Our Story
For over four decades, music education has faced significant challenges, particularly in public schools where arts programs are often marginalized. In 1999, a dedicated group of parents, teachers, and volunteers established the HARPS Foundation, which stands for Harp Advocates Reaching People with Special Needs. This 501(c)(3) organization was created to ensure the sustainability of a vibrant independent harp program, protecting it from the fluctuations of school arts budgets.
Since its inception, the HARPS Foundation has expanded to include five Performance Ensembles of the American Youth Harp Ensemble, nationally recognized summer harp institutes, and nine outreach programs focused on harp therapy, mentorship, and community service. Currently, the foundation serves over 800 students from elementary to secondary levels, providing conservatory-level instruction and performance opportunities, regardless of their financial means.