Convince them? You probably can’t. They will see your attitude as harp-centric and single-focused. After all, a talented student has teachers and coaches pulling them in all directions—sports camp, math camp, physics camp. Add in family vacations, and harp camp may move to the bottom of the list, particularly if playing the harp isn’t your student’s main interest.

However, by doing some research on different camps and preparing yourself with answers to their likely concerns, you may be able to lead them to consider harp camp for your student.

Doing your research before you have your conversation with the student or the parents is critical. When you can present two or three good alternatives, you make their decision much easier. Plus, you will be able to explain confidently why you think these programs would be a good fit for their child. And in the course of your research, you will get answers to the questions you have about some of the programs being offered.

When investigating summer camp options, look at ones that seem to match your student’s interest level and ability. You want her to be inspired but not overwhelmed. When you have identified half a dozen possibilities, it’s time to start making phone calls.

Call the program director or head teacher. Telephone is much better than email for this conversation. You will eliminate any ambiguity of wording in a quickly typed email, and you will establish a personal connection with the teacher.

Let the teacher know you want to recommend their camp to your student’s parents but that you want to be sure it will be a good fit. Talk as one colleague to another. Remember they are as interested in getting the students that fit their program best as you are in making sure their camp is a match for your student.

Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions. Voice your concerns. Explain your student’s needs. Ask about how the students spend their day and about the main focus of most of the students at the camp. Are they beginners or young professionals? Do they play the harp for fun or are they serious about becoming harpists? Will the students practice on their own most of the day or spend the day in ensemble?

Ask also about possible scholarships for camp fees or travel expenses. Some camps are able to offer this on a limited basis.

If you still aren’t sure about the program after your conversation with the director, you can also ask for the names of other teachers who have sent their students to the camp so you can get in touch with them directly.

When you have completed your calls, you should have two or three options to present to your student and her parents. Not only will you be able to tell them which programs you feel are best for their child, but you can assure them that you have personally researched them and spoken with the directors. You will find that carries a lot of weight with most parents.

At this point it should be easy for you to answer most of the questions parents will ask about the programs. What may be more challenging is countering the practical objections they may present.

Financial considerations are often key factors. Apart from scholarships offered by individual camps, there are grant opportunities from various organizations. For instance, the American Harp Society has a grant program specifically to help defray costs for students attending summer harp programs. Some camps may also be willing to offer discounts for siblings or friends who attend together.

For students who are gearing up for the college audition and admission process, a summer harp camp is a wonderful opportunity to get audition material prepared with few outside distractions. It is also an excellent way to study with teachers who teach at colleges and get their expert help and advice.

Another common concern of either parent or student is that harp camp will be too much work. The student practices hard during the school year while balancing a myriad of other obligations. They feel she deserves a break.

In my experience, even harpists who are reluctant students during the year find harp camp to be energizing, motivating, and fun. I have never had students ask me if they could stop working. It is much more likely that I have to pull them away from their harps at night. Being in a group of others who share your interest in music and the harp is a wonderful reward for practicing on your own all year and powerful inspiration to take your playing to the next level.

When all the opinions and questions have been aired, however, the focus must be on your student’s main need—in her and her parents’ opinion, not yours. You can’t push your student or her parents to a decision, although you can give them your best advice and try to show them the way you think is best. You can and should lead them; whether or not they follow is their choice. •