The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) has appointed Katherine Siochi professor of harp, beginning in 2025. In a press release from SFCM, Siochi says she looks forward to joining its faculty. “It has always been a dream of mine to teach at a conservatory where I will have the opportunity to work with serious, dedicated students at the very highest level,” she says. “The mutual inspiration shared between teachers and students is one of the most fulfilling aspects of our careers.”
Siochi’s appointment came at the recommendation of Emmanuel Ceysson, Los Angeles Philharmonic principal harpist, who recently stepped down from teaching responsibilities at SFCM due to increased demand as a soloist. “Katherine is an amazing musician, and a great teacher,” Ceysson says. “It only felt very natural to warmly recommend Katherine to join the Conservatory harp studio. People could witness her talent at the public masterclass she gave the harp studio last year, and I can’t wait for her to start this new chapter in her life and for the San Francisco harpist community to meet her and go study with her.”
SFCM harp faculty member Jennifer Ellis also says she is looking forward to working with Siochi. “I am so excited to grow the SFCM harp program with Katherine,” Ellis says. “She is an exquisite player, thoughtful teacher, and fantastic colleague.”
Siochi was gold medalist of the 2016 USA International Harp Competition. After winning first prize in the American Harp Society (AHS) National Competition in 2015, she toured for two years as AHS Concert Artist. She holds her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in harp performance from The Juilliard School, where she studied with Nancy Allen.
Siochi is principal harpist of the San Francisco Symphony, a position she began in the 2023–2024 season. Siochi has previously held principal harp positions with the Minnesota Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, and Sarasota Orchestra. She has also appeared as a guest with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and New York Philharmonic. Additionally, Siochi gives private lessons, audition coachings, and masterclasses throughout the U.S. and online, including as a Harp Column Academy master teacher. She is the harp coach for the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra, and is on the faculty at Aspen Music Festival and School.
Check out our cover interview with Siochi in the September-October 2016 issue of Harp Column. To learn more, visit Siochi’s website.
