Download this issue for our summer harp programs at a glance comparison chart.
Learn more about these summer programs and see status updates in the Summer Harp Camp Directory.
Hot days, late sunsets, and campfires will be here before we know it. But it is now during these cold winter days that we can start planning for how we will spend our warm summer months. We have rounded up nearly 44 programs for harpists young and old, new to the harp and well-seasoned. Where will you harp this summer?
Letters from camp
Harp students share thoughts about their summer camp experiences in Letters from Camp.
Althofen Masterclasses
Althofen, Carinthia (Austria); Aug 4–16
Instructor: Elisabeth Plank
Description: Intensive musical exchange in the Austrian Alps: artists teaching at European music universities will come to teach, including harp tutor Elisabeth Plank (University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna). Music students from all over the world will have the opportunity to refine their skills and engage extensively in creative exchange with their peers and professors.
althofener-meisterklassen.com
American Harp Academy
Winston Salem, N.C.; June 23–29
Instructors: Jacquelyn Bartlett, Abigail Kent, Grace Ludtke
Description: The American Harp Academy offers a harp program to inspire and guide students to artistic freedom. The AHA is for harpists that want to be immersed in their music, surrounded by a community of artists that nurture creativity and artistic excellence. Harpists participate in intensive solo and chamber music study with dedicated performers and teachers in this one-week program that is designed to prepare harpists for competitions, auditions, recitals, and other artistic ambitions.
uncsa.edu/summer/music-summer-intensives/harp
American Harp Institute
Marlboro, Vt.; May 31–June 9
Instructor: Yolanda Kondonassis
Description: AHI’s 2024 summer session offers an intensive training experience with Yolanda Kondonassis at Potash Hill in the Green Mountains of Vermont. The 10-day program includes private lessons with Kondonassis, as well as seminars and masterclasses. The atmosphere is that of a retreat—for study, practice, classes, bonding, and inspiration. Seminar topics include practice techniques, performance strategies, audition preparation, body care, preventing injury, musical development, and technique.
AmericanHarpInstitute.com
American Youth Harp Ensemble Summer Institutes
Frederick, Md.; July 1–5 or Richmond, Va.; July 15–19
Instructors: Lynnelle Ediger, Trey Nunnally, Claire Jones, Chris Marshall, Abigail Kent, Johanna Wienholts, Alison Read, and Gloria Galante
Description: The Program includes multiple weeks and locations available; Maryland with an optional concert tour add-on, and Virginia. Many harpists attend multiple weeks. Each day includes ensemble rehearsals, musicianship classes, practice, workshops, individual attention from distinguished faculty, performance opportunities, and fun social activities.
greenspringmusic.org/summer
Berklee College of Music Summer Programs
Boston, Mass.; June 24–28 (Global String Intensive), July 5–Aug. 9 (Aspire Program)
Instructors: Felice Pomeranz and César Secundino
Description: Explore the possibilities of your instrument and learn new styles this summer. We have three great programs in different lengths: the one-week Global String Program, the five-week Aspire intensive performance program, and the summer semester. Improvisation, technique, styles, grooves, composition are all offered. Scholarships available, performance opportunities and recording space, too. Summer in the city in Boston! Online course opportunities are also available.
berklee.edu/summer
Biccari Harp Festival
Foggia (Italy); May 14–19
Instructors: Lucia Galdi Marone and Gloria Galante
Description: Join us at the Biccari Harp Festival, in the heart of Southern Italy in a medieval town nestled at the highest peak of the Daunian Mountains in the Puglia Region. Participants will be immersed in a blend of harp music-making with Italian cultural experiences. Harp activities include private lessons, ensemble work, daily hot harp topics, and concerts. The area is rich in history with plenty of tours available.
mmmusicstore.com/harpfestival
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
Twin Lake, Mich.; Two week sessions in June–August
Instructors: Molly O’Roark and Kathryn Sloat
Description: Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp offers harpists of all levels the opportunity for intensive summer study in a traditional camp environment. Daily classes include private lessons, ensemble skills, theory, history, and practice time, and the session concludes with a performance for friends and family. Enrollment is limited, and pedal harps are provided. Blue Lake is committed to careful health practices for the summer season.
