About The Dorset Harp Colony

Join us again this summer in Dorset, VT for an intensive two weeks of harp performance taking place June 23-July 5th taught by award-winning harpist, educator, yoga instructor and musical entrepreneur, Alix Raspé Gray. The Dorset Harp Colony, LLC serves to educate, inspire, encourage and mentor the next generation of harpists.

The Dorset Harp Colony (DHC), established 2024, is a summer harp festival that embraces the true meaning of competition: to strive with.

The DHC is an international harp festival, and focuses on large and small harp ensemble, solo performance (optional), musical entrepreneurship, community performances, and wellness practices (yoga & meditation). Repertoire will be assigned by musical ability.

WEEK 1: June 23-June 29 (The Gig and Beyond)

WEEK 2: June 30-July 5 (Ensemble Musicianship)

Students can sign up for one or both weeks to participate.

Housing and meals included.

Three Fellowship opportunities available upon application!

Former students of the DHC have attended or are currently attending the top music programs (Interlochen Arts Camp, Young Artists Harp Seminar) and top Universities (including Princeton University, Columbia University, Vanderbilt University and more).

Program includes:

  • Large harp ensemble

  • Small harp ensembles

  • Musical Entrepreneurship

  • Community Performances

  • Gigging/Marketing Workshops

  • Private lessons with Alix

  • Interactive workshops

  • Yoga and Meditation for Musicians

  • Masterclass

MORE INFO:

  • Length: Two weeks; June 23-July 5th

  • Costs:
    Private Room, Board + Tuition: $3,150 per week (all meals and housing included)

    Shared Room, Board + Tuition: $3,000 per week (all meals and housing included, limited availability)

    Payment plans are available, please contact dorsetharpcolony@gmail.com.

  • Ages: 13 and over 

  • Levels: Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Professional

  • Residency Housing: Housing Provided at the historic Dorset Colony House, 173 Church Street, Dorset, VT 05251 (pictured below).

  • Financial Aid: Two harp fellowship opportunities available waiving room and board, excluding tuition. Please apply via email, attaching resume and demonstrating financial need. Payment plans are available, please contact dorsetharpcolony@gmail.com.

  • Harp types: Pedal, lever.

    Students must bring their own instrument.

SCHEDULE :

WEEK 1: June 23-June 29 (The Gig and Beyond)

Being a musician involves entrepreneurship, creative marketing, and music accessibility for all audiences! Often, we are learning on the job how to adapt our music for our diverse audiences. Join us Week One to enhance your performance skills, and workshop a piece (or two!) that you’d like to perform in all different settings: weddings, solo performances, educational programs, nursing homes, libraries, or church services. Plan to perform in several community venues this week for the opportunity to hone these skills.

Includes daily yoga, one harp lesson, workshops to help workshop your piece and plenty of community performance opportunities!

WEEK 2: June 30-July 5 (Ensemble Musicianship)

Rehearse and perform with other harpists in small and large ensembles. The week will conclude with a final concert on July 5th at 11am. Opportunity to perform your solo (optional).

Includes daily yoga, one harp lesson, workshops, and a masterclass!

TUITION:

Tuition per week : $3,150 (Shared room $3,000 per week. Limited availability.)

Tuition for two weeks: $5,999 (Shared room, $5,850 total. Limited availability.)

Please fill out application form before completing registration.