., D.M.A., Ph.D., Artist Dip. or Cert., Perf. Dip. or Cert., Prof. Studies Cert.
Harp students last year: 5
Number of school harps: 5
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The Boyer College, founded in 1962, is part of the Center for Performing and Cinematic Arts at Temple University, along with the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts. Boyer offers students numerous opportunities to perform with large and small ensembles, many of which perform regularly at the Temple Performing Arts Center, Kimmel Cultural Campus, Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, and Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Tennessee State University
Nashville, Tenn.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Phyllis Taylor Sparks
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., M.M.
Harp students last year: 5
Number of school harps: 4
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes individual applied harp lessons via classroom or Zoom, orchestra, band, and chamber music.
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, Texas
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Kela Walton
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., D.M.A., Artist Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 4
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: TCU harp students have many performance opportunities within a small studio environment. TCU harpists receive balanced instruction in repertoire and technique, representative of major harp literature and with an emphasis on supple playing, tone production, and clear articulation. The harp program at the undergraduate and graduate level includes studies in harp pedagogy, harp ensemble, orchestral excerpts, and masterclass opportunities with visiting international guest artists.
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Rachel Mazzucco
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.M.E., D.M.A., Ph.D.
Harp students last year: 9
Number of school harps: 9
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, chamber orchestra, chamber music, harp ensemble, pedagogy, wind ensemble, bands, Celtic ensemble, improvisation, Mariachi ensemble, and early music ensemble.
The College of Staten Island, CUNY
Staten Island, N.Y.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Chelsea Lane
Degrees offered: B.A.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The music major provides comprehensive training in music theory, musicianship, and music history. Harp students receive weekly lessons and have the option to participate in recitals, chamber ensembles, and orchestra.
The Hartt School, University of Hartford
Hartford, Conn.
Type of school: Conservatory
Harp instructor: Susan Knapp Thomas
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.A., M.M.E., D.M.A., Ph.D., Artist Dip. or Cert., Prof. Studies Cert.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 4
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes harp lessons, studio class, orchestra, chamber music, pedagogy, harp rep, orchestral harp studies. Double majors with harp offered in Music Ed, Arts Management, or Music Production and Technology.
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Jeanne Norton
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.A., B.M.E., M.M.
Harp students last year: 4
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, opera orchestra, freshman orchestra, community orchestra, chamber music, ensemble, wind symphony, and symphonic band.
The Tianjin Juilliard School
Tianjin, China
Type of school: Conservatory
Harp instructor: Li-Ya Huang
Degrees offered: M.M.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Earn a M.M. degree in orchestral studies harp from The Juilliard School in the first joint venture to offer a U.S.-accredited, Juilliard degree in China. The Tianjin campus is focused on collaborative musicianship and provides performance opportunities throughout China, Asia, and beyond.
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, Texas
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Emily Mitchell
Degrees offered: B.M., M.M.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The harp studio at UTEP is being re-established beginning in the 2022-23 school year and includes French school technical strength building, sight-reading, basic repertoire, harp solos, orchestral parts. Harp majors must be advanced enough to participate in difficult works for chamber music and orchestra, otherwise harp minor/non-degree lessons are recommended.
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minn.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Kathy Kienzle
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., D.M.A.
Harp students last year: 4
Number of school harps: 4
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, band, wind ensemble, jazz ensembles, contemporary ensemble, chamber music, pedagogy, two opera productions every year. Students participate in a weekly studio class with all harp students. Suzuki teacher training is also available.
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, B.C. (Canada)
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Elizabeth Volpé Bligh
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.A., M.M.E., D.M.A., Ph.D., Artist Dip. or Cert., Perf. Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 5
Space provided for personal harps: No
Program details: UBC includes a symphony orchestra, two wind ensembles, and various chamber groups. Elizabeth Volpé Bligh gives weekly private lessons and also coaches 12 hours of studio classes (small group setting) in which the students receive instruction about all aspects of being professional harpists.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Fla.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Haley Rhodeside
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.A.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: No
Program details: UCF is a large university with many outside areas of study, and students are free to pursue dual degrees. Instruction encourages well-rounded, educated musicianship, taught by performing artists. Performance opportunities include orchestra, chamber music, and opera.
University of Chicago
Chicago, Ill.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Lillian Lau
Degrees offered: B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 3
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The UChicago Performance Program includes monthly orchestra concerts in Mandel Hall, bi-weekly sectionals, chamber music coachings, harp ensemble concerts, new music ensemble, composition. Scholarships are available for the music lesson awards.
