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 Kenyon College, in Gambier, Ohio, 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. A coinciding Prep program is open to both lever and pedal harpists ages 8–17.

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.

YAHS founders Kimberly Rowe and Susan Bennett Brady 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 and Susan Bennett Brady

We are thrilled to announce that YAHS will be returning to Kenyon College, in Gambier, Ohio, for our 2026 season! Located about an hour northeast of Columbus, Kenyon’s picturesque campus, elevated dining hall, and state of the art music facilities provide the perfect backdrop for the YAHS experience.