Apply to YAHS
YAHS Application info
Before beginning the application process, please read the program information where you will find details about fees, scholarship opportunties, and what to expect at YAHS.
Apply to YAHS
JULy 8–July 22, 2023
You are applying to the two-week YAHS program for pedal harpists ages 12–26. To apply to the one-week Prep program, visit this page.
How to apply
To apply to YAHS, first create an account on the Harp Seminar website, then submit the following materials no later than March 15, 2023:
- Application form. Students should complete this application yourself, answering the questions in your own words.
- Audition recording samples (two contrasting solos) and scholarship application.
- Teacher Recommendation (see tabs above)
- $85 non-refundable application fee ($100 for students residing outside of the U.S. and Canada) submitted online through Paypal. (You will be directed to the payment portal after submitting your application, or click the link to the left.) Note: The application fee will be refunded only if a student is not accepted to the Young Artist’s Harp Seminar.
Your application is not complete until we have received all the materials above, however these materials do not need to be submitted at the same time. We encourage you to submit the application and application fee as soon as possible to help with our planning. Applications received after March 15 may be considered on a space-available basis. Ask your teacher to visit this website and submit the Teacher Recommendation Form by March 15. Your application will not be complete until we receive your teacher recommendation. Please include one primary email where we can send important information about the seminar; most communication will be sent via e-mail.
Enrollment is limited: students will be accepted largely on the basis of teacher recommendation, references, accomplishments, and level of commitment. Talent and potential will also be considered. An audition recording (two contrasting solos) demonstrating your current level of playing is required of all new applicants and scholarship applicants (even if you have attended in the past). Recordings must be submitted as MP3 files with your application. Do not send CDs in the mail or video links.
Upon acceptance, students will have access to the Student Information Center, which provides comprehensive details about what to bring to the seminar and how to prepare. Do not purchase airline tickets until you have been notified of your acceptance to the seminar. Most communication with students, including acceptance letters, will be done via e-mail, so please be sure to include accurate e-mail addresses that you check regularly on your application form.
Audition Requirements
Guidelines for submitting your YAHS audition recording
Audition recordings are required of:
- Applicants who have never attended YAHS:
- Any applicant applying for a scholarship, including former students:
Submit the following materials:
New students: two contrasting solos.
YAHS Scholarship: two contrasting pieces, one orchestra excerpt, one etude, one video essay
Siochi Scholarship: two contrasting pieces, one orchestra excerpt, one etude, one video essay, financial statement
Audition recordings are not required of:
- applicants who have previously attended YAHS (unless you are applying for a scholarship)
- college harp majors or others who have demonstrated advanced-level achievements (unless you are applying for a scholarship)
It is necessary for us to listen to an audition recording from new prospective YAHS students to insure a minimum standard among seminar attendees. Returning students who are applying for a scholarship must also submit an audition recording and a teacher recommendation. Choose two contrasting solos that you are comfortable performing and that demonstrate your current level of ability. Choose music from the standard solo classical harp repertoire (i.e., no pop or jazz). There is no length requirement for the pieces on your audition recording. Optional orchestra excerpts and etudes may also be submitted. (Note: orchestra excerpt and etude are required of scholarship applicants.)
Audition recordings must be submitted as audio MP3 files; no video recordings please. Use the Materials Upload Form (see tabs above) to upload your files, one file per piece. Do not email files. Record in a quiet setting free from any distracting noise that would prevent us from fully appreciating your performance. You should use the best equipment possible, but it is not necessary to submit a professionally produced recording; home recording equipment is adequate if you feel it gives a good representation of your performance.
Audition recordings may be waived by special permission, such as demonstration of advanced-level musical achievements. It is also possible to schedule a live audition with a faculty instructor. Contact us to inquire. College students majoring in harp and returning students are not required to send an audition recording unless they are applying for a scholarship.
Note that ensemble placements are made based on your current level of playing. Returning students have the option of sending a recording to demonstrate changes in level from year to year.