About HSHF

 

Exploring the Harp World
Developing Skills
Bringing Together Young Harpists
Fostering Musicianship

Founded in 2000 by Kimberly Snaufer DeRosa, the festival is held at and sponsored by Houston Christian University. With Therese Honey (since 2000), Hope Cowan and Susanna Campbell Wang as full time faculty, we offer over 125 years of combined teaching and performing experience. Our esteemed faculty will nurture, challenge and build confidence as we promote a “can do” atmosphere and inspiring environment.

Students may stay on campus or commute from home to enjoy a fun, non-competitive week of making music, learning about “everything” harp and becoming a part of our special harp community. We offer multi-level harp ensembles and workshops.

Our FINALE CONCERT is free and open to the public on July 19th at 11:00 in the Morris Cultural Arts Center on Houston Christian University’s campus.

See you in July!

Registration for 2025 will open February 1, 2025.

  • HOUSTON CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
    JULY 2025

    Tuition: $
    Tuition 5% discount for returning students: $

    On - Campus Room & Board (optional) $

    CODA Class 1: $ (optional) (More info below in Classes)
    CODA Class 2 $ (optional)

    Commuter Lunches, Tues-Fri. (optional) $

  • 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 15th.

  • 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 & 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 held 4:15 - 5:15 on Monday - Thursday. Coda class topics change each year. These classes require no prior preparation.

    CODA Class 1: This class meets on Monday and Tuesday. Students learn fun and unusual facts and stories about the harp and harpists. We will also take a close look at the history of the Greek lyre and learn an Ancient Greek hymn.

    CODA Class 2: Meets Wednesday and Thursday.
    Students will choose from a selection of countries to learn short tunes from around the world.

    You may sign up on the registration form or at check-in.


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

    While most students bring their own instrument, lever and pedal harp RENTALS are possible. Rentals 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. For requests after June 1, contact HoustonSummerHarpFestival@gmail.com

  • Saturday, July
    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 early afternoon 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.) 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