Aponi Brunson is a graduate of the American Youth Harp Ensemble and of University of Mary Washington with degrees in both harp performance and music education.

At Mary Washington, Ms. Brunson studied with Jeanne Chalifoux. Ms. Brunson has extensive teaching experience and has served as the Assistant Artistic Director of the American Youth Harp Ensemble and the Managing Director of the HARPS Foundation.

She has provided leadership for the AYHE Outreach Programs including Sound Experiences, a harp centered music education program for underserved youth, Harp Therapy Outreach programs in the hospitals and serving youth with disabilities.

Since 2007 she has served as Assistant Artistic Director of the American Youth Harp Ensemble and directs both the Lyra and Troubadour Ensembles. As a harpist, Ms. Brunson performs regularly with orchestra, chamber music ensembles and choirs. Equally at home performing classical and jazz, Ms. Brunson brings a wealth of experience and versatility to her teaching.

Ms. Brunson was recognized by Chesterfield County as the winner of the 2018 Outstanding Adult for Extraordinary Service to Youth Award.

She has performed in venues such as World Harp Congress, Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, the White House, the Paris Music Festival, the Edinburgh Festival, and in Milan and Rome, Italy.