Maryland Summer Harp Institute 2025
In its 29 year history, the GreenSpring Summer Harp Institutes have provided training to hundreds of talented harpists from across the United States and around the globe. From the novice to the advanced student, harpists focus on individual goals and musicianship classes in a supportive and inspiring musical environment. In addition, they receive one-on-one lessons with our distinguished faculty. Special seminar topics and fun social activities keep students engaged while also piquing their musical interests. We know students are thrilled with our course offerings as 90% of our students have returned year after year!
2025 DATES
Maryland Summer Harp Institute
June 23rd - 27th, 2025
Frederick, Maryland
The Ultimate Summer Harp Experience!
Summer is the perfect time to be inspired by world-class faculty, grow as a harpist and concentrate on your artistic development! Our Summer Harp Institute includes two tracks: intermediate (open to all) and advanced (audition only).
The Maryland Summer Harp Institute Includes:
Four private harp lessons affording you ample opportunity to work with each one of our world-class faculty!
Your choice of academic electives- Music History, Composition and Arranging, Music Theory and Aural Skills, Arts Management, and more
30 Minutes to Transformation guided practice
Your choice of workshops- Audition and Competition Panel, Wellness for Musicians, World Music and Rhythm Workshop, The Orchestral Harpist, Career Seminar, Practice Like a Pro!, Introduction to Improvisation, Conducting, Yoga and Stretching for Harpists, and more!
Ensemble and performance opportunities
Harps available for use at in-person Institutes
Fun social activities, and more!
Optional Concert Tour - June 28 and 29, Inquire for details!
*The above is a Full Day Schedule, the Half Day option includes the private lesson, 30 Minutes to Transformation and workshops
Harpists may also attend Richmond Summer Harp Institute, Richmond Conservatory Preparatory Program, and Richmond Summer Chamber Music!
2025 Guest Artist
Claire Jones - Former Royal Harpist
Born in Pembrokeshire, Wales in 1985, Claire began her musical education at the age of seven. After excelling at the violin, piano and harp, she graduated as a harpist from the Royal College of Music with First Class Honours in 2007 and in 2009 graduated as an M.A. scholar from the Royal Academy of Music. Claire Jones was one of the first recipients of the Prince of Wales Advanced Study Awards in 2007 and 2008. This award recognised her as one of Wales' most outstanding young talents. In 2007, Claire was appointed Official Harpist to His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, a role she held until 2011, making her the longest serving Royal harpist to date. During this appointment, Claire regularly performed for the Royal Family and their distinguished guests at the Royal Palaces. In April 2011 she performed for the newly married Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at their wedding reception in Buckingham Palace. In 2008, Claire made her concerto debut with the Philharmonia Orchestra, and since then has gone on to perform as a soloist with some of the World's leading orchestras. Claire is passionate about promoting her instrument as well as performing, and regularly visits schools and communities to speak and demonstrate and is the director of the International Harp School based in Wales. This year will be the third year of the partnership between Summer Harp Institutes based in Richmond, VA with the International Harp School in Wales.
Past guest artists include:
Jacquelyn Bartlett, Grace Cloutier, Mindy Cutcher, Grainne Hambly, Abigail Kent,
Joan Raeburn Holland, Janet Witman, and many more!
Location
The Maryland Summer Harp Institute is located in beautiful Frederick, Maryland. Spend your summer exploring the historic downtown, escaping to the peaceful GreenSpring farm, and making new friends!
Tuition & Application
Full Day - $1,050
Half Day - $525
Optional Concert Tour - $175
Room & Board (optional) - $450
Scholarships considered upon request.
An advance deposit of $200 will be collected upon registration in order to reserve your place.
Application Fee - $25
Applications open November 15th, 2024
Early registration ends March 15th, 2025
Priority Applications close April 15th, 2025
Applications received after April 15th will be considered based on availability
Audition requirements:
The Maryland Summer Harp Institute offers two tracks - intermediate and advanced.
Harpists interested in the advanced track are required to audition.
Auditioners should provide a YouTube, Google Drive, or other accessible link showcasing the following two requirements:
One fast, technical étude or movement from performance repertoire
One slow, lyrical étude or movement from performance repertoire
There is no expected time limit for an audition - only that the two pieces show a broad range of musical experience.
For the intermediate track, harpists are asked to submit a playing sample of one piece best demonstrates their current level and ability.
Harpists may also attend Richmond Summer Harp Institute, Richmond Conservatory Preparatory Program, and Richmond Summer Chamber Music for maximum benefit!
We hope to see you this summer!
What Students Are Saying
“A motivating, inspirational and life-changing experience [and] a musician’s dream come true.”