Learn more about these summer programs and get updates in the ongoing Summer Harp Camp Directory.
Download this issue for a comparison chart of all the programs listed here.
Althofen Masterclasses
Althofen, Carinthia (Austria)
Instructor: Elisabeth Plank
Description: The program offers an opportunity for music students from around the world to refine their skills through intensive exchange with internationally renowned artists and instructors from European music universities. Harp instruction is provided by Elisabeth Plank, a soloist and pedagogue at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
A case for camp
A teacher, parent, and former camper on the merits of a summer harp experience
by Erin Wood
American Harp Academy
Winston Salem, N.C.
Instructors: Jacquelyn Bartlett, Elizabeth Hainen, Grace Ludtke
Description: The American Harp Academy offers a one-week intensive focused on solo and chamber music study. The program includes opportunities for students to engage with accomplished performers and educators in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Elizabeth Hainen of the Philadelphia Orchestra will be the 2025 Guest Teaching Artist.
uncsa.edu/summer/music-summer-intensives/harp
American Harp Institute
Marlboro, Vt.
Instructor: Yolanda Kondonassis
Description: The 2025 Summer Session at the American Harp Institute includes private lessons with Yolanda Kondonassis, along with seminars and masterclasses. The program focuses on practice techniques, performance strategies, audition preparation, body care, and musical development. The setting is designed to foster study, practice, and creative exchange.
American Youth Harp Ensemble Summer Institutes
Frederick, Md.
Instructors: Lynnelle Ediger, Claire Jones, Trey Nunnally, Chris Marshall, Alison Read, Gloria Galante, Alexander Kordzaia, and more TBA
Description: Since 1996, the AYHE Summer Harp Institutes have provided training for young harpists from the U.S. and abroad. The Institutes offer multiple sessions in Maryland and Virginia, featuring private lessons with distinguished faculty, ensemble experiences, musicianship classes, individual practice time, workshops, masterclasses, performance opportunities, and social activities. Tracks are available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced harpists.
An Chúirt Chruitireachta
Louth (Ireland)
Instructors: Gráinne Hambly, Máire Nà Chathasaigh, Anne-Marie O’Farrell, Cormac de Barra, Deirdre Granville, Deirdre Nà Bhuachalla, Úna Nà Fhlannagáin
Description: An Chúirt Chruitireachta offers a week of workshops, sessions, and concerts for harpers of all levels. The festival emphasizes Irish traditional music, providing opportunities to learn about Irish music, song, dance, and harp performance.
Berklee College of Music Summer Programs
Boston, Mass.
Instructors: Felice Pomeranz, César Secundino
Description: Berklee offers a variety of programs including the 1-week Global String Program, the 5-week Aspire intensive performance program, and the summer semester. The programs cover improvisation, technique, styles, grooves, and composition, with performance opportunities and recording facilities available. Scholarships are offered. Online courses are also available.
Berklee Valencia Campus Summer Program
Valencia (Spain)
Instructor: Eléonore Niubo
Description: This 2-week program is designed to improve musicianship and performance skills. Students will gain a deeper understanding of instrumental, harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic techniques, as well as recording, production, and live performance skills. Faculty from both the Valencia and Boston campuses lead the program.
valencia.berklee.edu/academics/summer-programs
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
Twin Lake, Mich.
Instructors: Molly O’Roark, Kathryn Sloat, Erin Wood, Heaven Fan
Description: Blue Lake offers intensive harp study for all levels, with daily classes that include private lessons, ensemble work, music theory, history, and individual practice time. Orchestral opportunities are also available. The program concludes with a recital. Merit and financial need scholarships are offered. Pedal harps are provided.
Boston University Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Harp Program
Lenox, Mass.
Instructor: Franziska Huhn
Description: The Boston University Tanglewood Institute provides training for young musicians in association with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The program offers exposure to high artistic standards and includes opportunities for performance and learning in an inspiring environment.
Bowdoin International Music Festival
Brunswick, Maine
Instructor: Dr. June Han
Description: The Bowdoin International Music Festival offers an intensive program for chamber and solo music study. Harpists study with June Han, and the program includes performance and masterclass opportunities, along with a focus on musical excellence. Participants may attend for three or six weeks.
Brevard Summer Institute and Festival
Brevard, N.C.
Instructors: Valerie Muzzolini, Grace Roepke, Gillian Sella
Description: Brevard provides a summer community for young musicians aged 14-29, offering opportunities for performance in orchestral, chamber, and operatic repertoire. The program includes 80 public concerts during its seven-week festival.
