Jacquelyn Bartlett is the Chair of the Harp Department at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, NC. A dedicated and passionate educator, Bartlett is much sought after as a teacher, chamber music coach and presenter for master classes and seminars.
What do you want parents and students to know about your teaching methods?
I teach the student to play "in" to their instrument and to use it as their voice. My lessons focus on developing proper technique and exceptional listening skills, so students can project a warm and inviting tone on their instrument. I encourage each student to find their own voice as a harpist and to think deeply about how they play and project musical ideas to listeners.
What makes the American Harp Academy (AHA) unique to other summer harp programs?
AHA is held on the beautiful campus of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) in Winston-Salem. AHA occurs alongside other UNCSA Summer Intensives programs in music, dance, drama, filmmaking, and visual arts - all occurring simultaneously. As a harpist, you will have the chance to mingle with students in all arts mediums on a conservatory campus with an extensive musical library and wonderful concert halls. There will also be opportunities to collaborate with other instrumentalists, including violinists, cellists and flutists to expand upon your chamber music repertoire.
What do you hope students gain from being an AHA student?
I hope that students will become recharged with a fresh new energy and passion about their music and the harp. Students will have a much better understanding of their potential and possibilities as a student and eventually a professional harpist.
What do you love most about playing the harp and being a teacher?
As a musician, I enjoy the sound and the feel of the vibrating strings on the harp. I also love the wide range of colors and sounds that can be produced on our instrument. As a professional, I truly appreciate being able to learn new music and work with composers to bring this new music to audiences. As a teacher, I love working with students to help them discover ways to improve technique, musicality, and memorization skills, all while introducing them to different styles of music. It is exciting and fulfilling to see a student master a piece of music and then perform it with joy and confidence!
The 2025 American Harp Academy featuring Guest Artist Elizabeth Hainen of the Philadelphia Orchestra will be held June 22-27 at UNCSA in Winston-Salem, NC.