bluelake.org
Bob Jones University Harp Camp
Greenville, S.C.; July 8–12 (Jr. Camp), July 14–19 (Senior High Camp)
Instructor: Emily Waggoner
Description: Harp camp at Bob Jones University isn’t your typical cabin-insect-lake experience. BJU camps are designed around campers’ particular interests. The mission of BJU summer camps is to help participants grow Christlike character as they learn about a specific field. In addition to the daily ensemble rehearsals, solo master classes, private lessons, and performances, all camps include chapel, personal Bible study, nightly group devotions in the residence halls, and recreation.
bju.edu/events/youth/summer-camps
Boston University Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Harp Program
Lenox, Mass.; July–August (Young Artists Harp Program)
Instructor: Franziska Huhn
Description: Boston University Tanglewood Institute is a summer training program for young musicians and is the only program of its kind associated with one of the world’s great symphony orchestras. Under the guidance of professionals and in the presence of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, students are immersed in an atmosphere of music making fueled by high artistic standards, rigorous programming, and a legacy of learning and performance.
bu.edu/tanglewood
Bowdoin International Music Festival
Brunswick, Maine; June 22–July 13 (Session 1), July 13–Aug. 3 (Session 2)
Instructor: June Han
Description: The Bowdoin International Music Festival is one of the world’s premier music institutes, providing an intensive and in-depth exploration of chamber and solo music. Students are defined by their dedication, creativity, curiosity, and passion for excellence in music. Harpists study with June Han, who has been described as “mesmerizing” by The New York Times and “devoted, passionate, and inspirational” by her Festival students. Participants may apply to attend the program for 3 or 6 weeks.
bowdoinfestival.org/institute
Brevard Music Center Summer Institute and Festival
Brevard, N.C.; June 21–Aug. 4 (ages 14-18), June 17–Aug. 6 (ages 18-29, College Division)
Instructors: Allegra Lilly and Ina Zdorovetchi
Description: Brevard provides an engaging, intensive summer community for young musicians of exceptional talent. Over 600 students, ages 14–29, attend throughout the summer and represent nearly every state in the U.S. and several other countries. Brevard presents 80 public concerts throughout its seven-week festival including major orchestral, chamber, and operatic repertoire.
brevardmusic.org/institute
Buffalo Suzuki Strings Summer Harp Workshop
Buffalo, N.Y.; Aug. 12–16
Instructors: Katie Berquist and Grace Wong
Description: Harp students ages 5-18 of all levels, methods, and traditions are invited to join us for a week of harp ensemble, masterclasses with guest artists, music theory, enrichment classes, and more with the instructors at Buffalo Suzuki Strings including harp faculty Katie Berquist and Grace Wong. Space is limited, and registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. The workshop concludes with a final harp ensemble concert on Aug. 16.
buffalosuzukistrings.org/summer-workshop
CAMMAC Music Centre
Harrington, Que. (Canada); July 21–28
Instructors: TBA
Description: Explore repertoire for Celtic harp during this intensive week-long program. Students develop technical, interpretation and performance skills. The program is finely tuned to suit all levels of players (sometimes together, sometimes separately). Class size is limited to a small group.
cammac.ca/en
Cap Ferret Music Festival
Lège-Cap-Ferret (France); July 6–July 13
Instructor: Lisa Tannebaum
Description: A week of daily private lessons, masterclasses, and seminars with harpist Lisa Tannebaum. Students have access to nightly concerts by the ocean. Musicians from all over the world join this camp.
capferretmusicfestival.com
Colorado Harp Seminar
Fort Collins, Colo.; June 9–15
Instructor: Kathryn Harms
Description: Colorado Harp Seminar is a one-week intensive harp program for high school and undergraduate pedal harpists. Directed by faculty member Kathryn Harms at Colorado State University, it is designed to support, nurture, and inspire excellent musicianship. In addition to private lessons, students participate in harp ensemble, masterclasses, and workshops on various topics such as musician wellness and entrepreneurship. It culminates in a closing concert of solo and harp ensemble music. Students reside on campus at Colorado State University and receive instruction at the University Center for the Arts. There is also a commuting option available for local students.
music.colostate.edu/colorado-harp-seminar
Dorian Summer Music Camp
Decorah, Iowa; June 9–15 (Middle School), June 16–22 (High School)
Instructor: Amy Nam
Description: Each year, roughly 750 student musicians attend Luther’s week-long Dorian Summer Music Camps. Students study with Luther professors, perform in large ensembles, participate in workshops and classes, and live and learn together on campus. Band, orchestra, choir, jazz, piano, and harp options are available. Students are able to take art, dance, and theater classes in addition to their music classes and ensembles. Evenings include fun social activities, outings, recitals, and more.