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Conn.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Megan Sesma
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.A., M.M.E., D.M.A., Ph.D., Artist Dip. or Cert., Perf. Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The Department of Music at the University of Connecticut offers degree programs to prepare individuals for the numerous careers in music with the goal of providing professional training through classroom and studio instruction.
University of Denver, Lamont School of Music
Denver, Colo.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Courtney Hershey Bress
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., Artist Dip. or Cert., Perf. Dip. or Cert., Prof. Studies Cert.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 4
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The students perform in orchestra, wind ensemble, opera, chamber and contemporary groups, along with learning the main solo repertoire for the harp. Harp majors have one-hour lessons and a one-hour studio class every week, along with chamber music coachings and pedagogy.
University of Evansville
Evansville, Ind.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Erzsébet Gaál Rinne
Degrees offered: B.M.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, band, jazz band, chamber music, music therapy, music education, music management, and music performance.
University of Georgia Hugh Hodgson School of Music
Athens, Ga.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Monica Hargrave
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., M.M., M.A., D.M.A.
Harp students last year: 4
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The University of Georgia Hugh Hodgson School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and the American Music Therapy Association. The harp program gives students the opportunity to perform with orchestra, harp ensemble, wind symphony, wind ensemble, chamber ensemble, contemporary music, and jazz ensembles.
University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, Ill.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Ann Yeung
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.A., M.F.A., M.M.E., D.M.A., Ph.D., Artist Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 13
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes pportunities in orchestra, harp pedagogy/literature/technology, harp ensemble, wind ensemble, chamber music, contemporary music, composition, jazz, and much more.
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Erin Freund
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., M.A., D.M.A., Ph.D.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The University of Iowa includes a new building that features a 700-seat concert hall, group and individual rehearsal spaces, classrooms, and more.
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kan.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Erin Wood
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.M.E., Perf. Dip. or Cert., Specialist Deg.
Harp students last year: 5
Number of school harps: 4
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: KU offers a variety of classes, including music therapy and music education programs. Includes opportunities to play with orchestra and wind ensemble. KU has an endowed scholarship specifically for harp students. The Bachelor of Arts program is designed for students who want to double major.
University of Kentucky, Lexington
Lexington, Ky.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Elaine Humphreys Cook
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., M.M.
Harp students last year: 7
Number of school harps: 3
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: UK Symphony Orchestra included guest artists including Itzhak Perlman, Gil Shaham, Lynn Harrell, Marvin Hamlisch, Mark O’Connor, Keith Lockhart and Arlo Guthrie; played at Carnegie Hall in New York and the Kennedy Center in Washington, and toured China. Harp repertoire includes Milligan, Paret, Curcio, Dilling; Grandjany, Salzedo, and Renie; current competitions and auditions. Music theory over music covered: meter & rhythm, form, harmony, melody, style and historic perspective.
University of Maryland
College Park, Md.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Sarah Fuller
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.M.E., D.M.A., Ph.D.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: With nearly 30 active ensembles and dozens of chamber groups, UMD harpists perform with at least one major ensemble every semester. The school’s location in the Baltimore-Washington corridor provides professional and educational opportunities. UMD harpists often take professional work while completing their degree. Scholarships and assistantships are available.
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Mich.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Joan Raeburn Holland
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.M.E., D.M.A., Specialist Deg.
Harp students last year: 8
Number of school harps: 8
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The University of Michigan is for harpists committed to excellence and seriousness of study. Performance opportunities include solo playing, large ensemble, chamber music, and collaboration of all kinds.
University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, Nev.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Marina Roznitovsky Oster
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., M.M., M.A., D.M.A.
Harp students last year: 7
Number of school harps: 5
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes harp ensembles, masterclasses, chamber music, orchestra, wind ensemble, band, opera, choral groups, jazz bands, recording studies. Professional opportunities include Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, other orchestras and ensembles, students, gigs and more.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, N.C.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Laura Byrne
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 3
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: UNC offers opportunities to study harp solo and chamber music and participate in the UNC Harp Ensemble, UNC Symphony Orchestra, and UNC Wind Symphony.
