(Editor’s note: this article appeared in our January-February 2013 issue. We update it every two years, so look for another installment in January-February 2015. To have your program included, look for an information submission form on this site in fall, 2014.) 

—by Nadia Botkin

Summer may seem distant now, but it’s not too early to start planning for it! For most harpists, it’s a perfect season to get together with other harp lovers from around the nation (or even the world) and just focus on the harp. We hope that our fourth—and biggest-ever!—summer camp listing will help you weigh the many options out there, from season-long orchestra festivals to weekend retreats. We’ve brought together as many programs as we could gather information on, but this is just a starting-point—use the contact info provided to find out more about the programs that interest you.

Note: for a comparison chart including age range, location, cost, and other information about each program, please download the issue PDF. Costs include tuition, room, and board unless otherwise noted. Some are approximate and/or subject to change, and there may be additional fees associated with participation. Check for early application discounts and, if you live locally, tuition-only commuter prices. If you would like to apply for financial aid to attend a program, be aware that the deadline for that may be earlier than the final registration deadline listed here.

ABRSM Summer Harp Academy Madison, Ind.; July 15–19 Instructors: Carol McClure, Sarah MacDonald, Sally Duran, Abigail Crouch, Amy Shafer, Roseanna Shafer, Alison Warford, Wes Ramsay Focuses on meeting international standards of excellence; includes personal coaching, supervised practice, master classes, topical seminars, harp ensemble, harp orchestra, technique and musicianship games, afternoon recreation, and evening recitals. www.harpschool.org

Arizona/Utah Harp Experience Salt Lake City, Utah; June 24–28 Instructors: Dr. Carrol McLaughlin, Dr. Cathy Clayton, teaching assistants A course focusing on motivation and personal development, from solidifying technique and overcoming self-doubt to learning to improvise and play jazz; includes daily master classes, lessons, buddy practices, and special workshops on publicity, designing bios, getting gigs, and more. www.azharpexperience.com

Aspen Music Festival and School Aspen, Colo.; June 19–Aug. 18 Instructors: Nancy Allen, Deborah Hoffman An orchestral and operatic summer music festival, offering intensive one-on-one instruction and performance experience; students play alongside professionals and accompany world-renowned musicians in orchestra, opera, and chamber music concerts. www.aspenmusicfestival.com

Berklee Summer Performance Program Berklee College of Music, Boston, Mass.; July 6–Aug. 9 Instructor: Felice Pomeranz The five-week program immerses students in all aspects of performance in many musical styles: classical, jazz, pop/rock, funk/fusion or R&B; includes ensembles, improvisation and reading skills, technique development, theory/harmony/musicianship classes, concerts, and clinics by faculty and visiting artists. www.berklee.edu/summer

Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp Twin Lake, Mich.; Two-week sessions from June 27–Aug. 18 Instructor: TBA A traditional summer camp environment—rustic, shared cabins; students receive five hours of daily instruction, focusing on private lessons, harp ensemble, performance skills, music theory, harp history, and intensive practice; harps are provided. www.bluelake.org

Bob Jones University Harp Camp Greenville, S.C.; July 14–19 Instructors: Emily Waggoner and teaching assistants BJU is a liberal arts Christian university; camp activities include workshops, chamber group rehearsals, meals, recreation, personal Bible study, and performances. www.bju.edu/events/youth/summer-camps

Boston University Tanglewood Institute Lenox, Mass.; June 30–Aug. 10 Instructors: Ann Hobson Pilot, Franziska Huhn BUTI’s Young Artists Harp Program includes weekly lessons focusing on technique, interpretation, performance practices, and orchestral excerpts; also includes chamber music, harp ensemble, music theory classes, competition/audition preparation, and master classes by guest artists; harpists rotate between orchestra and wind ensemble. www.bu.edu/tanglewood

Bowdoin International Music Festival Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine; June 22–Aug. 3 Instructor: June Han Students receive two chamber music coachings per week, private lessons, weekend masterclasses, numerous performance opportunities, and the opportunity for repertoire development. www.bowdoinfestival.org

Brevard Music Center Brevard, N.C.; June 21–Aug. 4 Instructor: Ina Zdorovetchi A summer community for musicians located in the western North Carolina mountains; features extensive ensemble opportunities, weekly private lessons, masterclasses, concerto competition, and public performances with renowned conductors. www.brevardmusic.org

CAMMAC Summer Program Lake MacDonald, Quebec, Canada; July 14–21 Instructor: Sharlene Wallace The intensive harp program is part of a summer music program that also includes choir and chamber music; includes opportunities to sing and meet other musicians. www.cammac.ca

