American Harp Institute Offers Intensive Training on Potash Hill

May 29, 2024

We are thrilled to welcome the American Harp Institute (AHI) to campus for their 2024 Summer Session, taking place on Potash Hill from May 31 through June 9, 2024.

The 10-day session offers harpists an intensive training experience with Yolanda Kondonassis, one of the world’s premier solo harpists and AHI’s founding director. During the session, participants receive private lessons with Kondonassis, as well as topic seminars and masterclasses. Social events, special activities, and meals with fellow harpists are also be part of the experience.

The atmosphere of AHI’s summer session is that of a retreat – for study, practice, classes, reflection, bonding, and inspiration. Seminar topics include: Practice Techniques, Performance Strategies, Audition Preparation, Body Care, Preventing Injury, Harp Technique, Musical Development, and more. The age range for students is 14 to 24.

The American Harp Institute was founded as a gathering place for harp study and resources, as well as programs, private lesson opportunities, and educational events. With a strong philosophy of providing clear musical and technical guidance, AHI’s goal is to provide high-quality, accessible study for harpists seeking to develop and refine their skills at the harp. “The American Harp Institute places a priority on fostering tangible growth at all stages in the journey of musical, technical, and personal development,” explains Kondonassis. “There is just no substitute for focused, invested attention. Finding that support is half the battle.”

“What I am trying to create this summer at Potash Hill is a throwback,” says Kondonassis in a conversation with Victoria Chertok in The Commons. “There are lots of summer programs out there, and my interest is not creating another setting where there is a big group harp ensemble, concerts, and various people coming in to do master classes and seminars. This will feel like a true retreat, where you can examine yourself physically, mentally, and artistically, with lots of hands-on guidance and cohesive goals. I want these harpists to make the kind of developmental discoveries and memories that happen only when you get off the merry-go-round and stop time, just for a brief bit. The Marlboro/Potash Hill campus was a natural choice for this concept.”

To learn more about the American Harp Institute’s programming on Potash Hill or to submit an application, visit americanharpinstitute.com.

Photos courtesy of the American Harp Institute