Harpisphere 2026

Harpisphere

June 1 – June 6, 2026

Houston, Texas

A harp workshop comprised of daily masterclasses, harp ensemble coachings, and career development lectures for harpists ages 13-21

Harpisphere, founded by harpist Emily Klein, will celebrate its 3rd annual workshop in Houston, TX. Harpisphere’s mission is to enable accessibility to the harp through free concerts, encourage the next generation of musicians in ensemble and solo performances, and provide career development lectures. The weeklong program is marked by free opening and closing concerts on June 1st at Archway Gallery and June 6th at Houston Hillel. Throughout the week, masterclasses, lectures, and harp ensemble rehearsals will take place at Houston Hillel. The welcome concert on June 1st features Harpisphere’s guest harp faculty, TBA.  Archway Gallery is an artist-owned gallery and home to a vibrant year-long classical concert series in the heart of Montrose. Harpisphere’s closing concert will feature student participants in harp ensemble and solo performances.

From June 2-5, daytime activities will both hone harp students’ versatility in music performance and enrich their minds through career development workshops, making Harpisphere a unique music program in Houston. Each student receives daily coachings with two harp faculty members, harp ensemble rehearsals, and career development masterclasses. Harp performance coachings will be taught by Emily Klein, Principal Harp Opera in the Heights, Paula Page, former Principal Harp Houston Symphony, Caitlin Mehrtens, Principal Harpist of Houston Grand Opera, a Guest Artist TBA, and Naomi Hoffmeyer, Principal Harp Corpus Christi Symphony, Co-Director Houston Youth Harp Ensemble. Guest lecturers will include arts leaders from the Houston community. Past speakers have included professors from Rice University and leadership from Da Camera of Houston. The week also includes a yoga class instructed by a certified yoga instructor.

More information coming soon!

Harp Faculty and Guest Lecturers

Emily Klein, Director of Harpisphere, Principal Harp Opera in the Heights, Artist in Residence Houston Methodist Hospital
Caitlin Mehrtens, Principal Harpist with the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Harpist and Co-Leader of Loop38
Paula Page, Former Principal Harp Houston Symphony, Former Associate Professor of Harp at Rice University
Naomi Hoffmeyer
Principal Harp Corpus Christi Symphony, Co-Director Houston Youth Harp Ensemble

More Faculty TBA Soon!

Click for Faculty’s Full Biography’s

Information

Daily masterclasses, harp ensemble coachings, and extracurricular classes round out the day’s activities. Harpisphere will culminate in a concert that showcases the students in harp ensemble and solo performances that is open to the public on June 6 at Houston Hillel.

Performer’s Age and Repertoire

Participation as a performer in the student harp ensemble and masterclasses are limited to the ages of 13-21 years old. Participants are asked to bring 2 solo pieces: 1 performance ready piece to perform at the final concert and 1 in-progress piece. One piece may be an orchestral excerpt.

Harp Ensemble parts will be assigned in advance and students are expected to arrive with notes learned.

Auditors

Harpisphere welcomes auditors to take part in observance of the harp masterclasses for a nominal fee. Auditors can attend each masterclass at $40/class or $120 for all 3 classes. Pre-registration is required and will be available soon.

Application & Fees

  1. Application opens December 15, 2025, rolling admission.
  2. Applications accepted after April 15, 2026 pending space availability
  3. Fill out the application form, available soon.
  4. Once accepted, payment information will be sent.
  5. Pay deposit ($100) within a week of acceptance. Service fees must be covered by the applicant.
  6. Final payment due ($475 for Performers) by April 15.
  7. The total cost for a Performer to attend is $575* and $120 for an Auditor.
  8. *Early Bird Registration Rate of $500 for returning participants and $525 for new participants if registered prior to December 31, 2025.

Sample Schedule from the 2025 Workshop (dates do not reflect summer 2026)

FAQS


What are the dates of Harpisphere?

  • June 1 – June 6, 2026

How do I apply?

  • Fill out the application form. The form will be live on December 15, 2025.
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, there is no fee to apply to Harpisphere.
  • For performer’s, a $100 deposit is due upon acceptance and the final payment of $475 is due by April 15, 2026. Payment information will be sent once accepted.
  • Applications accepted after April 15, 2026 pending space availability.

What is the playing level of Harpisphere participants?

  • Students must be between the ages of 13-21 and demonstrate intermediate to advanced playing ability. Generally this is after 3 years of study for this age group.
  • Both lever and pedal harpists are welcome.
  • By listing your current repertoire (1-2 recent solo pieces studied) and submitting a video recording on the Application Form, Harpisphere can get an idea of your playing level and better assign harp ensemble parts.

As a participant will I get to play in all 3 masterclasses with the guest harp teachers?

  • All participants will have the opportunity to participate in 2 masterclasses. Participation in all 3 classes is dependent on the number of enrolled students. Students may request through the application form in which masterclasses they would like to play and Harpisphere will do its best to accommodate your first choice.

Is it possible to observe Harpisphere as an auditor?

  • Yes! Harpisphere asks that you fill out the Auditor Registration to be able to observe the harp masterclasses. Auditors will have access to attending all three masterclasses with guest harp faculty: Paula Page, Caitlin Mehrtens, and Guest Artist TBA. Masterclasses are each 3 hours in length and will include 2 hours of coaching the students, and either a 1 hour lecture or 1 hour of harp ensemble coaching. Pre-registration is required.

Does Harpisphere provide harps?

  • There will be a very limited number of lever and pedal harps available for rent with priority made for students attending from out of town. If local to Houston, it is recommended that you bring your instrument, bench, and music stand. Secure storage will be available on the premises. Please contact harpisphere@gmail.com if you are interested in renting a harp locally in Houston.

What is the cancellation policy?

  • No refunds will be given if a participant has to cancel after April 15, 2026. A full refund will be issued if the workshop is cancelled.

Is lunch provided?

  • No, all participants must bring their lunch.