Harp Studies at Augustana College

A Liberal Arts Environment 

Augustana can be a great fit for harpists who are interested not only in growing as musicians, but also as well- rounded thinkers with broad skills. Augustana students take classes in many different academic areas in addition to music.  When you visit campus, you’ll immediately notice the friendly atmosphere and an encouraging, positive environment.

Music Degree Options

Whether you are interested in majoring in music or performing while you major in something else, Augustana students can take music lessons and participate in ensembles. Class schedules campus-wide are even designed to maximize all students’ options to participate in ensembles.  Harpists interested in music degrees can receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, Music Performance, or Music Education.  Other possibilities include a minor in music, or include a concentration in composition, music therapy, or jazz. 

Scholarships

Harpists and other musicians are eligible to receive music scholarships, even if they wish to major in something else entirely.  If music is an important part of your life, you're interested in continuing taking harp lessons, and you'd like to play in ensembles, apply for one of our scholarships!

Ensemble Opportunities

Ensembles at Augustana perform challenging, exciting music each term. Ensemble directors are excited to have harpists on campus, and regularly perform music featuring the harp. Harpists have opportunities to per- form with a wide variety of ensembles, insluding the Symphony Orchestra, two bands, and six choirs. Harpists have opportunities to tour with these ensembles.  The harp is frequently a feature in Augustana's annual Christmas concert.  Other concerts in recent years have included Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, Fauré’s Pelléas et Méisande Suite, Debussy’s Petit Suite, Ravel’s Pavane pour une Infante Défunte, Bartok’s Tanz Suite, orchestrations of Satie’s Gymnopedies and Gnossiennes, Mahler’s 4th and 6th symphonies, Brahms' Vier Gesänge Op. 17, and the Ginastera harp concerto.  See our current concert calendar.

Focused Musical Training

While students at some programs only see their harp instructor a few times a month, Augustana harp students have a regular schedule with lessons every week of the term, and can even choose to accelerate their progress with two lessons each week (usually one on Tuesday, and another on Thursday).  Students will tell you this really motivates them to get a lot done in a short amount of time.  Between lessons, it is always easy to get in touch with any concerns or questions.

Harps on Campus

Augustana own a beautiful new Lyon & Healy Style 30 for our harpists to use. Students are welcome to bring their own harps to campus and store them safely in the music building, or have the option to exclusively use the school harp. In addition to the college’s music library, the harp program has its own harp music library. It’s located right inside of the harp studio, allowing for easy, convenient browsing of potential new repertoire.

Great Location

Augustana College is centrally located in the Midwest in Rock Island, IL. As harpists, this is a great benefit because it allows for a do-able drive home with your harp for long weekends and holiday breaks, and even gigs, plus it's near the Quad Cities International Airport airport if you're traveling across the country.