Honoring Faculty Impact: The Nelson Family Harp Chair Endowment

Bill and Linda Nelson always hoped their daughters would find careers that allowed them to pursue their passions, but when their daughter Carly began her Junior year as a member of Joan Holland’s harp studio at Interlochen Arts Academy, they were unsure whether classical music was a viable path. Joan was encouraging, exacting, and clear. The Nelsons credit Joan’s superb teaching with Carly’s success as a professional musician.

“Interlochen was a transformative experience for our daughter,” Bill said. “She went from someone who could play the harp, to someone who thought she could make a living as a harpist. Had she not gone to Interlochen, and had she not studied with Joan Holland, she wouldn’t be a professional harpist today. I can’t think of anything more beautiful than the sound of a harp.”

Bill and Linda wanted to ensure the next generation of musicians like Carly could have life-changing experiences at Interlochen, regardless of financial circumstance. They created the Nelson Family Harp Chair Endowment to ensure world-class instruction continues to inspire the next generation of harpists. And, they support annual Camp and Academy scholarships for harpists providing these young artists with access to the excellence of Interlochen.

Interlochen was a transformative experience for our daughter. Had she not studied with Joan Holland, she wouldn’t be a professional harpist today.

Bill Nelson