CAMMAC Music Centre
Harrington, Que. (Canada)
Instructor: TBA
Description: The Celtic Harp Intensive at CAMMAC is a week-long program focused on developing technical, interpretative, and performance skills for harpists. Classes are offered for all skill levels, and class size is limited to ensure personalized instruction.
Canada’s NAC Orchestra Mentorship Program
Ottawa, Ont. (Canada)
Instructors: NAC Orchestra musicians, Music Director, and special guests
Description: The NAC Orchestra Mentorship Program offers emerging and early-career musicians an opportunity to work with members of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra. Participants engage in rehearsals and performances of contemporary and classic symphonic works. Travel subsidies, honorarium, lodging, and per diem are provided.
nac-cna.ca/en/orchestra/naco-mentorship-program
Cannon Music Camp
Boone, N.C.
Instructor: Amber Joy Koeppen
Description: Cannon Music Camp offers students music theory instruction, classes in conducting and composition, weekly lessons and masterclasses, and multiple ensemble performances (band, orchestra, choir, jazz, and small groups). It is open to current eighth graders through graduating high school seniors and is available to both vocalists and instrumentalists (woodwinds, brass, strings, percussion, piano, harp, guitar).
Cap Ferret Music Festival
Cap Ferret (France)
Instructor: Lisa Tannebaum
Description: The Cap Ferret Music Festival includes daily private lessons, masterclasses, and seminars with harpist Lisa Tannebaum. The festival also offers concerts by the ocean and brings together musicians from around the world.
Colorado Harp Seminar
Fort Collins, Colo.
Instructor: Kathryn Harms
Description: The Colorado Harp Seminar is a one-week intensive harp program for high school and undergraduate pedal harpists. The program includes private lessons, harp ensemble, masterclasses, and seminars on musician wellness. The seminar culminates in a showcase concert.
music.colostate.edu/colorado-harp-seminar
Crane Youth Music
Potsdam, N.Y.
Instructor: Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis
Description: Crane Youth Music is a one-week program for all instruments that includes orchestra and ensemble performances. Harpists participate in masterclasses, orchestra sectionals, rehearsals, and harp ensemble, with additional opportunities for solo recitals and chamber music performances.
potsdam.edu/academics/crane-school-music/camps-community-programs/crane-youth-musicD
Dorian Summer Music Camp
Decorah, Iowa
Instructor: Amy Nam
Description: The Dorian Summer Music Camps at Luther College are held each year for approximately 750 student musicians. The week-long camp offers opportunities for students to study with Luther professors, perform in large ensembles, and participate in workshops and classes. Students can also take art, dance, and theatre classes in addition to their music studies. Social activities, outings, and recitals are included in the schedule.
luther.edu/music/festivals-camps/dorian-summer-camps
Dorset Harp Colony
Dorset, Vt.
Instructor: Alix Raspé Gray
Description: The Dorset Harp Colony (DHC) provides an intensive, non-competitive musical experience for harpists ages 13 and over. Founded in 2024, the program is focused on education, inspiration, and mentorship. Housing and meals are included, and payment plans are available. Fellowship opportunities are offered.
Eastern Music Festival
Greensboro, N.C.
Instructor: Anna Kate Mackle
Description: Eastern Music Festival (EMF) is an educational program for young artists ages 14-23, offering instruction in orchestral studies and various music disciplines. The festival provides opportunities for advanced musical training in a professional setting.
Elyrica Summer Harp Ensemble Program
Ridgefield, Conn.
Instructors: Wendy Kerner (Director), Carrianne Dillon (Assistant), Alexandra Kovatch (Conductor), guest artists and teachers
Description: Elyrica offers an intensive, non-competitive program for harpists of all ages and levels, focusing on ensemble playing. Participants receive music ahead of time, engage in coached sessions, and perform in a final concert. Workshops, guest performers, and social events are part of the program.
Harp Journeys Festival for Adults
Dallas, Texas
Instructors: Kimberly Snaufer DeRosa and guests
Description: The Harp Journeys Festival for Adults (18+) offers workshops, lectures, masterclasses, and performances. Additional online opportunities are available throughout the year.
Harp Quest Summer Live
Centre County, Penn.
Instructors: Anne Sullivan, Candace Lark Masucci
Description: Harp Quest Summer Live combines a recreational camp atmosphere with intense harp study. The program focuses on technique, musicianship, and performance while encouraging collaboration and creativity.
