2024 SUMMER SESSION
May 31 – June 9, 2024
At POTASH HILL
Marlboro, Vermont
AHI’s 2024 Summer Session offers harpists an intensive training experience with Yolanda Kondonassis at Potash Hill, on the beautiful campus of Marlboro Music Festival, nestled in the Green Mountains of Vermont.
During the 10-day session, participants will receive private lessons with Yolanda Kondonassis, as well as topic seminars and masterclasses. Social events, special activities, and meals with fellow harpists will be part of the NCHI experience. Local, farm-to-table cuisine is provided in the historic Marlboro Dining Hall, where musical legends have eaten and socialized for decades at the famous Marlboro Music Festival.
The atmosphere of AHI’s summer session is that of a retreat – for study, practice, classes, reflection, bonding, and inspiration. Seminar Topics will include: Practice Techniques, Performance Strategies, Audition Preparation, Body Care, Preventing Injury, Harp Technique, Musical Development, and more.
Age Range: 14 and Up (no upper age limit)
Students outside of this range may be considered at the discretion of Ms. Kondonassis.
Each day of the session will comprise private lessons and/or private practice, a seminar or masterclass, free time and three meals, along with special activities, gatherings, and workshops.
FULL SESSION
All-Inclusive Fee for May 31 - June 9: $2,465
Includes all classes, seminars, and workshops, two private lessons with Yolanda Kondonassis, 3 meals per day, dormitory housing, and all activities.
All participating harpists must opt into the dining and housing plan. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated. The chef at Potash Hill is very skilled at creating menus for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and restricted diets. Please indicate any special needs on your application form.
Accompanying parents of minors may share a room with their child if they choose (as space allows). Please indicate this request on your application form.
Parent Room and Board: $980
A limited number of harps will be available for participants who are unable to bring their own instruments, and practice time on those instruments will be scheduled and shared. Harp rental fees will be determined by how many students must share a single harp. If at all possible, harpists are encouraged to bring their own instruments. We will make every effort to provide harpists who bring their own instruments with a private dorm room, where they may keep their instrument and practice. Shared rental harps will be available in studio spaces. Please note that harp rental cost is not included in the all-inclusive fee for those who do not bring their own instrument.
FOUR-DAY WEEKEND OPTION FOR HIGH SCHOOL HARPISTS
For those with a school or graduation conflict, this option offers an arrival on either Wednesday, June 5 or Thursday, June 6 and departure on June 9. The session will include 2 private lessons with Yolanda Kondonassis, all classes (including College Audition Prep and Orchestral Excerpts), an optional private College Prep consultation, and all other weekend activities. If you are interested in this limited-space option, please apply normally and also send an email to: americanharpinstitute@gmail.com, detailing your interest in this weekend option and your desired arrival time.
All-inclusive tuition/fee for the weekend option: (Private Lessons, Classes, Private College Consultation, Food, and Accommodations): $1,585
SCHOLARSHIPS
AHI is able to offer four $500 scholarship awards to this summer's session of The American Harp Institute at Potash Hill in Vermont. After submitting your application, please send a paragraph describing why you believe you should be considered for the award to americanharpinstitute@gmail.com. Recipients of AHI’s Promising Talent Scholarship Awards will be chosen on the basis of their audition videos, their recommendations, and their personal statements. Priority will be given to those attending the full session.
Applications
Regular Application Deadline: March 15, 2024 (Regular Application Fee: $60)
Acceptance Notifications: On or before April 1, 2024
In addition to your application, an audition video and one recommendation are required.
Audition Video Repertoire: 3-minute excerpts from two contrasting pieces that you feel represent your current musical and technical level of playing. Total playing time of video should be approximately 6-7 minutes. Please submit a single file/attachment or an unlisted YouTube link to: americanharpinstitute@gmail.com with the following SUBJECT LINE: AHI Application Video for [Your Name]
In the same email, please list the titles and composers of the excerpts you are submitting.
Please have your recommender submit their recommendation to:
americanharpinstitute@gmail.com by March 15, 2024, with the following SUBJECT LINE: AHI Recommendation for [Your Name]
TRAVEL
By Air:
The closest major airports are Boston, MA and Hartford, CT. Information on convenient airport transit companies will be provided with enrollment information. AHI is unable to provide transportation for airport arrivals and departures.
By Car:
Marlboro, Vermont is . . .
Approx. 9 miles from Brattleboro, Vermont
Approx. 125 miles from Boston, MA
Approx. 95 miles from Hartford, CT
Approx. 60 miles from Tanglewood, MA and The Berkshires
Approx. 215 miles from New York City
Approx. 70 miles from Albany, NY
Approx. 160 miles from Burlington, VT
Approx. 180 miles from Portland , ME