Canadian International Summer Harp Institute Vancouver, B.C., Canada; July 28–Aug. 11 (tentative) Instructors: Gianetta Baril, Elizabeth Volpé Bligh, Cristina Braga, Judy Loman Focuses on classical technique and musicianship; includes private lessons, ensembles, workshops, body awareness/stretch classes, student/faculty recitals, and group dinners/outings; students encouraged to gather to read and prepare music outside formal classes. www.facebook.com/CanadianInternationalSummerHarpInstitute,gianetta@forloveofharp.comevolpebligh@gmail.com

Central Coast Harp Workshop Morro Bay area, Calif.; Aug. 2–4 Instructor: Marcia Dickstein Offers solo, multiple-harp, and mixed ensemble playing experience; sessions include new repertoire, interpretation, coaching of individual performers and ensembles, and special lecture on Dickstein’s practice regimen “Harp WarmUps.” www.debussytrio.com, click “Harp Workshops”

Connecticut Valley Harp Intensive Simsbury, Conn.; July 20–27 Instructors: Susan Knapp Thomas, Franziska Huhn, Rachel Miller Students choose ensemble, solo, orchestral, or combined track to follow. All students participate in a theory/technique/exercise-based warm-up each morning. Features guest artists, workshops, and master classes on various harp-related subjects. www.ctharp.com

Crane Youth Music State University of New York, Potsdam; June 30–July 13 Instructor: Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis All harpists perform in two orchestra/wind ensemble concerts as a section; daily master classes (covering practicing strategies, mental preparation, physical relaxation, etc.), orchestra sectionals and rehearsals, harp ensemble, and other performance opportunities. www.potsdam.edu/academics/Crane/cym/index.cfm

Creative Harp Collective International Tobermory, Ontario, Canada; July 16–20 Instructors: Kerstin Allvin, Anita Leshied, Dr. James Hartway, Michael Grace, guest artist/lecturer TBA Designed to equip participants to use the harp as a creative medium; includes performance opportunities and classes in solo performance, awareness, harp therapy, improvisation, rhythm, yoga, NIA dance, and meditation techniques. www.kerstinallvin.com

Eastern Music Festival Greensboro, N.C.; June 22–July 27 Instructor: Anna Kate Mackle An intensive orchestral training program focusing on pre-professional preparation; harp students rotate between two student orchestras and often perform with the Festival faculty orchestra as well. www.easternmusicfestival.org

Four Strings Academy Boston, Mass.; dates TBD (July-Aug.) Instructor: Amanda Romano A three-week-long day camp (Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm) offering daily lessons, solfege and theory classes, orchestra, chamber music, and harp ensemble; a gala performance closes the festival. www.fourstringsacademy.com

GMG Harp Forum Burlington, N.J.; June 16–21 Instructors: Gloria Galante, Kathy DeAngelo Focuses on repertoire development, fellowship, and bridging the gap between the classical and Celtic world. www.gloriagalante.com

HarpArts Adult Music Retreat Helen, Ga.; July 2–9 Instructors: Lynne Aspnes, John Wickey, guest artists A retreat for adult harpists, focusing on individual musical skills, performing with others, and reflecting on the role music plays in daily life; enrollment limited to allow individual focus. www.harparts.org

The Harp Gathering Sauder Heritage Inn, Archbold, Ohio; May 16–19 Instructors: Maeve Gilchrist, Timothy Harper, Kim Robertson, TAPESTRY (Denise and Michael Grupp-Verbon), Frank Voltz, Sharlene Wallace Many workshops to choose from, Grand Prize Harp Give-away, stress-free atmosphere and camaraderie, complimentary ticket to the historic Sauder Village, vendor hall. www.harpgathering.com

Harp Journeys Youth Festival Lewisville, Tex.; dates TBA Instructors: Kimberly DeRosa and DFW-area teachers A four-day journey exploring musical styles and the rich history of the harp; includes ensemble, masterclasses, workshops on weddings, performance, and rhythm, and final concert. www.harpjourneys.com

Harp Masters International Harp Academy Muenchenbuchsee/Bern, Switzerland; July 17–26 (Future group—beginner to intermediate), July 23-Aug. 3 (Pro group—advanced to young professional) Instructors: Milda Agazarian and Skaila Kanga (Pro), Karen Vaughan and Irina Zingg (Future); Park Stickney, Mara Galassi, Isabelle Perrin An intensive summer program designed to connect leading masters and young artists from around the world; includes master classes with professors-in residence, guest artist recitals and master classes, private lessons, and performance opportunities; auditors welcome. www.harpmasters.com