Harpisphere
Houston, Texas
Instructors: Emily Klein, Joan Raeburn Holland, Paula Page, Allegra Lilly
Description: Harpisphere is a summer workshop for harpists ages 13-18, featuring daily masterclasses, harp ensemble, and career development lectures. Students receive individual coaching from faculty members.
emilykleinharp.com/harpisphere
HarpMasters Academy
Cuneo (Italy)
Instructors: Milda Agazarian, Irina Zingg, Mara Galassi, Luisa Prandina, Ieuan Jones, Anneleen Lenaerts, Susanna Bertuccioli
Description: The HarpMasters Academy is an international summer program for harpists, offering instruction from renowned masters in a supportive environment. The academy provides a space for professional and student harpists to exchange ideas and learn from one another.
Houston Summer Harp Festival
Houston, Texas
Instructors: Kimberly Snaufer DeRosa, Therese Honey, Susanna Wang, Hope Cowan
Description: The Houston Summer Harp Festival welcomes lever and pedal harp students ages 11-19 for a week of study focused on ensemble playing, technique, and music history. The program includes masterclasses, lessons, and a final concert.
InterHarmony International Music Festival
Piedmont, Aless. (Italy)
Instructor: Calista Anne Koch
Description: The InterHarmony International Music Festival offers solo and chamber music instruction for harp, as well as opportunities for orchestral performance. Participants can attend masterclasses, receive private lessons, and perform in solo and chamber settings.
Interlochen Arts Camp
Interlochen, Mich.
Instructors: Joan Raeburn Holland, Sylvia Norris
Description: The harp program at Interlochen includes solo, small group, and large ensemble rehearsals for students grades 6–12. Students receive instruction on advanced techniques and practice methods, as well as opportunities to perform.
interlochen.org/music/camp-programs
International Harp Academy of Argentina
Santa Fe (Argentina)
Instructors: Keziah Thomas, Emmanuel Padilla HolguÃn, Anabel Gutiérrez, Edmundo Camacho, Marcela Mendez
Description: The International Harp Academy of Argentina offers a customized harp program where students focus on personal musical goals. Participants engage with harpists from around the world. The 2025 session includes a special homage to Nicanor Zabaleta.
Lizotte Academia
Laurel, Que. (Canada)
Instructor: Caroline Lizotte
Description: Lizotte Academia focuses on the works of Caroline Lizotte, offering a specialized experience in a natural setting. Participants will study the techniques and accessories associated with her compositions.
Lutheran Summer Music
Valparaiso, Ind.
Instructor: Amy Nam
Description: Lutheran Summer Music is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students, with a fellowship program for college students and recent graduates. Students participate in large ensembles, chamber music, private lessons, and electives. College students can apply for the LSM Fellow program, which provides tuition, room, and board in exchange for teaching experience.
MasterWorks Festival
Lynchburg, Va.
Instructor: Dr. Heaven Fan
Description: MasterWorks Festival provides musical and spiritual development for students of classical music. The program offers opportunities for orchestra concerts, solo and chamber performances, and participation in a concerto competition.
Midwest Harp Festival
Wheaton, Ill.
Instructors: Maurice Draughn, Dr. Charles W. Lynch III, Elizabeth Richter, Faye Seeman
Description: The 26th Annual Midwest Harp Festival features a 5-day format with a 20-minute coaching, ensemble rehearsals, and four concerts, including a Faculty and Guest Artist Concert. Open to pedal/lever harpists ages 8 and up, the festival also offers Independent Study with Elizabeth Richter and a Solo Competition for all ages.
Mostly Modern Festival
Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Instructor: Joseph Rebman
Description: The Mostly Modern Festival is a three-week program focused on 20th and 21st-century orchestral and chamber music. Students participate in orchestra and chamber performances, receive private lessons, and take part in professional development lectures and masterclasses.
MPulse Harp Institute
Ann Arbor, Mich.
Instructor: Joan Raeburn Holland
Description: The MPulse Harp Institute is a one-week program for high school harpists, focusing on solo repertoire, performance techniques, and musical delivery. The program includes individual and group instruction, culminating in a recital.
smtd.umich.edu/engagement-outreach/youth-programs/mpulse/harp-institute
Nebraska Harp Retreat
Brownville, Neb.
