Young Artist’s Harp Seminar

Where harpists come to play!

Explore our programs

Applications are now live!

YAHS offers programs for harpists at various ages, levels, and stages of musical development. Join us in person in 2023 for another year at Washington College in historic Chestertown Maryland.

Announcing Guest Artist NANCY ALLEN

We are pleased to announce that Nancy Allen will return as the YAHS 2023 Guest Artist! Nancy holds esteemed positions as principal harp of the New York Philharmonic and harp instructor at Juilliard. Find out more about her here.

Applications are now live!

July 8–22, 2023

YAHS program

The two-week YAHS program is open to pedal harpists ages 12–26 by audition. This program is designed to be an intensive training program for serious harp students.

July 9–16, 2023

Prep program

The Prep program is a one week program for lever or pedal harpists ages 8–17. This program is less intensive than our core program and no audition is required.

In person June 25–July 9, 2022

YAHS program

The two-week YAHS program is open to pedal harpists ages 12–26 by audition. This program is designed to be an intensive training program for serious harp students.

In person June 26–July 3, 2022

Prep program

The Prep program is a one week program for lever or pedal harpists ages 8–17. This program is less intensive than our core program and no audition is required.

Interested in becoming a counselor at YAHS?

Our YAHS and Prep Divisions are looking for counselors to join us for our 2023 season! If you have any questions, please email us at info@harpseminar.com.

Who comes to YAHS?

YAHS students come from throughout the US and abroad. Most are very serious about the harp and want to meet others who share their passion. Many go on to careers in music or related fields, while others continue to keep the harp an important part of their life as they pursue careers outside music. The Prep program offers a less intensive experience for lever or pedal harpists who want to get to know the instrument.

faculty

YAHS and Prep faculty and visiting artists include some of the best performers and teachers from around the world. They include major competition winners, principal harpists at major orchestras, and  instructors at top conservatories and music schools.

What students say

Lydia

Lydia

“YAHS has prepared me to become a better harpist in so many ways, from mock orchestra auditions to hours of ensemble experience. Being surrounded with incredible peers, teachers, and guest artists for two weeks gave me the chance to better notice technique and learn to play with more confidence. The activities are always amazing, and it’s a great way to make life-long friends. Plus, Kenyon college is beautiful, and exciting!”

Lily

Lily

Siochi Scholarship recipient

“I loved going to YAHS because it was such a special experience being with so many amazing harpists. The faculty and musical opportunities are absolutely wonderful and I’m so grateful I went.”

Zoe

Zoe

“My favorite musical memory at YAHS was the masterclass with Nancy Allen. She has been one of the harpists I have looked up to since I began playing and it was an honor to play for her. With it being the first masterclass I have played at, I was very nervous but she was very helpful and full of ideas to help me bring out my abilities.”

Krista

Krista

“My favorite part of YAHS was the variety of performance opportunities. I enjoyed the numerous different types of performance experiences from masterclasses to audition preparation and everything in between. YAHS is perfect for developing essential performance skills as a harpist.”

Competition

Summer, 2024

Young Artist's Harp Competition

The Young Artist’s Harp Competition is held every two years and is open to harpists ages 8–17 of any nationality. Finalists are invited to compete in person for prizes up to $1,000.

Summer, 2024

Young Artist's Harp Competition

The Young Artist’s Harp Competition is held every two years and is open to harpists ages 8–17 of any nationality. Finalists are invited to compete in person for prizes up to $1,000.

Purchase the YAHS Cookbook!

Have you ever wanted to know what Judy Loman likes to cook in her spare time? Well now you can! The Young Artist’s Harp Seminar Cookbook is full of over 120 recipes from YAHS faculty, guest artists, alumni, and friends. From salads to cakes, discover what your favorite harpists are preparing in their kitchens!