Siochi Scholarship
Siochi Scholarship
Dreaming of YAHS or PREP but worried about the cost? Each year, we help students take that step by awarding several partial (work study) scholarships, as well as the full YAHS Siochi Scholarship to an exceptional student.
The full Siochi Scholarship will be awarded to one outstanding student who demonstrates both a serious musical commitment and significant financial need. This scholarship provides complete coverage to attend the full YAHS program and includes: tuition, harp and bench rental. The student awarded this scholarship will only need to pay the application fee, their own transportation to the program, and for additional activities they would like to participate in. The Siochi Scholarship is not a work study scholarship.”
“Watching our daughter Katherine blossom and mature (in her years she participated) in/at YAHS as a young harpist, gave us (Ann and Alf) the idea to create a full annual scholarship for students who can have the same opportunity to participate in such a high quality immersive summer program”
—Ann Siochi (left) with Katherine Siochi
Meet two of our Siochi Scholarship recipients, Maria Paula Loria and Lily Primus.
MARIA PAULA LORIA
Years attended: 2019, 2020, 2022
Siochi recipient: 2020
Where are they now: Principal Harp with Las Vegas Philharmonic; pursing DMA in Harp Performance at University of Nevada Las Vegas with Louise Vickerman
Maria Paula’s Advice for Students Applying for Scholarships at YAHS:
Plan out when, where, and how you’re going to record your audition, and make sure to give yourself plenty of time. That way, you can take as many tries or days as you need without feeling rushed or stressed about sending something you’re not happy with. No one’s perfect — there might be some mistakes here and there, and that’s totally okay! What’s more important is showing your best qualities as a musician, like your phrasing, expression, and musicality. Sometimes that’s way more meaningful than fixing every tiny slip. Pick pieces that you really love and that show off what you can do, both technically and musically. When you enjoy what you’re playing, it really shines through. Most of all, be yourself and try to have fun with it! Recording auditions can definitely feel stressful and even frustrating sometimes, but they’re a big part of being a musician. Take it as a chance to learn more about yourself, your playing, and what works best for you.
How YAHS changed my life!
I first heard about YAHS and the Siochi Scholarship from my teacher, Susan Bennett Brady, while attending the Schwob School of Music for my undergraduate studies. I attended YAHS in 2019, 2020, and 2022. The first time I participated, I was 20 years old and had the opportunity to be a PREP counselor, which allowed me to attend YAHS for free.
There were so many reasons I wanted to return to YAHS — it truly is an amazing experience. I learned so much from the outstanding faculty and guest artists. Coming from Costa Rica, I had never been around so many student and professional harpists in one place. I made wonderful friends I still keep in touch with and had the opportunity to perform both solo and harp ensemble repertoire. I also learned so much from the other talented students who attended each year.
One of my favorite harp memories was performing in the Final Solo Recital. During my first year, I played Salzedo’s Fantasy on Lara’s Granada, which was such a fun experience. Another year, I was selected to perform the Salzedo Variations in the Final Recital. I had struggled a lot with that piece and with performance confidence, but during my two weeks at YAHS, I felt so much more assured thanks to the incredible teachers. It ended up being one of my best performances of that piece.
I spent one summer at Kenyon College, where YAHS will be returning this year. I especially loved the group recreational activities — riding bikes, kayaking, and making s’mores. I have so many fun memories from YAHS, especially from my time as a counselor in 2022. It was so enjoyable getting to know students of all ages. Preparing everything with the other counselors and anticipating the students’ arrival was exciting, knowing how life-changing their experience would be. We had fun decorating, planning games, and getting organized. We laughed constantly and became lifelong friends. Some of the people I met there remain close friends today, and YAHS even helped strengthen a friendship I already had — we’re now very close and talk often.
My time at YAHS had a profound impact on my development as a harpist. It helped me feel confident in my decision to pursue harp as a career and guided me toward healthier practice habits, incorporating wellness and mental preparation. I also gained insight into audition preparation. Recording auditions can be challenging, but I learned that careful planning makes a big difference.
Since being at YAHS, I have completed my Master’s degree at the University of Miami and begun my DMA in Nevada. I’ve participated in several recording projects with popular artists, twice won Most Outstanding Instrumentalist for Harp in the Sphinx Organization’s Orchestral Partners Audition Competition, and most recently won the Las Vegas Philharmonic’s Principal Harp audition, where I am now enjoying my first season with a professional orchestra. Outside of the Philharmonic, I enjoy all kinds of gigs, working out, and practicing yoga. I also love training my dog, hiking, and reading!
LILY PRIMUS
Years attended: 2017, 2018
Siochi recipient: 2018
Where are they now: Pursuing MM in Harp Performance at Rice University with Allegra Lilly and Paula Page
Lily’s Advice for Students Applying for Scholarships at YAHS
For anyone considering applying to YAHS or for scholarships like the Siochi, my advice is simple: you’ve got this. Put in the effort, make recordings that you’re proud of, and trust in the process. If you do, I can promise that an unforgettable, life-changing summer awaits you at YAHS.
How YAHS changed my life!
I first heard about the Young Artists Harp Seminar (YAHS) from my friend Vivian Tang, who couldn’t stop talking about how incredible it was. She told me about the inspiring teachers, the friendships she made, and how much she grew as a musician. Her enthusiasm was contagious — she encouraged me to apply, and I’m so glad she did.
I attended YAHS in 2017 and 2018, when I was just 15 and 16 years old, and those two summers completely changed my life. In 2018, I was honored to receive the first‑ever Siochi Scholarship. I still remember finding out I’d been chosen — I was over the moon. The scholarship made it possible for me to return for another summer without financial stress, which meant so much to my family and me.
For my audition recording that year, I performed the Tzigane cadenza. It took many takes (and plenty of patience), but I learned a lot through the process — how to listen carefully, push myself past frustration, and take pride in progress rather than perfection.
My first summer at YAHS was already unforgettable — full of music, friendship, and inspiration — but my second summer became even more special. That year, I won the YAHS Concerto Competition and had the chance to perform Debussy’s Danses with Emily Levin, Katherine Siochi, and Angela Schwartzkopf — harpists I had admired for years. Sharing the stage with them was surreal and remains one of my dearest memories.
But what I remember most about YAHS isn’t just the music — it’s the people. The days were filled with laughter, creativity, and support. Skit night was always a highlight: a night of pure fun and community spirit. Many of those friendships have lasted far beyond the summers. Sophie Kim, one of the friends I met at YAHS, has since become my classmate at Rice University, where we’ve studied together for the past six years!
YAHS gave me clarity about my dreams. Being surrounded by so many dedicated young harpists and learning from such inspiring faculty helped me realize I wanted to be a professional musician. It gave me the focus, motivation, and belief that pursuing music was truly possible.
Since my YAHS days, I’ve earned my Bachelor of Music from Rice University (’24) and am now completing my Master’s in Harp Performance. I’ve attended festivals like Aspen, Spoleto USA, and Round Top, and performed with ensembles including the Houston Symphony and the New World Symphony.
One of my favorite YAHS memories is the final concert at Kenyon College (where YAHS will return in 2026!). More than 40 harps filled the stage, and the sound was breathtaking — it gave me goosebumps.
To anyone thinking about applying to YAHS or for the Siochi Scholarship: go for it. Put your heart into it, trust your growth, and embrace the experience. YAHS didn’t just make me a better musician — it gave me lifelong friends, confidence, and memories I’ll treasure forever.
Apply for the Siochi Scholarship through the form on the YAHS application page.