Harp Week Toledo, Ohio; June 17–20 Instructors: Nancy Lendrim, Denise Grupp-Verbon Four afternoons, Monday through Thursday; activities include ensemble rehearsals, daily snack, theory, and practical application workshops, ending in 16th Anniversary American Harp Society Day concert. harpist@sbcglobal.net (Denise Grupp-Verbon)

High Cascades Harp Retreat Sisters, Ore.; June 14–16 Instructors: Kim Robertson, Laura Zaerr, Rebecca Hilary Smith Brings harpists of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities together to “speak harp” in a rustic woodland setting; features small group size, sessions tailored to participants, gourmet meals, and on-site massage therapist. www.laurazaerr.com

Hot Springs Music Festival Hot Springs National Park, Ark.; June 2–15 Instructor: Deborah Fleisher Pairs world-class mentor musicians with talented pre-professional apprentices, all of whom receive full scholarship plus housing; the two groups play side by side in orchestral, chamber, solo, and vocal repertoire (20+ concerts and 250 open rehearsals). www.hotmusic.org

Houston Baptist University Harp Festival Houston, Tex.; July 21–27 Instructors: Kimberly Snaufer DeRosa, Therese Honey Seeks to expose young harpists to a broad range of musical styles, practical knowledge (maintenance and handling gigs), and harp history while cultivating friendships; includes private lessons, master classes, and composition class. www.harpevents.net

Idyllwild Arts Young Harpists’ Workshop Idyllwild, Calif.; July 14–23 Instructor: Allison Allport Activities include harp ensemble, chamber music coachings, and private lessons with an emphasis on ensemble skills and musicality; some students will participate in daily symphony orchestra/band rehearsals and coaching. www.idyllwildarts.org

Illinois Summer Harp Class University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; June 6–8 Instructor: Ann Yeung Intensive program offering master classes, private lessons, harp ensemble, recitals, workshops, and a participants’ recital; includes world premiere of a commissioned harp ensemble work by Julia Kay Jamieson of the HarpCore 4. music.illinois.edu/public-engagement-programs/summer-harp-class

Interlochen Arts Camp Interlochen, Mich.; June 22–Aug. 5 (high school); June 22–July 13 and July 14–Aug. 5 (intermediate) Instructors: Joan Raeburn Holland, Sylvia Norris, Rachel Brandwein Offers intermediate and high school programs focusing on serious individual study and ensemble training; private lessons, daily harp ensemble, studio classes for performance practice and discussion, orchestra and wind ensemble, performance opportunities. www.interlochen.org

International Harp Academy of the Pacific Powell River, British Columbia, Canada; June 17–June 28 Instructor: Rita Costanzi Designed to give participants space and time in a scenic environment to focus on a personal/professional goal (e.g. learning a new concerto or recital program); mornings free for private practice; daily afternoon master classes, concerts, and classes on art history, literature, philosophy, pedagogy, and chamber works/orchestral excerpts. www.powellriveracademy.org/harp

International Harp Summer School Hertfordshire, England, UK; July 29–Aug. 2 Instructor: Danielle Perrett Addresses many aspects of technique and performance; includes Pilates sessions, informal collaboration with concurrent advanced courses on violin, viola, and oboe, and faculty concert. www.benslowmusic.org

International Music Festival/Course Vitoria-Gasteiz Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Aug. 16–26 Instructor: Gabriella Dall’Olio Aimed at young graduate and conservatory-level students; includes daily lessons, orchestral classes, chamber music opportunities, daily faculty/student recitals, and performance practice with feedback and follow-up; located in northern Spain in a region offering a wide variety of cultural and culinary experiences (museums, restaurants, festivals, etc.). www.vitoriamusic.com

Island Mountain Arts International Harp School Wells, B.C., Canada; Aug. 12–16 Instructors: Sunita Staneslow, Sharlene Wallace, Alys Howe Focuses on many aspects of Celtic and folk repertoire. www.imarts.com

Magic Hill Summer Harp Camp Magic Hill, Wash.; July 19–21 Celtic harp and hammered dulcimer. www.magicalstrings.com

MasterWorks Festival Grace College, Winona Lake, Ind.; June 16–July 14 Instructor: Heaven Fan An intensive festival for advanced music, dance, and theater students; combines artistic excellence with integration of the Christian faith; private lessons, chamber music coaching, orchestral performances, concerto competition, and performing opportunities. www.masterworksfestival.org

