This article extra is a companion to our 2026 Summer Harp Camp Roundup.

Charles W. Lynch III is a harp specialist for the Mesa (Ariz.) Public Schools Harp Program and teaches at Arizona State University. He has been on the faculty of the Midwest Harp Festival since 2019.

How does it differ from the teaching you do during the school year?

During the school year, there are so many commitments that students have to juggle—academics, sports, family activities, school concerts. As teachers, we often have to push students to make sure they are prepared for those concerts or exams. We don’t always have time to explore new music or ideas, or to just take time to enjoy playing the harp with our students. Summer camp offers the opposite kind of experience—a relaxed and immersive environment to focus on your harp skills. Teaching at a camp in the summer is intensive, but so much more relaxed and fun. Teachers and students have the opportunity and freedom in their schedules to just focus on harp and fun social activities. It is a chance to get to know each other and realize there are other people who understand the discipline and care we put into our instruments throughout the year when we are trying to balance life and school. 

How have you seen students change musically or personally from the experience?

All students can change from their experiences at a summer camp. I have seen students of all ages and levels leave summer camp with a more open and excited approach to their harp playing. The biggest change I see from students after camp is the realization that we are all part of a larger harp community. We all can get in our heads and let stress and anxiety get in the way of our enjoyment of our instrument. It can be life-changing to find peers and friends that understand the care, discipline, and work we put into our harp skills. The shared experiences from a summer camp create those friendships that offer support, build confidence, and help us all be part of a better harp community.

Carla Siegesmund has played the harp for more than 20 years. She has attended Harp Journeys for Adults for six years, as well as many other summer programs, including the Somerset Folk Harp Festival, the Harp in Worship Conference, the Harp Conference in Israel, Southeastern Harp Weekend, and the Folk Harp Retreat in Scotland. She lives in Dallas, Texas.

What surprised you about your first summer harp experience?

Even though I enjoyed every minute, I did not expect the pace to be so fast. I was busy every minute: learning new harp information, meeting new people. My “harp” horizons were broadened more than I could have imagined; I was inspired and encouraged. I met other harpists who have become lifelong friends.

Advice for students who might be considering a summer harp program?

I strongly advise adult students to go. There is so much to learn from each harpist’s perspective in the various workshops and performances. Many professional harpists whom I have met at various conferences have become an important part of my harp journey. One big bonus: all the friendships to be made. I have so enjoyed meeting other harpists and developing friendships that are unique because we immediately have something in common to discuss: the harp. My life has been changed in the most positive way as a result of these opportunities. Oh, and practice your ensemble music prior to the conference!

Cecilia Hiros is pursuing her Ph.D. in music theory at the University of Michigan. As a student, she attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Saratoga Harp Colony, and the Curtis Summerfest Harp Colony. She has also served as a harp assistant at the Interlochen Arts Camp.

What do you want first-time summer students know before they go?

Camp can feel very confusing at first; you arrive, start learning new music, and then spend a lot of time practicing. I think this leaves a lot of younger harpists confused about where to start and what exactly they should be doing with their time. I think it would be really beneficial if students came to camp with a few goals in mind for themselves. For example, goals could be something like wanting to improve a certain technique they learned recently, polish a song they’ve been working on to get it performance ready, or even learn how to respond to and give cues in ensemble settings. Students should, of course, be open to the goals that their instructors want them to work on. However, it can be helpful to have a few goals in mind to help structure your practice time. 

How have you seen students change musically or personally from the experience?

As an instructor it has been really wonderful to watch students learn about music and musicianship not only through instructors, but also from peers. Most harpists come from an area where there are very few of us. However, summer harp programs provide a unique opportunity to be surrounded by other harpists, many of whom will have different approaches to learning music and performing on the harp. Many students I’ve known grow exponentially in their summer activities just by being around and learning skills from other harpists that are unique to our instrument.