American Harp Institute Offers Intensive Training Retreat on Potash Hill

May 14, 2025

We are thrilled to welcome the American Harp Institute (AHI) back to campus for their 2025 Summer Session, taking place on Potash Hill from June 6 to 15, 2025.

The 10-day session offers harpists an intensive training experience with Yolanda Kondonassis, one of the world’s premier solo harpists and AHI’s founding director. During the session, participants receive private lessons with Kondonassis, as well as topic seminars and masterclasses. Social events, special activities, and meals with fellow harpists are also be part of the experience.

The atmosphere of AHI’s summer session is that of an intensive retreat – for study, practice, classes, reflection, bonding, and inspiration. Seminar Topics include: Practice Techniques, Performance Strategies, Audition Preparation, Body Care, Preventing Injury, Musical Development, Daily Technique Labs, and more. The age range for students is 14 and up.

The American Harp Institute was founded as a gathering place for harp study and resources, as well as programs, private lesson opportunities, and educational events. With a strong philosophy of providing clear musical and technical guidance, AHI’s goal is to provide high-quality, accessible study for harpists seeking to develop and refine their skills at the harp. “The American Harp Institute places a priority on fostering tangible growth at all stages in the journey of musical, technical, and personal development,” explains Kondonassis. “There is just no substitute for focused, invested attention. Finding that support is half the battle.”

AHI is returning to campus after a very successful first summer on Potash Hill in 2024. “After my own immensely memorable summers as a musician at Marlboro, it was incredibly meaningful to bring my own summer program back to the old stomping grounds and carry forward some of the vivid and invaluable inspiration I received at Marlboro,” Kondonassis said. “To this day, my time at Marlboro informs my artistic mindset fundamentally, not to mention the structure and philosophy of my teaching and summer retreats. I am blown away by the facilities on campus and the vision of Potash Hill as a setting for the kind of artistic work that is so important, especially today when “fast” is considered a virtue… (Marlboro and Potash Hill’s) focus on the art, the process, and an authentic commitment to excellence is critical now, more than ever before.”

In describing her goals for the program in a 2024 conversation with Victoria Chertok in The Commons, Kondonassis said, “There are lots of summer programs out there, and my interest is not creating another setting where there is a big group harp ensemble, concerts, and various people coming in to do master classes and seminars. This will feel like a true retreat, where you can examine yourself physically, mentally, and artistically, with lots of hands-on guidance and cohesive goals. I want these harpists to make the kind of developmental discoveries and memories that happen only when you get off the merry-go-round and stop time, just for a brief bit. The Marlboro/Potash Hill campus was a natural choice for this concept.”

Added one 2024 program participant: “I loved the experience and thought the setting was great . . . at AHI, I had the chance to really look at where I was as a harpist and set myself on a better course for my future. Coming out of AHI, I not only feel more motivated as a harpist, but I made friends and memories that I will never forget.”

To learn more about the American Harp Institute’s programming on Potash Hill or to submit an application, visit americanharpinstitute.com.

Harpist Yolanda Kondonassis works with AHI participants in Reich Hall in 2024. Photo courtesy of the American Harp Institute