Midwest Harp Festival Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Okla.; July 21–27 Instructors: Mary Bircher, Jan Jennings, Elizabeth Richter, Faye Seeman An international festival for harpists of all ages and levels; includes ensemble playing, College and Career Bound program, workshops, solo competition, private lessons with clinicians, icebreaker dinner, concerts, and closing banquet; Peter Wiley on-site to service harps and conduct a “myth-buster” workshop. www.midwestharpfestival.org

MPulse Harp Institute University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; July 14–27 Instructor: Joan Holland Focused on individual instruction for high school harpists; includes individual practice, private lessons, studio classes, daily harp ensemble, instruction in performance concentration and productive practice techniques, and the opportunity to prepare for college auditions. www.music.umich.edu/mpulse

MusicAlp Tignes, France; July 20–Aug. 22 (three sessions) Instructors: Marie-Pierre Langlamet, Isabelle Perrin, Jana Bouskova Students receive an average of five lessons, and have access to faculty concerts, lectures, and chamber music training; held at a resort well known for recreational activities. www.festivalmusicalp.com

New Orleans Jazz & Pop Harp Weekend University of New Orleans, La.; June 6–9 Instructors: Deborah Henson Conant, Patrice Fisher, Catherine Anderson, Kimberly Houser, David Anderson, David Easley, Carlos Valladares Provides instruction in improvisation, arranging, lead sheets/chords, composition, jazz history, blues, listening, and reaching goals; includes daily jam sessions, jazz listening trip to the New Orleans French Quarter, and faculty concert; aims to teach participants to be versatile, opening up new opportunities for themselves. www.neworleansjazzharp.com

Ohio Scottish Arts School Oberlin, Ohio; June 22–28 Instructors: Corinna Hewat, Abbie Palmer, Ann and Charlie Heymann, Sue Richards A school for harpers, pipers, drummers, and dancers in the Scottish music tradition. Begins with optional harp competition at the Ohio Scottish Games; harpers meet for daily classes on repertoire and style, and may study singing and Gaelic language; evening activities; wire harp option (including finishing and stringing your own). www.ohioscottishartsschool.com

Philadelphia International Music Festival Bryn Mawr College, Pa.; June 22–July 5 Instructor: Maryanne Meyer Festival offers immersion in classical music with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra; includes private lessons, daily orchestra rehearsals, daily music education courses, optional daily chamber music rehearsals, solo performance and competition opportunities, daily private practice time, faculty recitals and master classes. www.philadelphiamusicfestival.org

The Practical Harpist Eastman School of Music, Rochester, N.Y.; July 7–12 Instructor: Kathleen Bride Institute includes daily theory and aural skills class, harp ensemble rehearsal, and Dalcroze class, as well as classes on preparing for college auditions, stage presence, and performance preparation, optional private lessons, master class, and closing recital. www.esm.rochester.edu/summer

Rocky Mountain Springs Harp Program Steamboat Springs, Colo.; June 23–July 14 Instructors: Grace Bauson, Catherine Barrett Includes two private lessons per week and classes in technique, harmony, harp ensemble, chamber music, orchestral playing, organizational habits, and performance; interdisciplinary classes, outdoor activities, morning warm-ups, and staff physical therapist; exploration of the area’s recreational and cultural opportunities. www.rmsharp.org

Round Top Festival Institute Round Top, Tex.; June 2–July 14 Instructor: Paula Page Offers intensive training for young musicians seeking a transition from conservatories/universities to professional careers; all students receive full tuition scholarships; includes symphony and chamber orchestras, chamber music, and solo repertoire; private lessons, master classes, daily orchestra rehearsals, weekly concerts. www.festivalhill.org

Ruth Faber Harp Courses Somerset, England, U.K.; Aug. 6–10 (Teenage), Aug. 15–18 (Junior) Instructors: Ruth Faber and two other tutors (to be confirmed) Teenage course—solo repertoire classes and workshops on improvisation, pop harp, and jazz, practice room for each student, harp maintenance workshop by William Hornby, leisure activities, celebrity recital, and student concert. Junior course—workshops, ensemble playing, celebrity recital, and leisure activities (swimming, team games, and crafts). www.harpcourses.co.uk

San Francisco Early Music Medieval & Renaissance Workshop Sonoma State University, Calif.; June 23–29 Instructor: Cheryl Ann Fulton Harpists spend the week studying and working with Dr. Fulton on technique and early music repertory; also features classes on many early music instruments and topics (recorder, viol, lute, crumhorn, Renaissance flute, etc.); evening events include playing sessions, lectures, concerts, and theater project performance. www.sfems.org/med12.shtml

