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Harp Camp
June 29-July 2, 2026

Directed by Cathy Clayton

Come spend four exciting days at the University of Utah for an amazing harp experience! This intensive is perfect for pedal and lever harpists who want to sharpen their technique, explore new musical ideas, and connect with fellow musicians. Join us for a week packed with music, creativity, and new friendships! Each day, you’ll dive into focused practice, explore technical skills and new repertoire, team up with buddies for collaborative sessions and ensemble playing, explore how music theory can improve your sightreading speed and ability, and get hands-on with fun crafts and creative projects.

REGISTER

Cost: $750 (Snacks provided).  Participants will be responsible to provide their own lunch. (Cost of camp prorated if attending only one or two days). Pedal harps provided for a limited number of students. This workshop is designed for harpists of all ages and abilities.  We will work with you where you are and help you improve your playing. 

 

JUNE 29

JUNE 30

JULY 01

JULY 02
1 PM 
Expectation vs. Reality: Harp Edition

Join the camp directors for a lively, fun-filled harp performance that’s full of surprises! From soaring melodies to playful twists, this energetic concert captures the humor, charm, and magic of the harp like you’ve never seen before.
9 AM
Harp Trivia Morning Relay

Test your harp knowledge in a fun, interactive team challenge.
9 AM
Adventure & Wow Photo! 

 Morning adventure plus a picture-perfect moment. 
9 AM
Stop-Motion Harp Movie: Harps in Action!

Turn your harp into a movie star! Make a stop-motion video, act a little, laugh a lot, and see your harp do things it probably shouldn’t… all in good fun.
2 PM
Orientation Origami Art Party

Kick off the week, get to know your new friends, and create beautiful Origami flowers.
9:30 AM
Theory workshop POV

The secret code behind the music you love—once you crack it, everything makes more sense and sightreading becomes easier!
10 AM
Music Code: Advanced Edition 

Crack the codes behind rhythms, harmony, and articulation.
10 AM
Talk, Don’t Text: Surviving Life With People

Learn how to actually talk to humans, read awkward vibes, and level up your social game—without accidentally sending the wrong emoji.
2:30 PM
Your technique toolkit!

Strengthen your foundational skills with new focused exercises on the harp.
10:30 AM
Theory in Practice: Improvisation

Turn what you know into your own music! Play, experiment, and see where your creativity takes you.
11 AM
Buddy Practice

Polish your rep. with style!
11 AM
Friend Jam! 

Practice, laugh, and learn with a friend by your side.
3 PM
Practice Procedures: How to Get the Most From This Week

Learn how to practice efficiently and maximize your progress during camp.
11:30 PM
Buddy Practice

Partner with a U of U harpist to level up your practice game!
11:30 AM
LUNCH at Student Union 

(Bring your own sack lunch or ~ $15 to purchase lunch at the Student Union)
11:30 PM
LUNCH at Student Union

Bring your own sack lunch or ~ $15 to purchase lunch at the Student Union)
3:30 PM
Friend Jam!

Play, polish, and have fun with a friend. Apply what you’ve learned in a guided peer practice session.
Noon
LUNCH at Student Union 

(Bring your own sack lunch or ~ $15 to purchase lunch at the Student Union)
12:30 PM
Music History Style Sleuths 

Solve the mystery of different music styles throughout time. How you can include style aspects in your playing.
12:30 PM
Leprechauns Made Me Do It

Learn the quirks of Irish harp music and dive into the wild, anything-goes world of the Irish session!
4 PM
Ensemble Rehearsal

Listen, react, adjust, and build confidence - figuring out how your part fits into the whole.

 
1 PM
Ensemble Rehearsal

Refine ensemble pieces for upcoming performances.
1:30 PM
Licks, Tricks & Musical Kicks

Add trills and flourishes that make your music shine. Unlock the power of ornamentation!
1:30 PM
Jig it Your Way!

Improv à la Leprechaun.
5 PM
Dinner on your own
2 PM
Stage-power

Tips from a Music Theater director - How to empower your stage performance!

OR

How to Next It: The Stage Fright Class

Strategies for overcoming performance anxiety and building confidence in your performance.
2:30 PM
Ensemble Power-Up and Rehearsal! 

 Level up your group sound before the big moment.
2:30 PM
Ensemble Rehearsal

Final ensemble prep for the concert.
6:30 PM (Optional Outing) Tracy Aviary - Soar with Eagles - literally!

Meet at Tracy Aviary for an evening adventure to explore nature and unwind with your new friends.  (Cost: $5/person)
3:30 PM
Polish & Play: Masterclass Edition
3:30 PM
The Big Shine: Masterclass Part 2 
3:30 PM
Concert Countdown!

Warm up, polish your pieces, and get ready to shine on stage.
 
5 PM
Dinner on your own
5 PM
Dinner on your own

 
4:30 PM
Smile, Snap, Celebrate!  

Capture a group photo and celebrate all the fun from camp.
 
6:30 PM (Optional Outing) Window Shop at City Creek with the gang!
6:30 PM (Optional Outing) Night at the Museum! 

Enjoy a night with dinosaurs and your new friends. (Cost $22.95/person) 
5 PM
Utah Harp Experience Final Concert

The Grand Finale! – YOU take the spotlight!

 

          

 

 

Last Updated: 5/15/26