Colorado Harp Seminar

Welcome to the Colorado Harp Seminar

Colorado Harp Seminar is a one-week intensive harp program for high school and undergraduate pedal harpists. Directed by faculty member Kathryn Harms at Colorado State University, it is designed to support, nurture, and inspire excellent musicianship. In addition to private lessons, students will participate in harp ensemble, masterclasses, and workshops on various topics such as musician wellness and entrepreneurship. It culminates in a showcase concert of solo and harp ensemble music.

Sample Schedule

Please find a sample schedule below and note that the schedule is subject to change based on participant enrollment.

Sunday
4 p.m.: Check-in begins

Harp drop-off at the University Center for the Arts
Student move-in

5:30-6:30 p.m.: Dinner
7-9 p.m.: Meet and Greet Activities

Monday
8-8:40 a.m.: Breakfast
9-10 a.m.: Orientation
10-10:30 a.m.: Stretching and Breathing Introduction
10:30-11:30 a.m.: Harp Ensemble
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Solo Masterclass
12:30-1:30 p.m.: Lunch
2-3 p.m.: Solo Masterclass cont.
3-5 p.m.: Lessons and Practice
5:30-6:30 p.m.: Dinner
7-9 p.m.: Social Activities

Tuesday
8-8:40 a.m.: Breakfast
9-10 a.m.: Stretching and Breathing
10-11 a.m.: Harp Ensemble
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Solo Masterclass cont.
12:30-1:30 p.m.: Lunch
2-3 p.m.: Solo Masterclass cont.
3-5 p.m.: Lessons and Practice
5:30-6:30 p.m.: Dinner
7-9 p.m.: Game Night

Wednesday
8-8:40 a.m.: Breakfast
9-10 a.m.: Musician Wellness Workshop
10-11 a.m.: Harp Ensemble
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Lessons and Practice
12:30-1:30 p.m.: Lunch
2-3 p.m.: Lessons and Practice
3-5 p.m.: Museum Visit
5:30-6:30 p.m.: Dinner
7-9 p.m.: Optional Practice

Thursday
8-8:40 a.m.: Breakfast
9-9:30 a.m.: Stretching and Breathing
9:30-11 a.m.: The Gigging Harpist Workshop
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Lessons and Practice
12:30-1:30 p.m.: Lunch
2-3 p.m.: Efficient Practicing Workshop
3-4 p.m.: Practice Activities/Exercises
4-5 p.m.: Harp Ensemble
5:30-6:30 p.m.: Dinner
7-9 p.m.: Social Activities

Friday
8-8:40 a.m.: Breakfast
9-10 a.m.: The Teaching Harpist Workshop
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Lessons and Practice
12:30-1:30 p.m.: Lunch
2-5 p.m.: Showcase Concert Rehearsal
5:30-6:30 p.m.: Dinner
7-9 p.m.: Preliminary Dorm Clean-up/Organizing

Saturday
8-8:40 a.m.: Breakfast
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Showcase Concert Dress rehearsal
12:30-1:30 p.m.: Lunch
1:30-2:30 p.m.: Showcase Concert Prep (tuning, attire change)
2:30 p.m.: Showcase Concert

Application and Audition

To apply for the Colorado Harp Seminar, please fill out the simple and free application below and follow the instructions to submit an audition.

Audition Instructions

Video recording of two contrasting solos
- Memorization is not required
- The video frame should include students’ hands and face
- A standard orchestral excerpt may be substituted for a solo
- Recordings must be made within the last 12 months
- Recordings may be from live performances or casual settings

This is a non-competitive application and audition that is required primarily for part assignments in the harp ensemble. Please submit audition recordings to Kathryn Harms. Applicants may send a link to an unlisted YouTube video or other video storage if the files are too large to send as an email attachment. If there are any questions about the audition requirements or submission process, please contact Kathryn Harms at kathryn.harms@colostate.edu

Once your application and audition have been received, reviewed, and accepted, you will be provided a promo code that enables you to register for the Colorado Harp Seminar. Once you have your promo code, you'll complete registration, pay tuition, and reserve your spot in the program:

Seminar Dates/Location:

June 15-21, 2025
University Center for the Arts, located at 1400 Remington Street

Showcase Concert:

June 21, 2025, 2:30 p.m.
Griffin Concert Hall, University Center for the Arts

Cost (2024 Rates to be updated for 2025):

Residential Program: $1,475 for tuition, room, and board; accommodations are a private air-conditioned dormitory room with a private bathroom.

Commuter Program (only available to select applicants within very close proximity—20-minute or less drive to the University Center for the Arts): $875 for tuition and campus lunches

Application Deadline:

April 1, 2025

Applications and auditions will be accepted on a rolling basis. Space is limited, so students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications may be accepted after April 1, 2025, only if space is available.