A beautiful instrument dating back to the 16th century, the harp makes a wonderful addition to a piece of music.
Important as it is, however, the harp doesn’t always get the same attention as its other stringed siblings, which presents a challenge to harpists who want to study their instrument on the college level.
So what are the best harp schools in the US?
If you’re looking at conservatories for harp, then the Eastman School of Music, the Juilliard School, and the Manhattan School of Music are all top-tier programs.
Some of the best universities include Boston University, UCLA, Indiana University, and Northwestern.
Finally, some great hidden gem colleges for harp include Temple University and Southern Methodist University. For a liberal arts college option, you can look at Oberlin, too.
All of these schools are among the best a harpist can choose. Each offers rigorous courses with respected musicians and prepares students for the life of a professional performer.
Let’s talk about what makes each of these schools exceptional.
Eastman School of Music
Rochester, NY | Notable Faculty – Kathleen Bride
Over its 104-year history, the Eastman School of Music has had only three harp professors, including current teacher Kathleen Bride.
While some may assume that a low number suggests a lack of commitment to the harp, quite the opposite is true. Eastman’s low turnover rate demonstrates its commitment to attracting and retaining the best possible teachers.
Bride joined Eastman’s faculty in 1989 and has only strengthened her credentials since.
In addition to her national tours alongside organist Jon Gillock and global tours with flutist Judith Pearce, Bride has been a soloist with the New Jersey Symphony, Wayne Chamber Orchestra, Korean Chamber Ensemble, and elsewhere.
Who It’s For
Eastman is perfect for students who wish to learn the French school technique, prioritizing beautiful sound through relaxation and flexibility.
In junior and senior classes, students take pedagogy courses to become instructors, following in Brides’s footsteps.
It’s also a perfect option for harp students who want a conservatory-level education but have the opportunity to take classes at a larger university, as Eastman is just 2 miles from its parent campus, the University of Rochester.
Eastman School of Music Application Deadline
December 1st is the application deadline for all music students at Eastman.
Juilliard School
New York, NY | Notable Faculty – Nancy Allen
One of the most respected performing arts schools in the world, Juilliard needs no introduction. Among lovers of classical music, the same is true of their harp instructor, Nancy Allen.
In addition to teaching at Juilliard, Allen teaches at SUNY Stony Brook, strengthening its world-class graduate program.
When not teaching, Allen serves as the Principal harpist at the New York Philharmonic. Allen’s other performing credits include regular appearances with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.
Allen and her fellow faculty members enrich students in the fundamentals of ear training, theory and analysis, and history.
Who It’s For
Juilliard is ideal for students who are among the most accomplished harpists in the country; they take very few students per year, and the students accepted tend to have significant experience winning competitions, admission to top summer programs, etc.
It’s also perfect for students who are laser-focused on making a career out of harp and want to have performance opportunities in major NYC venues, such as Lincoln Center.
Juilliard Application Deadline
December 1st is the Juilliard app deadline.
Manhattan School of Music
New York, NY | Notable Faculty – Susan Jolles, Mariko Anraku
Harpists at the Manhattan School of Music work closely with faculty members such as Susan Jolles. An instructor at both Manhattan and Hofstra University, Jolles is a founding member of the Jubal Trio and has served as associate harpist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
Another faculty member, Mariko Anraku, has been the Associate Principal Harpist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra for over 30 years.
Plenty of performance opportunities exist at Manhattan School of Music, from orchestras and chamber music to solo recital opportunities.
Who It’s For
MSM is ideal for harpists who want to study in New York City with faculty among the most accomplished in their field.
It’s also ideal for harpists who want to go all-in on music and are set on making music their career. Keep in mind that a school like MSM, like most independent music conservatories, does not offer the option to double-major in both music and another field.
Manhattan School of Music Application Deadline
December 1st is the deadline for the MSM app.
Temple University Boyer School of Music
Philadelphia, PA | Notable Faculty – Elizabeth Hainen
Boyer gives harp students the chance to perform on some of the northeast region’s most prestigious stages, including the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and New York City’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City.
However, the biggest draw at Temple is the opportunity to study with Elizabeth Hainen. The Principal Harpist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Elizabeth Hainen is among the most accomplished living harp players.
Hainen also teaches at the Curtis Institute of Music, which could also easily make a list such as this one.
Who It’s For
Temple University is a great option for harp students who want a school with close proximity and a close relationship with one of the best orchestras in the country, the Philadelphia Orchestra.
It’s also a great option for very talented musicians seeking merit scholarships, as I’ve seen Temple award generous funding to students they would really like to see attend.
Temple Boyer School of Music Application Deadline
February 1st is the regular action deadline
November 1st is the early action deadline
If you have your audition materials ready earlier, then I definitely recommend applying via the early action deadline.
Remember that early action is non-binding (as opposed to early decision), so you can still see what other schools have to say when you apply.
UCLA Herb Albert School of Music
Los Angeles, CA | Notable Faculty – Lou Ann Neil
All of the schools on this list feature instructors with impressive tenures. But few can match that of the harp instructor at UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music.
Lou Anne Neil has played with the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 1983, making her one of the longest-serving and most respected teachers in academia. As part of the LA Philharmonic, Neill has appeared on stage at the Hollywood Bowl and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
Beyond studying under Neil, Alpert also features unique possibilities for harpists, including participation in its uclaFLUX concert series.
uclaFLUX showcases chamber music from the 20th and 21st centuries, challenging students with new arrangements and giving them more chances to perform live. The program also teaches students the fundamentals of production and promotion, skills necessary for any professional musician.
Who It’s For
I think UCLA is an absolutely incredible value for California residents, given how affordable in-state tuition is.
