About HSHF

For students ages 11 - 19 on lever and pedal harps with a minimum of 4 months of harp instruction and ability to read treble clef.

We welcome 25-40 harpists each year with up to half opting for on-campus housing.

We do not require auditions to attend.

Each student will receive one private lesson during our week included in the tuition fee.

Students are asked to buy the required music for their chosen ensemble and prepare a part for each selection prior to arrival.

Rental harps requests may be submitted on the registration form due June 1st or by emailing HoustonSummerHarpFestival@gmail.com by June 10th.

We offer 3 levels of harp ensembles (descriptions below).

Your harp teacher will help to choose the one most appropriate for you.

Required ensemble music will be announced on the Required Music page April 1st.

PRELUDE ENSEMBLE - Lever and pedal harps. Beginning/lower intermediate level.

Solos reflecting this level include:
I Hear A Harp by Paret
Trois Pieces Facile by Grandjany
The Magic Road Collection by Nancy Gustavson
Petite Berceuse by Hasselmans 
Harp Solos Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 by McDonald/Wood
Concert Etude in Suzuki Book 1

ALLEGRO ENSEMBLE - Lever and pedal. Late intermediate level.

Solos reflecting this level include:
Harp Solos Vol. 3 (Processional) & Vol. 4 by McDonald/Wood
Passacaille by Handel
Maid with the Flaxen Hair by Debussy
Little Fountain by Samuel Pratt

ENCORE ENSEMBLE - Pedal harps only. Advanced level.

Solos reflecting this level include:
Handel’s Concerto
Bolero/Rumba from Suite of 8 Dances by Salzedo
First Arabesque by Debussy
Au Matin by Tournier
Sonata in c minor by Pescetti

Classes included in the tuition fee are held Monday 1:00 - 4:00, Tuesday - Friday 9:30 - 4:00 with a 9:00 arrival time.

Topics may include:

Masterclasses, historical harp, Celtic harp, classical repertoire, contemporary music, South American harp, composition, improvisation, orchestral preparation, the “Gigging Harpist” (weddings, church and pop music), audition preparation, instrument maintenance, group projects, stage presence, career lectures and faculty performances.

Too many topics to fit into one week! Workshops rotate each year to offer something new to returning students.

CODA CLASSES are optional after-hours classes not included in the tuition fee. We encourage on-campus students and those eager to learn more to participate in the Coda classes. Coda class topics change each year.
These classes require no prior preparation.
You may sign up on the registration form, email request or at check-in our first day.

CODA Class 1: Shamrocks and Thistle
Learn magical melodies and endearing airs of Ireland and Scotland. These tunes will become a favorite part of your harp repertoire.
Monday & Tuesday, 4:15–5:15 PM

CODA Class 2: A Trip into Space $50
Explore extended techniques and sounds on the harp. Students create a piece inspired by Artemis II and our Solar System.
Wednesday & Thursday, 4:15–5:15 PM

Harps will be safely locked at the end of each day with doors opening at 9:00 am each morning.

RENTAL harps are subject to availability and reserved in the order of registration form request. Weekly fees are approximately $90 for a lever harp, and $110 for a pedal harp. Requests may be made after June 1st through June 10th by emailing HoustonSummerHarpFestival@gmail.com

Saturday, July 18, 2026
11:00 am. - 12:15 pm.

Morris Cultural Arts Center at Houston Christian University
7502 Fondren Rd, Houston, TX 77074.

Open to the public with free admission.

Students arrive at 9:00 a.m. for ensemble warm-up before the concert.

Students may stay in dorms on the Houston Christian University campus or commute from home. Our on-campus students always have a great time! Our chaperones are present during hours outside of class times and assist in keeping safety as a top priority. Meals are included (Monday dinner - Saturday breakfast).

If you are interested in being a dorm mom, please email HoustonSummerHarpFestival@gmail.com

Check-in is on Monday.

Houston Summer Harp Festival and Houston Christian University has a zero tolerance for smoking, alcohol and drugs.

Anyone opting for the cafeteria food who has food preferences and/or restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, nut allergy, etc.) will be accommodated and must indicate this on the registration form and at check-in.

Check-in on Monday will be confirmed in our June information email. Typically it is around noon. Students should have lunch before they check-in.

Arrival time for Tuesday - Saturday is 9:00 so students can tune and warm up before classes begin at 9:30.

Monday - Friday classes end at 4:00.
After hours classes (not included in tuition) - students may sign-up for the optional CODA classes. Class 1 is Monday and Tuesday 4:15 - 5:15. Class 2 is Wednesday and Thursday 4:15 - 5:!5. See “Classes” for more information on the CODA classes topics.

Saturday - Students arrive in their concert dress at 9:00 to prepare for our warm-up at 9:30. Our Concert is 11:00 - 12:15.

Breakfast for on-campus students only is 8:30.

Lunch for everyone - Tuesday - Friday is 11:45.

Dinner for on-campus students only 5:30