Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much do I have to practice each day?
A: There is no requirement for the amount of time students must spend in private practice, however the faculty suggests three hours per day.

Q: I’m not sure if I’m at the right level to attend the seminar. How can I be sure I will fit in?
A: Most participants are serious harp students with a high level of commitment to practicing and improving their artistry on the instrument. Your present level is not as important as a positive attitude and commitment to learning. Show your private teacher the requirements for attending YAHS and discuss with her if the program seems right for you. If you are still unsure, we encourage you, your parents, or your private teacher to contact the faculty instructors directly for a one-on-one discussion about the program and your participation.

Q: What is a typical day like?
A: Mornings consist of theory class, private lessons, and private practice. Afternoons are spent in workshops on things like stage presence, performance, and harp ensemble rehearsal. After dinner there may be more harp ensemble rehearsal, another workshop, or a social event like movie night or a cookout. Students fit in their own private practice time around these activities. Every few days we will relax by taking afternoons off for a swim at the lake or to visit area recreational attractions and just have fun.

Q: Will I have a roommate?
A: Yes, you will share a room with one other person; two rooms are adjoined by a shared bathroom with multiple sinks.

Q: I can’t bring my harp—are there rental harps available?
A: Yes! We have rental instruments available for YAHS participants for an additional fee. Please indicate on your application if you require a rental harp. Since rental harps must be reserved several months in advance of the seminar, please apply early if you plan to rent a harp. Please understand that rental harps are limited and not guaranteed. Preference for rental harps will be given to students traveling by air.

Q: I can’t drive to Rabun Gap. Is there an airport shuttle?
A: Yes, we provide shuttle service for students flying to the Atlanta airport for an extra fee. The drive takes about two hours. The shuttle will run once at the beginning and once at the end of the seminar. Since our shuttle will be transporting several students, it is important that you discuss your flight plans with us well in advance so that we can coordinate a shuttle schedule that accommodates everybody. Please do not purchase airline tickets until you have been notified of your acceptance to the seminar and have discussed your travel plans with us.

Q: I would like to attend religious services while at the seminar. Is this possible?
A: Our busy schedule includes events every day, including Sundays. Most students forgo religious services while at the seminar. However, if attending service is very important to you, let us know in advance and we’ll try our best to accommodate you. Students will also be given the opportunity to participate in group-led bible study, based on the interests of the group.

Q: Will I perform a solo at a YAHS concert?
A: Students who arrive with polished solo material will have the opportunity to perform on one or more of our three public concerts. It is expected that each student will arrive with polished material. If, however, the faculty feels that a public performance is not in the best interest of the student, performance will be limited to group masterclass. Please read the solo preparation material carefully, and choose music that you are comfortable performing, regardless of difficulty level.

Q: What harp technique do instructors emphasize at YAHS?
A: YAHS instructors feel strongly that most harp techniques share more common principles than differences, therefore no one technique, such as “Salzedo” or “Grandjany” is emphasized over any other. The goal at YAHS is on performing to the best of one’s ability by working with whatever technical foundation a student brings with them to the seminar. We believe that there are many ways to play well, and that by observing the varied technical backgrounds of the students who attend YAHS, all students will become more knowledgeable harpists. Home teachers who would like a student to focus on a specific technical element should let YAHS faculty know so that we can best help them.

Q: Can you give examples of the kind of solo repertoire students play at YAHS?
A: All students are expected to arrive at the Young Artist’s Harp Seminar with two solo recital pieces ready to perform. Memorization is strongly encouraged, but not required. As you can see, the list of suggestions below represents a wide variety of skill levels reflecting the age range and experience of YAHS students. Discuss your options with your home teacher and choose music that you are very comfortable performing. Your comfort level is more important than the difficulty level of your music. Please keep in mind that we do not have accompanists available, so do not choose a performance piece that requires piano accompaniment (such as Debussy’s Danses), although you may bring those pieces with you for individual study.

Q: Can you give examples of the kind of orchestral excerpts students play at YAHS?
A: All students are expected to arrive at the Young Artist's Harp Seminar with two orchestral excerpts ready to perform and at least one excerpt in progress. You will play your excerpts during several group classes, as well as two "mock" auditions. As with solo repertoire, more experienced students usually arrive with more advanced excerpts, and less experienced students often come with simpler material. You should bring material you are comfortable performing, regardless of difficulty level. Many standard excerpts are very simple. Mock auditions are designed to evaluate how well you play the material you have chosen, regardless of difficulty level.

Students should choose from the standard orchestral repertoire and avoid excerpts taken from band or choral works. Discuss your options with your home teacher, and contact us if you need help choosing excerpts. If you don’t know where to begin, the following list includes some common choices at different levels. Many individual excerpts can be purchased at www.harp.com. We also recommend the book "Principal Harp," by Sarah Bullen. Although most of the excerpts in the book are difficult, it is an excellent resource and reference guide for everyone.
Here are some examples of orchestral excerpts students have performed previously at YAHS:

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