Harp At Carthage College

Carthage College 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
  • Harp lessons for non music majors
  • 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 Carthage click here.

Carthage has 1 grand concert pedal harp and 1 student sized pedal harp available for student use. 

Carthage does not currently have the secure space to accommodate students bringing their own harps to campus. Students must use the school harp for all lessons and performances.

Carthage College is pleased to be able to accept non music majors for applied harps lessons. This is a terrific opportunity not always available at colleges and universities.

Note: Lesson fees for non-music majors are applied as an extra fee and are not covered by tuition.

Teaching philosophy of Anne Morse-Hambrock for college students:

“Many of today’s students pursuing harp at the college level wish only to minor in harp while they major in another field. I understand and support this decision and accept students of all skill levels who wish to not only maintain their current skill level but grow beyond it.

For students wishing to major in harp at the college level my priorities 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. Carthage college 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 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. 

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.”

Anne Morse-Hambrock Logo