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Harp Institute

One-Week Summer Program

The MPulse Harp Institute is a one-week program focused on individual and group instruction for high school-aged pedal harpists. Sessions that enhance the musical and technical skills of the dedicated harpist fill each day with built in time for individual practice. The MPulse Harp Institute will provide two private lessons, daily harp ensemble, studio classes, and potential opportunities to work with guest artists. Studio classes provide a productive way to explore not only harp playing but collegial support and “real time” experience.

Specific topics of focus will include solo repertoire, standard harp cadenzas, performance concentration and confidence, use of the inner ear and imagination for musical delivery, playing with relaxed and organized technique, and peer-to-peer observation. Additional inspirational activities can include yoga class, dalcroze eurythmics, and/or Alexander Technique sessions. The week finishes with a grand recital of harp solos and ensemble works.

Dates: July 20 – 26, 2025
Tuition (including room & board): $1,950

Application Status: OPEN
Non-Refundable Application Fee: $75

Fill out this form through Acceptd Support if an application fee waiver code is needed due to financial need.

Priority Application Deadline: February 1, 2025*
Priority Admissions Notification: March 1, 2025

*Applications will remain open until the program is full. Rolling application submissions will be reviewed on a monthly basis. Please check the application status above to see if we are still accepting applications on a rolling basis.

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On This Page

Faculty

Joan Holland

Joan Holland

Clinical Associate Professor of Harp, Institute Faculty Director

Joan Holland is Associate Professor of Harp for the School of Music, Theatre and Dance of the University of Michigan. She is also the resident harpist and Instructor of Harp at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Joan maintains an active career in solo, chamber, concerto performances and orchestral performing. She is currently principal harpist for the Midland (MI) Symphony Orchestra, co-principal of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, Traverse City, MI, and substitute harpist for a number of Michigan orchestras.

Program Sample Schedule

The 2024 program schedule can be found here.  While schedules vary year-to-year, this will provide insight into the programming provided.  

Eligibility & Audition Requirements

Eligibility

The MPulse Harp Institute is open to students entering grades 9 (nine) through 12 (twelve) in Fall of 2025.

Audition Videos
Students should submit two separate audition videos containing only one musical piece per video. Applicants should select two pieces of contrasting nature from their harp repertoire for these video submissions.

MPulse Scholarships

Application Fee Waivers

Those who qualify may reach out to the Acceptd Support team to request a waiver code to waive the $75 application fee. Please view this page on how to apply for a waiver and the documentation you will need to provide. Fill out this fee waiver form to request a code.

Merit Awards

A limited number of scholarships are available for extremely talented students based on Faculty discretion. Consideration for these scholarships is automatic for applications received by the priority application deadline.

Need-Based Awards

A limited number of need-based scholarships are available to families with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $120,000 or under in the previous calendar year, or with special circumstances due to the pandemic. To be considered you must upload your financial aid materials by the application deadline as part of your application. This includes:

  • Monthly Expenses
  • Previous Year’s Tax Return
  • Statement of Need

Watson Scholarship (For Michigan Residents Only)

In the spirit of the life of a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School (1942) and Michigan physician, the Watson A. Young Scholarship promotes academic excellence and college aspiration among students with financial need. These need-based scholarships support middle and high school students’ participation in summer opportunities at U-M that seek to develop students’ interests and abilities in academic disciplines and expose students to the experiences and possibilities provided by higher education.

Questions?

MPulse Summer Performing Arts Institutes
Office of Engagement & Outreach-Youth & Adult Programs
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance
Stearns Building │ 2005 Baits Drive │ Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Phone: (734) 936-2660
Email: [email protected]