However, the fact that you can study with a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic is another compelling reason to attend, and one of the reasons I have it on this list. To study with the best is the goal of any serious classical musician, and UCLA certainly provides that opportunity.
UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Application Deadline
December 1st is the UC application deadline, and the music deadline is typically 3-5 days later.
Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Oberlin, OH | Notable Faculty – Diane Evans
Founded in 1865, Ohio College’s Oberlin Conservatory of Music is the oldest continuously running conservatory in the country. Across its 160-year history, Oberlin has developed a reputation for excellence, which is enough to draw the attention of any student of the harp.
As fitting for such an esteemed institution, the harp program at Oberlin prioritizes intensive individual study and live performance. The latter comes through any one of the many ensembles housed at the school, including the experimental Contemporary Music Ensemble and the stately Oberlin Orchestra.
Oberlin’s instructors include Diane Evans, who joined the faculty in 2022. An Oberlin alumnus herself, Evans was the principal of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and previously played with Toledo Symphony and the Omaha Symphony.
Who It’s For
Oberlin is ideal for harpists who want the best of both worlds: conservatory-level training combined with a liberal arts education.
Students can double-major or take courses across Oberlin College’s rigorous academic programs while studying with Diane Evans.
It’s also perfect for students who value a close-knit, collaborative community and want exposure to experimental and contemporary music alongside traditional repertoire.
Oberlin Conservatory Application Deadline
December 1st is the Oberlin Conservatory application deadline
Boston University School of Music
Boston, MA | Notable Faculty – Franziska Huhn
To graduate from the Boston University School of Music is to join a community of professionals who contribute to some of the best orchestras in the country. Many Boston University alumni serve on major symphonies, including the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
That high success rate is due, in part, to teachers such as harpist Franziska Huhn. The Berlin-born Huhn has devoted her life to teaching music, serving on the faculty of not just Boston University but also the Tanglewood Institute and the New England Conservatory.
When not teaching, Huhn has played the harp across the world with the Walden Chamber Players and the Callithumpian Consort, and as a substitute harpist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Who It’s For
Boston University is an excellent choice for harpists who want to study in a vibrant musical city with access to some of the country’s best orchestras and performance venues.
The school is also ideal for students interested in immersing themselves in the East Coast classical music scene, as BU’s location and faculty connections offer excellent networking opportunities.
Boston University School of Music Application Deadline
December 1st is the Boston University School of Music application deadline
Northwestern University Bienen School of Music
Evanston, IL | Notable faculty – Marguerite Lynn Williams
Harpists at the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University get to study under Marguerite Lynn Williams, principal of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
In addition to being a founding member of the Chicago Harp Quartet, International Chamber Artists, and La Folia, Williams also has performed with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera. She has played on stages such as the Carnegie Hall of New York, the Beijing National Centre for Performing Arts, and the Moscow Tchaikovsky Concert Hall.
Beyond the attributes that teachers like Williams brings, Beinen also has a full range of ensembles and orchestras for students to join, giving them ample opportunity to develop their skills with fellow learners.
Who It’s For
Northwestern is ideal for academically ambitious harpists seeking access to both elite music training and top-tier academic programs.
Students can pursue double degrees or take advantage of Northwestern’s strong programs in fields outside of music.
Northwestern University Bienen School of Music Application Deadline
December 1st is the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music application deadline
Southern Methodist University Meadows School of the Arts
University Park, TX | Notable Faculty – Emily Levin, Naoko Nakamura
The harp program at Southwestern Methodist University’s School of the Arts has not one but two acclaimed teachers in their faculty.
Principal harpist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Emily Levin teaches at Meadows, sharing her formidable talent with the next generation of performers. An award-winner from the very beginning of her career, Levin regularly plays with the New York Philharmonic and has appeared with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Houston Symphony, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where she has also served as guest principal harp.
Naoko Nakamura is principal harpist of the Dallas Winds, and has played with chamber ensembles throughout the region, including the Fine Arts Chamber Players in Dallas and the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth.
Between these two fantastic musicians, harpists at Meadows have access to the best in their field.
Who It’s For
SMU Meadows is an excellent option for harpists who want to study in Texas while working with not one but two exceptional teachers with different specialties and perspectives.
It’s ideal for students who want smaller class sizes and more individualized attention, as well as those interested in the Dallas music scene.
The school is also great for harpists seeking generous merit scholarships, as SMU often awards substantial financial aid to talented musicians it wants to recruit.
Southern Methodist Meadows Application Deadline
December 1st is the Meadows School of Music at SMU’s application deadline
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Bloomington, IN | Notable Faculty – Sarah Bullen
Sarah Bullen, harp professor at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, took the position of principal harpist at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1997. She continued to serve in that role until her retirement in 2021, ending a 24 year tenure. Before that, she was the principal harpist for the Utah Symphony and for the New York Philharmonic.
In those positions, Bullen performed across the world, participating in more than twenty international tours. She played in concerts conducted by greats such as Zubin Mehta and Danie Barenboim and she was named one of the most influential harpists of the 20th century by Harp Column Magazine.
Clearly, Bullen has ample experience and knowledge to train students at Jacobs, who can then apply that knowledge playing with the ensembles at Jacobs and collaborating with their fellow young musicians.
Who It’s For
Jacobs is ideal for students who want to learn from a former principal harpist of one of America’s “Big Five” orchestras (the Chicago Symphony) and benefit from her decades of professional experience.
Jacobs is also an excellent value for talented musicians, as the school offers generous scholarships, and Indiana’s in-state tuition is an amazing value. It is also affordable (relatively speaking) for out-of-state students, compared to private conservatories
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Application Deadline
December 1st is the Jacobs School of Music application deadline. I recommend submitting your main common application to the university via earlyaction (November 1st), which may open you up to more academic scholarship opportunities.
