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Harp at Arts Academy


Why Study Harp at Interlochen

Those drawn to the harp have a natural regard and love for its resonance and uniqueness. A harpist has dexterity, strength of mind and body, and pluckiness—many disciplines are at work. At Interlochen, you'll plumb the depths of this complex and rewarding instrument and have the support of an environment rich in all the arts. Challenge yourself to reach your highest potential and learn why the harp is considered a source of inspiration.

What You'll Learn

At our boarding school for harp, you'll find the space you need to develop and perform as a musician in a supportive artistic and scholastic environment.

Through individual private lessons and classes, you'll receive tailor-made instruction to help you hone and develop your skills. Studio classes will help you experiment with new approaches and receive feedback from fellow harpists. Our excellent faculty will guide you through essential materials and show you how to achieve the discipline you need to be at the top of your game. This is a place to create shared artistic experiences and pursue your future goals in music.

How to Apply

Audition Requirements

Meet the Faculty

Joan Raeburn Holland

Nelson Family Harp Chair

All Faculty

Guest Artists

  • Lynne Aspnes, University of Michigan
  • The Atlantic Harp Duo
  • Yolanda Kondonassis, Instructor of Harp, Oberlin Conservatory of Music and Cleveland Institute of Music
  • The Salzedo Harp Duo
  • Ann Yeung, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana

Program Highlights

Performance Opportunities

As a harp student, you will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of ensembles. See our Explore Ensembles section below.

Concerto Competition

Each year, Interlochen Arts Academy hosts a concerto competition that is open to all music students. Winners will perform their concerto with the Arts Academy Orchestra during one of the spring concerts.

Radio Performances

Arts Academy music students are frequently invited to appear on Interlochen Public Radio's In Studio A segment. The segment consists of a brief interview and a solo performance. In Studio A is heard by thousands of listeners in northern Michigan and around the world.

The Music Center

Our state-of-the-art 60,000 square-foot music facility has two 3,500 square-foot rehearsal halls, two recording studios—which allow for rehearsal and performance recordings in multiple venues on campus—multiple ensemble and practice rooms, and individual faculty teaching studios. Learn more about The Music Center.

Explore Ensembles

Chamber

Assembled at the faculty's discretion, chamber music ensembles are offered as electives in the Music division. Each ensemble is coached by one of the Arts Academy's acclaimed instrumental faculty.

LEARN MORE

Orchestra

A recipient of the American Prize, the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra performs an advanced repertoire that includes symphonies, concerti, contemporary works, and original compositions.

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Wind Symphony

The American Prize-winning Interlochen Arts Academy Wind Symphony presents a diverse and challenging repertoire in regular live, prerecorded, and public radio performances.

LEARN MORE

A girl plays the harp

I have enjoyed every moment here and I am continuously in awe of my harp teacher, Joan Holland. She has pushed me beyond my comfort zone so that I can see more of my potential. I am really looking forward to what is yet to come this year—I can already tell that it is going to be a very memorable year, full of wonderful opportunities and lifelong friendships.

Naomi, Music

College Matriculation

Recent Interlochen Arts Academy Music Division students have continued their education at the following institutions and beyond.

  • Berklee College of Music
  • Boston Conservatory at Berklee
  • California Institute of the Arts
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Cleveland Institute of Music
  • Indiana University
  • The Juilliard School
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Manhattan School of Music
  • New England Conservatory
  • New York University
  • Northwestern University
  • Oberlin College and Conservatory
  • Rice University
  • San Francisco Conservatory of Music
  • University of Miami
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Rochester
  • University of Southern California
  • Vanderbilt University