Eastern Music Festival
Greensboro, N.C.; June 22–July 27, 2024
Instructor: Anna Kate Mackle
Description:Eastern Music Festival (EMF) is an educational experience for talented, dedicated young artists ages 14–23 wishing to pursue an orchestral studies program.
Easternmusicfestival.org
Elyrica Summer Harp Program
Ridgefield, Conn.; July 15–July 19
Instructors: Wendy Kerner, Carrianne Dillon, Alexandra Kovatch, and more
Description: Elyrica is a fun, intensive, non-competitive experience for harpists age 8 through adult, with all levels, and all harp types. Elyrica is focused on ensembles for KIDS, and for ADULTS, with wonderful music chosen for each participant (really!) and sent out ahead. This is our 25th year and we look forward to playing together in coached sessions and in our final concert, to enjoying interactive workshops, guest performers, fun events, and time for visiting and making friends.
elyrica.com
Harp Journeys Festival
Dallas, Texas; TBA
Instructors: Kimberly Snaufer DeRosa and more
Description: Tailored to adults (18-plus), this in-person festival offers a variety of workshops, lectures, masterclasses, and performances by our presenters. Watch for special online opportunities throughout the year.
harpjourneys.com
Harp Quest Summer Live
Madisonburg, Penn.; July 14–20
Instructors: Anne Sullivan and Candace Lark Masucci
Description: A recreational camp atmosphere and intense harp study combine in a summer harp experience. With a focus on learning together, campers practice and perform, study technique and musicianship, and make new harp friends.
harp-quest.com/summer
HarpMasters Academy
Cuneo (Italy); July 10–21
Instructors: Milda Agazarian, Irina Zingg, Mara Galassi, Luisa Prandina, and Ieuan Jones
Description: Since 2006, International Summer Harp Academy “HarpMasters” has drawn harpists—celebrities, students, and teachers—from all over the world to join a group of dedicated professionals to learn, inspire, and establish friendships. Year after year HarpMasters works to build a community of exchange between the world’s leading masters and young artists from all over the world, all in a supportive and friendly atmosphere.
harpmasters.com
Houston Summer Harp Festival
Houston, Texas; July 15–20
Instructors: Kimberly Snaufer DeRosa, Therese Honey, Susanna Wang, and Hope Cowan
Description: Our 2024 theme is “Harp Around the World” for a non-competitive week of comprehensive studies on musical and practical aspects of the harp and its history, with a focus on ensemble playing. Our three ensembles (beginning, intermediate, and advanced) present a finale concert on the last day. Classes include famous harpists, wedding workshop, stage presence, masterclasses, private lessons, and more. Each year offers new presentations.
houstonsummerharpfestival.com
Interlochen Arts Camp
Interlochen, Mich.; June 15–Aug. 3 (Session lengths vary by age and program)
Instructors: Joan Raeburn Holland and Sylvia Norris
Description: A harp student’s day consists of solo, small group, and large ensemble rehearsals. In each, students learn advanced techniques, discuss practice methods, and tackle advanced repertoire. In addition to receiving individual attention from instructors, students have the chance to practice with others and sharpen their performance skills.
interlochen.org/music/camp-programs
International Harp Academy of Argentina
Santa Fe, Argentina; Aug. 11–16
Instructors: Christine Icart (France) and Marcela Mendez (Argentina)
Description: The International Harp Academy of Argentina offers a customized harp program. Students focus on their goals in a supportive environment with harpists from around the world. All skill levels are welcome.
academiadearpa.org.ar
Lizotte Academia
Laurel, Que. (Canada); July 22–Aug. 3 (flexible within these dates)
Instructors: Caroline Lizotte
Description: Specialized academy on Caroline Lizotte’s works. Come stay a few days in the composer’s village and discover the heart of each piece you will work with her, the innovative techniques, the use of the accessories inherent in her works. In addition, benefit from her approach and philosophy, her technical and creative expertise, while enjoying activities in the beauty of nature.
calyane.com
MasterWorks Festival
Campbellsville, Ky.; June 16–July 14
Instructors: Heaven Fan
Description: MasterWorks Festival offers a musical and spiritual experience for gifted students of classical music. Working with faculty in a supportive Christian environment, students also form life-long friendships. Performance opportunities include orchestra concerts, concerto competition, honors recitals, solo, and chamber music.
masterworksfestival.org
Midwest Harp Festival
Wheaton, Ill.; June 9–15
Instructors: Maurice Draughn, Charles W. Lynch III, Elizabeth Richter, and Faye Seeman
Description: Includes several schedule options. Morning Only: Open to pedal/lever harpists ages 8 and up. Rehearsals every morning and a final concert on Saturday. Full-Time: Open to pedal/lever harpists ages 8 and up. Morning rehearsals, afternoon workshops, evening concerts, and a final concert on Saturday. Independent Study: Open to self-motivated harpists who receive 5 lessons with Elizabeth Richter. Solo Competition: All ages welcome!
