What our students say about us

"The Summer Harp Academy is one of my favorite activities of the summer! I have gone for the past 2 years, and both times I have had the best experience with fellow harpists that have become great friends. The workshops cover all aspects of harp playing from technique to auditioning to sight reading and performing and from classical to jazz to pop. The teachers are friendly and excellent at demonstrating new skills, and they also take the time to give each of us personal attention. I especailly enjoyed sight reading practice with Molly. Another thing I love about The Summer Harp Academy is the location. It is quiet and peaceful in the mountains by the lake."

                                                                     Isabelle, 2017

"This was my first year at The Summer Harp Academy, and I absolutely loved it! Everyone was so friendly, and we had amazing teachers and assistants. I learned so much every day in the masterclasses, ensembles, and workshops. Some of my favorite workshops were on arranging music, memorizing, use of chords, and playing for weddings. I also made lots of new friends who I hope to see again next year at camp. I only wish I had attended sooner!"

                                                                         Amy, 2017

"The Summer Harp Academy is a wonderful camp. It is the most amazing experience ever. You are surrounded by people of all different levels but that all have one thing in common, their love for the harp. All the classes are super insightful, and by the end of the week you feel like you have learned so much and have made so many new friendships. I would definitely recommend this camp."

                                                                         Sasha, 2017

"The Summer Harp Academy was an amazing experience. I learned some great tips that will forever help me. Every day was something different that would help me exceed with my technique and sound. The teachers and assistants were awesome and always willing to help and give feedback. The workshops really helped me on memorizing, sight reading, and more. I made some great friends, and I can't wait to go back next year!"

                                                                          Emily, 2017

"The Summer Harp Academy is a week full of inspiration, laughter, learning, confidence, fabulous memories, and a pure love for the harp. I am happy to hold these experiences I have had from attending SHA."

Caroline, 2016

"The Summer Harp Academy is such a fun opportunity to interact with harpists of all ages and learn skills and make memories that will stick with you forever!"

Carrie, 2016

"To me the Summer Harp Academy camp was a transformative experience on many different levels. Not only did I make friends that I keep in contact with all year round, but also I came into my own as both a harpist and a performer."

Helen, 2016

"The Summer Harp Academy gave me the opportunity as a non-music professional to improve my musical skills in a fun, relaxed setting. For one week I could solely focus on music without being distracted from work and family. The hotel staff was great and the grounds are beautiful. I loved working with Ela, Jan and Christine and look foward to returning."

Jane, 2016

"The Summer Harp Academy is the best music camp I have ever attended. It was wonderful to be surrounded by fellow harpists who love the harp as much as I do - it was also helpful to learn tips and tricks from them. In my mind, I always pictured a harp camp as being a very competitive environment - how greatly mistaken I was! It was so inspiring to be in a nurturing and uplifting environment at beautiful Lake Junaluska. World-class instruction on how to be a professional harpist, concert harpist, or just for your plain enjoyment - what more could you ask for? I’m so glad I have so many amazing harpist friends now from all over the country!"

-Kari Novilla, Principal Harpist, Knoxville Youth Symphony, 2015

"The Summer Harp Academy offered something for everyone. Whether a student was intermediate or advanced, interest in pop music or classical music, looking for one-on-one coachings or masterclass performance experiences, The Summer Harp Academy had it all. Both Jan and Ela offered invaluable advice in each of their lectures. The many harp ensemble opportunities were useful for students with all levels of ensemble experience, but especially those new to chamber music. The extracurricular activities were a blast! The Summer Harp Academy offered both an intensive focus on harp and an opportunity for students to have fun and makes new friends and connections with harpists around the country!"

- Molly, 2014

"I gained confidence in my playing at camp. I had so much fun with my fellow campers and professors!"

-Elizabeth, 2014

"A marvelous experience - as a person who began harp in mid-life I am both awed and inspired by the younger students. Many thanks to Ela and Jan and all the terrific admin. people for making this event possible! I am looking forward to the Third Annual Summer Harp Academy and plan to attend. Thanks to all for a wonderful harp experience."

-Martha, 2014

"The Summer Harp Academy was a delightful week for a harpist! Excellent educators and class sessions, impromptu concerts, and wonderful learning experiences in the beautiful surroundings of Lake Junaluska, NC."

-Sue, 2013

"I never imagined that I could learn so much, make so many new friends, and create so many wonderful memories in one week! The Summer Harp Academy has not only impacted my playing and outlook on harp, but it has given me a new motivation and fire to become the harpist of my dreams!"

-Rebecca, 2013