The University of Wisconsin at Parkside is pleased to be able to offer the following opportunities to harpists wishing to pursue study at the college level:
- Music Major with harp as applied instrument
- Music Minor with harp as applied instrument
- Performances with ensembles: Orchestra, Band, Choir, Jazz Ensemble
- Solo performing opportunities
- Composition and arranging techniques for harp (in applied lessons)
- Improvisation techniques for harp (in applied lessons)
- Harp Pedagogy (in applied lessons)
- Harp ensemble (when program allows)
- Jazz harp
- Harp as a business (in applied lessons)
For a full list of music degrees offered at UW Parkside click here.
UW Parkside has 2 grand concert pedal harps and 1 semi-grand pedal harp available for student use as well as a secure space in which students may store their own instruments if they choose to bring them.
A variety of lever harps belonging to Anne Morse Hambrock are also available for students interested in folk harp or wishing to pursue harp as a therapy instrument.
Students wishing to play harp at Parkside may use the school instruments but are not required to do so if they would rather bring their own instrument.
Teaching philosophy of Anne Morse Hambrock for University students:
My priorities for students majoring in harp at the college/university level are:
- To bring the strong techniques from both the Salzedo and Grandjany methods to bear when establishing hand position and practice habits.
- Rigorous repertoire that supports a professional career in harp.
- Emphasis on the skills required to be a good ensemble player.
- Many harpists see themselves as primarily soloists and neglect the importance of good ensemble training. UW Parkside harp students are all required to do a certain amount of playing with other local musicians.
- Improvisation, composition, and arranging skills.
- Today’s working harpists frequently are asked to play from piano or guitar parts, especially in the arena of playing for weddings and receptions. An understanding of how to make such music workable for the harpist as well as enjoyable for the audience is a must. Additionally, all UWP harp students are encouraged to at least attempt to improvise and compose. Improvisation is a vital tool for both ear and rhythm training. It also allows a musician to think as not only an interpreter of other people’s music but as a composer. This different point of view often lends a greater depth of understanding when performing all kinds of music. It allows the performer to see music from “the inside out” as it were.
Additionally, I have over twenty years experience in performance coaching and offer many techniques to conquer nerves and enhance musical interpretation on any instrument.
I take my teaching very seriously and do all within my power to contribute to my students’ growth, not only as a harpist but as an all around musician.”
