The harp program at Laurier welcomes both pedal harp and lever harp players. Weekly group performance classes explore improvisation, arranging, composition, and chord chart reading. We also perform as a harp ensemble.
Students can focus their studies in performance, composition, integrated musical arts, music education, music therapy, music history, theory and critical analysis and self-directed studies. Our program allows for a student to study one or more of these areas at the same time depending on their individual interests.
Our instructors Lori Gemmell and Sharlene Wallace have extensive experience with solo, symphonic and chamber music as well as folk, popular and improvisational performance. They are committed to developing well-rounded musicians prepared for the professional world and helping them achieve their highest level of performance.
Audition repertoire should be performed at a Grade 8 RCM level or higher. RCM formal training and exams are not required.
You must play two contrasting pieces and a study, or a third piece plus the technical requirements at a minimum RCM Grade 8 level.
Sight reading will also be included.
It is recommended that anyone interested in applying to the harp program arrange to have a lesson with Lori Gemmell or Sharlene Wallace before their audition in order to get a sense of the program and the teaching style.
It is recommended that anyone interested in applying to the harp program should arrange to have a lesson with Lori Gemmell or Sharlene Wallace before their audition so they can get a sense of the program and the teaching style.
The harp studio offers a space for all harp students can practice in and store their harps.
Students will have the opportunity to perform in the beautiful Maureen Forrester Recital Hall as well as other venues in the community including a noon hour series at First United Church. Winners of the Ken Murray Concerto Competition will have the occasion to perform with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony on stage at the Centre in the Square.
The harp studio is a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to explore and develop their own interests and abilities within a safe environment before bringing them into a concert setting. During individual lessons and as a group we explore ways to manage performance anxiety, tension, physical and emotional stress as well as enhancing musical performance.