Instructor: Julie Smith Phillips
Description: The Nebraska Harp Retreat offers intensive harp lessons, classes, and performance opportunities for high school students and adults. The retreat takes place in the historic village of Brownville, Nebraska, and includes artist-led activities.
Oberlin Summer Harp Intensive
Oberlin, Ohio
Instructor: Diane Evans
Description: The Oberlin Summer Harp Intensive is a week-long program featuring private lessons, masterclasses on solo and ensemble repertoire, and harp ensemble. Daily workshops focus on efficient practicing, problem-solving, rhythm, ensemble playing, and interpretation. A final recital will be held, open to family, friends, and the public.
Redwood Music Teen Camp
Aptos, Calif.
Instructor: Shelley Phillips
Description: Redwood Music Teen Camp offers a program where students learn and perform the folk music of Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, and other regions. Participants practice and perform in instrument-specific groups, small bands, and as part of the full ensemble. The camp is open to players of various instruments, including fiddle, flute, pennywhistle, recorder, clarinets, lever harp, guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, accordion, and percussion. Additional activities include movies, crafts, a talent show, and jamming.
communitymusicschool.org/redwood-music-teen-camp
Round Top Festival Institute
Round Top, Texas
Instructor: Paula Page
Description: The Round Top Festival Institute offers a six-week program designed for young musicians (born before December 31, 2004) seeking to transition from conservatories and universities to professional careers. The program includes symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, chamber music, and solo repertoire, with a focus on intensive training.
festivalhill.org/summerinstitute
Sewanee Summer Music Festival
Sewanee, Tenn.
Instructor: Gaye LeBlanc
Description: The Sewanee Summer Music Festival is a four-week program featuring orchestra, harp ensemble, lessons, and studio classes. The program includes two orchestras, each with different conductors, and weekly concerts. Students also receive daily coaching and ensemble rehearsals with faculty harpist Gaye LeBlanc. Additional activities include hiking, July 4th events, and social gatherings.
SFCM Harp Immersive
San Francisco, Calif.
Instructor: Jennifer R. Ellis
Description: SFCM’s Harp Immersive is a five-day program for students aged 12-19, featuring solo performance, masterclasses, and harp ensemble. Instruction includes topics such as harp ensemble, eurhythmics, harp history, arranging, and improvisation. Both lever and pedal harps are available. Students can attend as day campers or stay overnight in the dorms.
sfcm.edu/study/summer-sfcm/harp-immersive
Shetland Harp Retreat
Shetland Islands (U.K.)
Instructor: Sunita Staneslow
Description: The Shetland Harp Retreat includes workshops, private lessons, group lessons, and masterclasses, with a focus on musicality and arranging. Daily sessions feature music inspired by the sea and sky, as well as individualized instruction. The retreat also includes a concert in a Viking longhouse and opportunities for collaboration with local musicians. The program is limited to six participants.
hamars.uk/shetland-harp-retreat
Somerset Folk Harp Festival Youth Harp Program
Princeton, N.J.
Instructors: TBA
Description: The Somerset Folk Harp Festival Youth Harp Program offers a supportive environment for young harpists to play together and explore a variety of workshops. Participants can explore the world of harps and music, visit the Exhibit Hall, and attend daily concerts. The program is open to both lever and pedal harp players of all levels, with opportunities for individual and group instruction.
SummerKeys
Lubec, Maine
Instructor: Rachel Clemente
Description: SummerKeys is an adult music camp open to all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced. The program includes individual and group lessons, as well as ensemble work. There are no auditions or requirements for participation.
TCU Summer Harp Workshop
Fort Worth, Texas
Instructor: Kela Walton
Description: The TCU Summer Harp Workshop is a three-day program that includes solo masterclasses, ensemble rehearsals, and informative sessions on various topics related to the harp. The workshop culminates in a final presentation for friends and family. It is open to young harpists entering 8th grade and above, with an intermediate to advanced skill level. Overnight accommodations and recreational activities are available on the TCU campus.
finearts.tcu.edu/music/events-and-programs/summer-camps/tcu-harp-workshop
Texas Music Festival
Houston, Texas
Instructor: Paula Page
Description: The Texas Music Festival is a three-week orchestral program designed for college-age and young professional musicians. The program includes private lessons, orchestra repertoire classes, chamber music, and orchestral programs conducted by world-class conductors.
