About the YAHS program

mission statement

Our mission:

To educate, inspire, and grow today’s harpists; to serve as an educational and mentoring resource for students, alumni, and the harp community; and to assume a leadership role in establishing new programs, teaching methods, opportunities, and performances for harpists.

Our story

Founded in 2002, the Young Artist’s Harp Seminar has quickly become one of the pre-eminent summer training programs for today’s young harpists. Located at Gerogetown Preparatory School in North Bethesda, MD,  YAHS is open to pedal harpists ages 12–26 who want to focus entirely on the harp without distraction. The program is designed to improve performance skills and practice habits and intensify preparation for solo performances, orchestral auditions, and competitions. Students are expected to spend a period of time each day in intensive practice. Other time is spent in guided practice, lessons, and masterclasses, along with recreational and social activities.

The Young Artist’s Harp Seminar has nurtured the talents of hundreds of young musicians. YAHS alumni have pursued careers in harp at top music schools and conservatories throughout the country and abroad, including Juilliard, the Curtis Institute of Music, the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Paris Conservatory, the Eastman School of Music, the Manhattan School of Music, Roosevelt College, Oberlin Conservatory, Temple University, Rice University, the University of Michigan, the University of Toronto, and the Peabody Institute, to name just a few. Other YAHS alumni have pursued careers outside of music but continue to keep the harp and music an important part of their life.

Our Founders

“We met as teens at an intensive summer orchestra camp in North Carolina. The musical opportunities, fabulous teachers and mentors, and talented peers drew us back year after year, and it was there that we began building a musical foundation that would carry us into our professional careers. YAHS was born out of a great friendship, similar work ethic, and desire to give today’s young harpists an experience of a lifetime modeled after the positive experiences we received as young musicians.”

—Kimberly Rowe (l.) and Susan Bennett Brady (r.)

Our faculty

YAHS and Prep faculty and guest artists include some of the best performers and teachers from around the world. Find out more about them here.

Kathryn Andrews

Kathryn Andrews

Lynne Aspnes

Lynne Aspnes

Susan Bennett Brady

Susan Bennett Brady

Abigail Kent

Abigail Kent

Emily Levin

Emily Levin

Judy Loman

Judy Loman

Mallory McHenry

Mallory McHenry

Anastasia Pike

Anastasia Pike

Angela Schwarzkopf

Angela Schwarzkopf

Kristi Shade

Kristi Shade

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Our location

Georgetown Preparatory School — North Bethesda, Maryland

All YAHS programs will take place in person at Georgetown Preparatory School in North Bethesda, MD. This charming suburb of Washington, DC with many beautiful surrounding parks, restaurants and attractions, and nearby the Potomac River. 

About the location

Georgetown Preparatory’s music facilities include state of the art performance spaces such as the state-of-the-art performing arts space, Figge Theatre and beautiful Renaissance Revival-style Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes, situated a short walk from residential quarters. YAHS and Prep Division students, faculty, and staff reside on campus in modern, air-conditioned dormitories, and meals are served in the central campus dining hall. Private lessons, private practice, and group classes and activities take place in communal dormitory spaces, private dorm rooms and suites, and other buildings throughout campus. Faculty instructors and harpist-counselors reside on site and provide direct supervision of students.

Although the focus at YAHS is on harp, regularly scheduled recreational activities provide a break from practicing and a chance to sample some of the area’s natural beauty. Activities vary yearly depending on interest and availability, but may include cook-outs, swimming, and activities at the Potomac River.

area lodging

Parents and friends wishing to attend YAHS pubic events will find a variety of lodging options in North Bethesda. There are various Airbnb choices in the Bethesda area. Some other options you may wish to check out are:

Bed & Breakfasts

The Oaks Bed & Breakfast Inn and Wellness/Retreat Studio

Distance: 6.3 miles (16 min drive)

Hotels

Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

Distance: 1.3 miles (6 min drive)

Hilton Garden Inn Bethesda Downtown

Distance: 4 miles (14 min drive)

 

Georgetown Preparatory’s music facilities include state of the art performance space, the Figge Theatre.