MidwestHarpFestival.org
Mostly Modern Festival
Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; June 3–24
Instructor: Joseph Rebman
Description: The Mostly Modern Festival is a three-week orchestral and chamber music festival focused on music of the 20th and 21st century—lots of harp. Housed at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, students perform in orchestra, chamber, opera, and composition readings. Students receive three private lessons with harp faculty Joseph Rebman. The festival also features a concerto competition, professional development lectures, and masterclasses with guest artists.
mostlymodernfestival.org
MPulse Harp Institute
Ann Arbor, Mich.; July 21–27
Instructor: Joan Raeburn Holland
Description: The MPulse Harp Institute is a one-week program focusing on individual and group instruction for high school harpists. Specific topics of focus include solo repertoire, standard harp cadenzas, performance concentration and confidence, use of the inner ear and imagination for musical delivery, playing with relaxed, organized technique, and peer-to-peer observation. The week finishes with a recital of harp solos and ensemble.
smtd.umich.edu/engagement-outreach/youth-programs/mpulse
Nebraska Harp Workshop Retreat
Brownville, Neb.; July 20–27
Instructor: Julie Smith Phillips
Description: The Nebraska Harp Workshop, led by Julie Smith Phillips, principal harpist of the San Diego Symphony, is a one-week intensive including harp lessons, classes, and performance opportunities. All activities take place in the historic village of Brownville, where participants experience artist-led activities and the charm of this state-designated creative district. The workshop is geared for independent high school and college students, though others are encouraged to apply.
nebraskaharp.com
Oberlin Summer Harp Intensive
Oberlin, Ohio; July 28–August 3
Instructor: Diane Evans
Description: The Oberlin Summer Harp Intensive offers a week-long program featuring private lessons, masterclasses on your chosen solo and ensemble repertoire, and harp ensemble. Daily workshops will explore keys to efficient and effective practicing, technical problem-solving, embodiment of rhythm, ensemble playing skills that go beyond delivering the correct notes and rhythms, and creating stand-out interpretations. Family, friends, and locals will be invited to hear the final recital.
oberlin.edu/summer
Ohio Scottish Arts School
Berea, Ohio; June 22–28
Instructors: Wendy Stewart, Kelly Brzozowski, Tiffany Schaefer, and Jen Narkevicius
Description: OSAS is a week-long harp camp for ages 12 and older, on the Baldwin-Wallace University campus. The focuses are learning Scottish music on lever and wire harps and making new friends. Includes morning and afternoon classes on four levels, music and culture lectures, mixed instrument classes, and nightly sessions for adults, with activities for the teens. The week begins Saturday after the (optional) SHSA sanctioned Ohio Scottish Games harp competition and runs through Friday noon.
ohioscottishartsschool.com
Orford Music Academy
Orford, Que. (Canada); June 9–15
Instructor: Jennifer Swartz
Description: Orford Music is nestled in the heart of Mount Orford National Park. The summer music program takes place alongside an international festival, where students can perform and participate in the Orford Music Award (more than $20,000 in prizes).
www.orford.mu/en/Academy
Redwood Music Teen Camp
Aptos, Calif.; June 10–15
Instructor: Shelley Phillips
Description: Learn and perform the folk music of Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, and more, all in the redwoods along the Monterey Bay. Students practice and perform in instrument-specific groups, in small bands, and with the entire ensemble. For players of fiddle, flute, pennywhistle, recorder, clarinets, lever harp, autoharp, guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, accordion, keyboards, percussion, Irish tenor banjo, and cello. Other activities include movies, crafts, a talent show, and lots of jamming!
communitymusicschool.org/redwood-music-teen-camp4
Round Top Festival Institute
Round Top, Texas; June 2–July 14
Instructors: Paula Page
Description: The Round Top Festival Institute offers six weeks (no absence is permitted) of intensive training for talented young musicians (born before December 31, 2004) seeking a transition from conservatories and universities to a future professional career. Symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, chamber music, and solo repertoire are included in this concentrated six-week program.
