American Harp Academy
American Harp Academy
UNCSA will host the American Harp Academy taught by world-class performers and dedicated teachers, led by Jacquelyn Bartlett and Grace Ludtke (AHA Artist Faculty) with Guest Artist Elisabeth Remy Johnson (Atlanta Symphony/The Merian Ensemble) June 21 through 25*, 2027.
The American Harp Academy (AHA) believes in “Nurturing the Artist within the Harpist” and offers a harp program to inspire and guide you to artistic freedom. The AHA is for harpists that want to be immersed in their music, surrounded by a community of artists that nurture creativity and artistic excellence. Harpists participate in intensive study with world-class performers and dedicated teachers, in this 1-week program that is designed to prepare harpists for competitions, auditions, recitals, repertoire expansion, and other artistic ambitions. Join us this summer to focus on your goals in a nurturing and supportive environment and meet and hear peer harpists from around the world.
All skill levels welcome, ages 12* to adult.
Important Notes: *Students must be at least 14 years old by June 21, 2027 or a rising 9th grader to qualify for on-campus housing. Instruction concludes after the final concert the evening of Friday, June 25. Residential students must check out of their residence hall no later than 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 26.
Requirements
- Two prepared, memorized harp solos
- One new solo that is in the process of learning
Daily Schedule (Sample)
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| Individual Practice Time Available | 8 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. |
| Masterclass | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
| Lunch | 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. |
| Individual Practice Time Available | 1 - 2:30 p.m. |
| Seminar/Workshop | 2:45 - 4:15 pm. |
| Chamber Ensemble Rehearsal | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. |
| Dinner | 5:30 p.m. |
| Individual Practice Time Available | 6:30 p.m. to curfew |
Students are expected to practice in the morning, afternoon, and evening to achieve a total of two to four hours of daily practice. Students will have access to private practice rooms to store their harp and equipment during the week.
Students are expected to bring their own harp, bench, harp cart, extra strings, and tuning supplies to camp. Students traveling to AHA by plane who require a rental harp, contact Jacquelyn Bartlett (bartlettj@uncsa.edu) to discuss available options. Rental harps are limited and not guaranteed. Arrangements must be made well in advance of camp to ensure availability.