Tuscany Harp Retreat
Tuscany (Italy)
Instructor: Sunita Staneslow
Description: The Tuscany Harp Retreat includes harp workshops, private lessons, and concerts. Participants will explore the countryside and engage in activities such as truffle hunting, wine and cheese pairing, and viewing frescos. The retreat is based in the Tuscan village of Montisi.
hamars.uk/tuscany-harp-experience
Vienna Harp Days
Vienna (Austria)
Instructors: Christine Icart, Elisabeth Plank
Description: Vienna Harp Days 2025 offers individual lessons, group sessions, and concerts in Vienna, Austria. The program will feature internationally renowned harpists Elisabeth Plank and Christine Icart, with a focus on a range of harp techniques and performance skills.
WVU Summer Harp Academy
Morgantown, W.V.
Instructor: Brittany Blair
Description: The WVU Summer Harp Academy offers daily lessons, harp ensemble, masterclasses, practice time, seminars (covering topics such as wellness, efficient practice, performance anxiety, harp history, and musicianship), and special guest performances. The program concludes with a final recital.
music.wvu.edu/workshops-and-camps/summer-harp-camp
Young Artist’s Harp Seminar
Chestertown, Md.
Instructors: Katie Andrews, Susan Bennett Brady, Emily Levin, Mallory McHenry, Anastasia Pike, Angela Schwarzkopf, Kristi Shade, Maryanne Meyer
Description: The Young Artist’s Harp Seminar (YAHS) is designed for serious pedal harpists seeking to improve performance skills and preparation for solo performances, orchestral auditions, and competitions. The YAHS Prep program offers similar training in a less intensive atmosphere and is open to both pedal and lever harpists. The seminar takes place at Washington College in Chestertown, Md.
harpseminar.com •
A case for camp
A teacher, parent, and former camper on the merits of a summer harp experience
—by Erin Wood
Parents: Why you should send your harpist to camp.
With the temperatures dropping and the daylight hours waning, what better time to start thinking about next summer and planning for fun times ahead? There are myriads of options to keep kids engaged in learning as well as having fun over the summer. Harp camps give students opportunities that they do not typically have during the school year, and going to summer camp can be a life-changing experience. Most harpists are one of very few in their area and probably have limited opportunities to interact with other harpists. When I attended Interlochen Arts Camp during the summer of my junior year, it was the first time I was surrounded by peers who shared my passion. It was so inspiring and motivating. The dramatic progress I made in my abilities and the opportunity to study with different teachers was something that could only happen at summer camp.
Teachers: How to help your students find the right camp.
It is so exciting to see our students progress and grow. I always encourage my students to consider attending a music camp, because I know they will learn so much by studying with someone else and will come back feeling inspired and ready to work! I usually send an email to families with suggestions of summer camps that are in our region. Harp Column’s Summer Camp Directory is an amazing resource to find camps for every level and age. You can sort by location, level, length of camp, age, time of year, etc. Another great option is to encourage them to attend the American Harp Society Conference or Institute, especially if you are attending yourself. I attended my first American Harp Society event in 1996 with my teacher and have brought my own students to AHS events whenever they are close to my area. What a wonderful way to bond with your student and nerd out over harps!
Students: How to get the most out of your camp experience.
The first step is to be involved in selecting a camp. Every camp has its own niche, and the best fit will depend on your priorities. Do you want to play with orchestra and/or harp ensemble, or focus on solo repertoire where your camp experience may have more masterclasses and private lessons? What kind of leisure activities are you interested in? Are you ready to sleep away from home or do you want something close that you can attend during the day? Are you already thinking about attending college? Check to see if the universities near you offer a music/harp camp. That is a great way to have a campus visit and a great musical experience. Once you have selected your camp, be sure to prepare any audition materials so that you are ready. Sometimes they will want you to bring things you are working on, or they may have you start totally new repertoire. Be sure to check if you are expected to bring a harp. Some camps provide harps and some will have you rent one or bring your own. Do not forget to bring a tuning key, tuner (some camps don’t let you have a phone so you might need that old fashioned tuner!), nail clippers, and any music you might want to study. Once at camp you might be playing more than you ever have up to this point. I recommend getting a solid practice routine before camp and also bringing anything you may need for blister care! Then you will not feel exhausted and overwhelmed by playing for multiple hours a day. Be prepared for someone to be better than you at camp. That is the whole point! Now is your chance to learn from each other and be inspired by lots of other harpists. Don’t compare yourself to others. They are on a different journey and you are on your own amazing journey with the harp, and this camp will be a special part of your path with the harp!