Saratoga Harp Colony Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; Aug. 4–18 Instructors: Elizabeth Hainen, Maria Luisa Rayan-Forero, Nancy Lendrim An intensive program of private lessons, masterclasses, ensembles, weekly recitals, and orchestral training for gifted harpists; the Colony shares a home in the Adirondacks with The Philadelphia Orchestra, allowing extensive interaction with orchestra members. www.saratogaharpcolony.org

Sewanee Summer Music Festival Sewanee, Tenn.; June 22–July 21 Instructor: Marian Shaffer Combines a month-long program for advanced music students and a professional concert series; program includes two orchestras, chamber music program, world-renowned guest conductors, daily coaching, mentoring, private lessons, and master classes on the large mountaintop campus of The University of the South. www.sewaneemusicfestival.org

Summer Harp Academy at Lake Junaluska Lake Junaluska, N.C.; June 23–30 Instructors: Elzbieta Szmyt, Jan Jennings, Catherine Anderson Focuses on versatility for harpists; features classes and workshops on technical skills, classical and pop literature, memorization, practicing, harp maintenance, orchestral auditions, marketing, contracts, and arranging, as well as solo and ensemble performance opportunities; private lessons also available. Week culminates in a public concert. www.summerharpacademy.org

Summer Harp Institutes Frederick, Md.; July 15–19 Richmond, Va.; July 22–26, July 29–Aug. 2, Aug. 5–9, Aug. 1–3 (Adult Institute) Europe; July 29–Aug. 18 Instructors: Lynnelle Ediger, Alexander Kordzaia, Bridgett Stuckey, Aponi Brunson, Grace Bauson, Meghan Gomen, guest artists Five weeks of intensive harp study, tailored to different levels and designed to build musical artistry and provide camaraderie; includes group and individual activities and practice time; most young students are housed with local host families, usually harp families. The European Institute & Tour, for advanced harpists, begins with intensive preparation in Richmond, then reconvenes in Mariazell, Austria, situated next to a lake in the Alps; it features further musical opportunities, world-class performance venues, and cultural exploration. www.harpensemble.org

Summerkeys Adult Music Camp Lubec, Maine; Aug. 19–30 Instructor: Sue Richards Held in a tiny fishing town at the far east end of the Maine coast. Students have a daily private lesson, ensemble class, and practice time; the rest of the day is free to explore and hike; limited to five students per week; emphasis on Celtic music. www.summerkeys.com

TCU Summer Harp Workshop Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Tex.; June 19–20 Instructors: Laura Logan, guest artists 2Tone (Cindy Horstman and Michael Medina) Solo masterclasses and harp ensemble rehearsals culminating in Festival Recital performance; clinic with harp and bass duo 2Tone; workshop participants will learn and present a new jazz harp ensemble arrangement by Cindy Horstman. www.music.tcu.edu/smi.asp

Texas Music Festival Houston, Tex.; May 31–June 29 Instructor: Paula Page Intensive orchestra training program offering full-tuition fellowships for all participants (and room and board for out-of-town students); four major orchestral performances, weekly private lessons, masterclasses and forums with guest artists, Young Artist Competition, and chamber music coaching. www.tmf.uh.edu

UNCSA Harp Workshop University of North Carolina, Winston-Salem; July 7–26 Instructor: Jacquelyn Bartlett Emphasizes technique, musicianship, communication skills, practice techniques, and performance practices; includes private lessons, harp ensemble, chamber music, masterclasses, special music topics, individual practice, performance opportunities, and faculty recitals; students placed in ensembles according to skill level. www.uncsa.edu/summersession

University of Redlands Summer Harp Camp Redlands, Calif.; July 22–27 Instructors: Lynne Aspnes, Kathy Bundock Moore, Mary Dropkin, Kevin Holsinger (lever only), other clinicians TBA Features “Green Room Experience” with Lynne Aspnes for those anticipating careers in music (workshops on researching school options and applications/auditions, orchestral excerpt study and mock audition, masterclass); also includes workshops for lever harp players and/or adult students, music therapy and free-lancing, music theory/rhythm; Steve Moss on-site to regulate harps. www.redlands.edu/academics/school-of-music/harp-camp

Young Artist’s Harp Seminar Rabun Gap, Ga.; June 29–July 13 Instructors: Kimberly Rowe, Susan Bennett Brady, guest artist Judy Loman Held in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and designed to give students an opportunity to completely focus on harp; includes music theory classes, private lessons, harp ensemble, workshops (e.g. orchestra excerpts, stage presence, performance techniques), performance opportunities, social; and recreational activities. www.harpseminar.com