National Conference

Summer Institute

THE AMERICAN HARP SOCIETY
THIRD SUMMER INSTITUTE

was held on the campus of
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
June 21-26, 1999.

The American Harp Society held the third Summer Institute at the University of Southern California, June 21 through 26, 1999. Again the Institute focus expanded on concentration on the harp as a solo instrument to additional studies and workshops in small ensemble. The planned curriculum included such essentials to the musician as music theory, history, and a new intensified approach to sight reading by one of our foremost experts.

Of particular interest to teachers is the tri-level approach to harp literature. There were separate sessions on suitable choices for beginning and non-pedal pupils, for intermediate and advanced pupils, as well as arrangements available for harp ensemble.

For both student and teacher a workshop was held for those interested in the harp as a business venture consisting of a real "How-to" forum to suggest ways to set up individuals in practical venues with a working knowledge of contacts, contracts and marketing.

Opening still more venues for the individual harpist was the workshop on flute and harp possibilities. This first step into small ensemble concentrated not only on available literature, but also on ways to find and adapt suitable piano/violin or piano/flute arrangements for the duo.

To support this approach more fully, master classes focused on the duo performance of harp and flute in both intermediate and advanced levels for both instruments. Master teachers for both flute and harp were available to attendees.

As yet another expansion into ensemble performance, ways and means for the involvement of harp in public school music programs were explored by an experienced pioneer in the field. Of particular importance in this workshop was the use of available published literature as well as ways to adapt arrangements of suitable publication which could involve the harp.

As in prior years, classes were designed for teacher, student and family members.

The American Harp Society competitions and others were held concurrently with the Institute. Please refer to the section in the website about National Competitions and American Harp Society Foundation awards.

(excerpted from Winter 1998 American Harp Journal, article by Wenonah Govea)

For Information, Contact:

Kathleen Moon, Executive Secretary, PO Box 38334, Los Angeles CA 90038-0334. Phone: 323-469-3050. Email: kmoon@UCLAlumni.net