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Winston-Salem, N.C.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Jacquelyn Bartlett
Degrees offered: B.M., M.M., Artist Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: 4
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes weekly solo opportunities, professional-level orchestra concerts, opera and ballet performances, chamber music, harp ensemble, Chrysalis professional program, concert touring, job opportunities, and an international faculty.
University of North Carolina, Wilmington
Wilmington, N.C.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Christina Brier
Degrees offered: B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, wind ensemble, chamber music, pedagogy, individualized solo repertoire, and personal career development. Professor Christina Brier specializes in teaching harp pedagogy and offers students opportunities to teach through Brooklyn Arts Music Academy.
University of North Carolina-Greensboro
Greensboro, N.C.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Andrea Mumm
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.M.E., D.M.A.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: UNCG is the second largest music program in the Southeast with a harp-specific scholarship available! Includes classes in solo, orchestral, technique, pedagogy, freelancing, in addition to studio classes, chamber, and large ensembles.
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Jaymee Haefner
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., M.M., M.A., M.M.E., D.M.A., Ph.D., Artist Dip. or Cert., Perf. Dip. or Cert., Prof. Studies Cert., Specialist Deg., MBA (Music Business)
Harp students last year: 18
Number of school harps: 10
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The UNT harp program includes performance opportunities in two orchestras, three bands; chamber, choral, jazz, contemporary and traditional ensembles. Includes courses in harp pedagogy and literature; harp ensemble (UNT HarpBeats); professional topics including music business, arranging, recording, and networking.
University of Northwestern—St. Paul
Roseville, Minn.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Catherine Victorsen
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps:2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes private lessons, harp ensemble, orchestra, band, choral ensembles, chamber music ensembles, musical theatre, weekly recital opportunities, harp literature, pedagogy, and tours.
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Ind.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Heaven Fan
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., M.M., D.M.A., Ph.D.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The Department of Music at Notre Dame provides a course of study for music majors within Notre Dame’s liberal arts tradition and provides its majors a strong foundation to prepare for graduate school and careers in music.
University of Oklahoma
Norman, Okla.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Gaye LeBlanc
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.F.A., M.M.E., D.M.A.
Harp students last year: 4
Number of school harps: 5
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The University of Oklahoma has a comprehensive program of lessons, studio classes, harp ensemble, harp orchestral literature, and harp pedagogy. Harp scholarships and graduate assistantships are offered. The School of Music has many ensembles including orchestra, bands, choirs, early music ensemble, contemporary ensemble, operas, and musicals.
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Ont. (Canada)
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Natalie Hoffmann
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., M.M., M.A., Prof. Studies Cert.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Harpists receive performance opportunities in orchestra, contemporary music and wind ensembles, and chamber groups, in addition to private lessons, orchestral excerpt classes, and masterclasses. The university also offers a program combining the Bachelor of Music with an Honors Bachelor of Science.
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Penn.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Samantha Wittchen
Degrees offered: B.A., Ph.D.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: No
Program details: The University of Pennsylvania’s music program offers opportunities for beginner through advanced students who want to pursue study of the harp through a music major or along with another major. The program offers private harp instruction, studio classes, solo performance opportunities through annual studio recitals, and ensemble performance opportunities in orchestra, chamber groups, and pit orchestras.
University of Redlands
Redlands, Calif.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Jillian Lopez
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., Artist Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 3
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: At Redlands, students learn to perform, interpret, and teach music in a liberal arts environment that provides a broad education and intense training.
University of Richmond
Richmond, Va.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Anastasia Jellison
Degrees offered: B.M.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Harp students are given 13 one-hour lessons each semester. Private lessons are given on a weekly basis. Students may also register for orchestra and chamber music.
University of Tampa
Tampa, Fla.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: John McColley
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: UT offers courses in electronic music and traditional classical settings.
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ont. (Canada)
Type of school: University
Harp instructors: Judy Loman, Angela Schwarzkopf
Degrees offered: B.M., B.M.E., M.M., D.M.A., Artist Dip. or Cert., Perf. Dip. or Cert.
Harp students last year: 7
Number of school harps: 4
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes weekly hour-long private lessons and weekly two-hour performance classes. Opportunities for performance with the orchestra, opera orchestra, chamber class, contemporary ensemble, and many other groups.
University of Tulsa
Tulsa, Okla.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Lorelei Kaiser Barton
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, pedagogy, chamber music, harp ensemble, harp performance class, solo performing. Offerse music-related activities for harp accompaniment, ranging from traditional chamber music and jazz ensembles to concert instrumental and vocal ensembles. Aligning with another school as a double major is common.
