Where harpists come to play

Young Artist’s Harp Seminar

Announcing the dates for the 25th season of the Young Artist’s Harp Seminar! Join us July 4–18, 2026 at Kenyon College, in Gambier, Ohio.

Choose your program

July 4–18, 2026

YAHS program

The two-week YAHS program is open to pedal harpists ages 12–26 by audition. This program is designed to be an intensive training program for serious harp students.

July 7–14, 2026

Prep program

The Prep program is a one week program for lever or pedal harpists ages 8–17. This program is less intensive than our core program and no audition is required.

Explore faculty

faculty

YAHS and Prep faculty and visiting artists include some of the best performers and teachers from around the world. They include major competition winners, principal harpists at major orchestras, and  instructors at top conservatories and music schools.

guest artist

We are thrilled to announce that our 2026 Guest Artist is Hannah Cope Johnson, principal harp of the Metropolitan Opera! Previously principal with the Sarasota Orchestra, Cope Johnson has received first prizes at major competitions and has appeared with top orchestras.

Why choose YAHS?

Why choose YAHS for your summer harp experience?

Where on earth can you assemble young harpists to work so hard and have so much fun together? YAHS! The Young Artist’s Harp Seminar filled my Juilliard Prep division student Olivia with five outstanding summers of harp friends, experience and confidence. After each seminar I could hear and feel her musical growth gained from lessons, mock auditions and performances. The atmosphere at YAHS is nurturing and warm. I highly recommend this opportunity for any young harpist wishing to improve technical and musical skills and their  performance level while building a strong community of harpist friends and laughing a lot! YAHS will set “your” stage in a fantastic way!

—Nancy Allen, former YAHS Guest Artist

The Juilliard School • Principal Harp, The New York Philharmonic

Siochi Scholarship

We are pleased to offer the full Siochi Scholarship for the YAHS program again for our 2026 season. Siochi Scholarship applications must be received no later than March 15.

What students say

Become a counselor

Our YAHS and Prep Divisions are looking for counselors to join us for our 2026 season! Watch for an application link coming soon. If you have any questions, please email us at info@harpseminar.com.

Begin application

Contact Information

YAHS communication is done solely via email. Provide an accurate email address that you check regularly where we can send important information. YAHS only sends correspondences to one email address; the one provided here. Please be sure to use an address that you check frequently and will be valid through July.
(college, if applicable)

About You

YAHS counselors need to be at least 21 years of age at the start of the seminar on July 4, 2026. Prep counselors need to be at least 18 years of age at the start of the seminar on July 7, 2026.
Counselors are expected to bring their own harp.
YAHS counselors are expected to bring a car to assist with harp and student transportation throughout the seminar.

Music Information and Background

Counselors are expected to be role model harpists for our students.
Please choose an option to describe your music reading skills. Be honest in your assessment as this will help us get to know you better.