festivalhill.org/#/summerinstitute
Sewanee Summer Music Festival
Sewanee, Tenn.; June 16–July 14
Instructor: Gaye LeBlanc
Description: Four-week comprehensive festival of orchestra, harp ensemble, lessons, and studio classes held on the campus of University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Program features two orchestras with different conductors for weekly concerts. Students also work daily with harp faculty Gaye LeBlanc for coachings and ensemble rehearsals. Other activities include various hiking trails, July 4th events, and campus fun.
ssmf.sewanee.edu
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Harp Camp
San Francisco, Calif.; July 17–21
Instructor: Jennifer R. Ellis
Description: Enrich your harp learning over the summer with SFCM’s Harp Camp for students ages 12–19. During this five-day program, each harpist performs solo, in a masterclass, and with the harp ensemble. Harpists receive daily instruction in topics such as harp ensemble, eurhythmics, harp history, arranging your favorite harp piece, improvisation, managing performance nerves, and more.
sfcm.edu/study/summer-sfcm/harp-camp
Somerset Folk Harp Festival Youth Harp Program
Parsippany Troy Hills, N.J.; July 18–21
Instructor: Dominique Dodge
Description: A program within the Somerset Folk Harp Festival for young people to make friends and play harp together all while having the opportunity to sample the variety of workshops only Somerset offers. Experience the world of harps and music, wander around our exhibit hall filled with hundreds of harps, get inspired by daily concerts with professional players. Lever and pedal harp players at all levels are welcome to work on both group and individual playing skills.
somersetharpfest.com
SummerKeys
Lubec, Maine; Aug. 12–16 and 19–23
Instructors: Rachel Clemente and Haley Hewitt
Description: SummerKeys is an adult music camp located at the easternmost tip of Maine. People of all abilities, from complete beginner to advanced, are welcome. There are no auditions and no requirements. Daily individual and group lessons, as well as ensemble work.
summerkeys.com
TCU Summer Harp Workshop
Fort Worth, Texas; July 8–10
Instructors: Kela Walton
Description: Three days of solo masterclasses and ensemble rehearsals as well as interactive and informative sessions about the harp. Summer Harp Workshop’s final presentation is open to friends and family at the conclusion of the workshop. The workshop accepts young harpists entering eighth grade and above, intermediate to advanced level. Overnight accommodations and recreation activities available on TCU’s campus.
finearts.tcu.edu/music/events-and-programs/summer-camps/tcu-harp-workshop/
Texas Music Festival
Houston, Texas; June 3–22
Instructor: Paula Page
Description: Texas Music Festival is an intensive three-week summer orchestral program for college-age and young professional musicians as they prepare for careers in music. Private lessons, orchestra repertoire class, chamber music, and three different orchestral programs are offered.
uh.edu
Vienna Harp Days
Vienna (Austria); July 13–18
Instructors: Veronika Lemishenko, Oscar Rodriguez Do Campo, and Elisabeth Plank
Description: A masterclass in the capital of music includes daily individual lessons, group sessions on specific subjects, concerts, and an on-site exhibition. This year features three professors and four special classes! Elisabeth Plank will be joined by Veronika Lemishenko (Glowing Harp, solo harpist of National Theatre, and National Symphony) and pedagogue Oscar Rodriguez Do Campo (University of Arts Buenos Aires, Nueva Escuela Argentina de Arpa).
viennaharpdays.com
WVU Summer Harp Academy
Morgantown, W.V.; June 3–7
Instructor: Brittany Blair
Description: This week-long harp camp features daily lessons, harp ensemble, masterclasses, ample practice time, performances, daily seminars (topics include wellness, efficient practice, performance anxiety, harp history/theory, musicianship, etc.), special guests, finale recital, and more!
music.wvu.edu/workshops-and-camps/summer-harp-camp
Young Artist’s Harp Seminar
Chestertown, Md.; July 6–20
Instructors: Mariko Anraku, Susan Bennett Brady, Angela Schwarzkopf, Mallory McHenry, Anastasia Pike, Kristi Shade, and Maryanne Meyer
Description: The YAHS program is for serious pedal harpists who want to improve performance skills and practice habits and intensify preparation for solo performances, orchestral auditions, and competitions. The YAHS Prep program is open to pedal or lever harpists who want similar training in a less intensive atmosphere. 2024 Guest Artist is Mariko Anraku. Located at Washington College, in charming Chestertown, Maryland, on the Eastern Shore.
harpseminar.com •