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Cathy Clayton
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.A., M.F.A., M.M.E., D.M.A., Ph.D., Prof. Studies Cert.
Harp students last year: 11
Number of school harps: 3
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, wind symphony, choral accompanying, opera, harp literature, harp pedagogy, touring harp ensemble, and summer mentoring opportunities.
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Va.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Anastasia Jellison
Degrees offered: B.M.
Harp students last year: 5
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: No
Program details: Students can register for 30 minute or 60 minute weekly lessons. There are 13 lessons each semester. Students may also register for orchestra (by audition) and chamber music.
University of Washington
Seattle, Wash.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Valerie Muzzolini
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.M.E., D.M.A.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 4
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: This program is for students who would like to prepare for auditions and competitions and develop their ensemble skills and repertoire
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wis.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Johanna Wienholts
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., D.M.A.
Harp students last year: 4
Number of school harps: 4
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The harp program at Mead Witter School of Music is situated in the larger UW-Madison campus where students can pursue harp performance alone or alongside other academic majors. The harp program focuses on technique, breath, and the connection between body and the music. Repertoire is chosen collaboratively so that the music learned reflects the student and their musical interests.
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Kenosha, Wis.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Anne Morse Hambrock
Degrees offered: B.A.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 3
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, band, choir, jazz ensemble, improvisation, arranging, and pedagogy.
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, Ind.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Heaven Fan
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: 3
Number of school harps: 3
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The Department of Music offers degree options for musicians of many levels and career interests. Within the degree options, students can pursue a focus in music performance, music education, church music, composition, or the music industry.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Va.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Colleen Potter Thorburn
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: VCU’s Department of Music includes partnerships with the Richmond Symphony, jazz clubs, historic churches, and performance venues. Harp majors at VCU receive private lessons, weekly masterclasses, and ensemble opportunities, ranging from VCU Symphony and Symphonic Wind Ensemble to chamber music groups and harp ensemble.
Washington College
Chestertown, Md.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Anastasia Pike
Degrees offered: B.A.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Music majors at Washington College develop an individualized program as they work towards a BA.
Wayne State University
Detroit, Mich.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Patricia Terry-Ross
Degrees offered: B.A., M.A.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 4
Space provided for personal harps: No
Program details: The Music Department is part of the College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts. 2017 Kresge Eminent Artist Patricia Terry-Ross is the harp professor and also principal harpist for the Michigan Opera Theatre. Scholarships are available, and students have many performance opportunities each semester, including orchestra, band, chamber ensembles, and recitals.
Wesleyan University
Middletown, Conn.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Megan Sesma
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., M.M., M.A., D.M.A., Ph.D.
Harp students last year: 4
Number of school harps: 2
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: The Wesleyan University Music Department explores the study, performance, and composition of music.
West Virginia University
Morgantown, W.V.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Christine Mazza
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., B.M.E., M.M., M.M.E., D.M.A.
Harp students last year: 5
Number of school harps: 3
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: West Virginia University undergraduate and graduate degree programs for harpists include B.S. in Harp Performance, B.A. in Music, B.S. in Music Education, Music Therapy, Music Industry, Music Theory and Composition, Music History, a music minor, secondary study, a Master of Music, and a Doctorate of Music Arts with harp instructor Christine Mazza.
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Ky.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Phyllis Taylor Sparks
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A., M.M.
Harp students last year: 1
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, band, and chamber music.
Westmont College
Santa Barbara, Calif.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Marcia Dickstein
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A.
Harp students last year: 4
Number of school harps: 3
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, chamber music, solo, and community orchestra opportunities.
Wheaton College Conservatory of Music
Wheaton, Ill.
Type of school: College
Harp instructor: Faye Seeman
Degrees offered: B.M., B.A.
Harp students last year: 2
Number of school harps: 0
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Includes orchestra, wind ensemble, harp in choral groups, chamber groups, and opportunities to play compositions by student composers. Student harp ensemble is available most semesters.
Willamette University
Salem, Ore.
Type of school: University
Harp instructor: Kimberly Houser Taylor
Degrees offered: B.A.
Harp students last year: N/A
Number of school harps: 1
Space provided for personal harps: Yes
Program details: Willamette is a small, private, liberal arts university in the Willamette Valley. •
