Evaluation registration

The AHS Music Education Program is an exciting opportunity available to students of the harp at ANY level. The Minnesota Chapter of the AHS sponsors these evaluations annually as a service to the student community. The Evaluations Program is NOT a contest, NOT a masterclass, and NOT a test of your teacher, but it is a chance for you as a harpist to be heard by two musicians (who do not play the harp) who may have suggestions about style, phrasing and musical thought, to help you understand, interpret, and enjoy your own music more fully.

The program operates as follows:

FOR THE FIRST EVALUATION:

Each student will play two pieces (of the student’s choice) currently being worked on at his or her lesson. These pieces do not need to be memorized.

You will be shown a variety of theory tests and asked to choose at least one to complete. Feel free to pick two or three tests at different levels to challenge yourself! The corrections will give you a chance to learn new material. They will NOT be graded—they are for you!
The evaluation will be recorded along with the comments of the evaluators.

FOR THE SECOND EVALUATION:

The student will play the two pieces of music from the first evaluation, this time from memory (with attention being paid to the suggestions made by the evaluators). A third memorized piece of the student’s choice will be added.
The student will be given an aural listening exam covering size and quality of intervals, rhythms, melody and some chord identification.

The afternoon after the second evaluations are completed, there will be an informal recital. Each student will perform a solo of his or her choice in a warm, encouraging atmosphere.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS:

Either the teacher or the student must be a member of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Harp Society.

Pedal and non-pedal harps will be provided for both pre-evaluation practice and the evaluation itself.

Two copies of the music to be played at both evaluations should be brought to the evaluations —no photo copies, please!

The recording is intended as an accurate representation of your performance and the comments of the evaluators. The digital recording will be emailed to you and your teacher so you can talk through it at your lesson.

After completing both phases of the Evaluation, you will be presented with a Certificate of Participation from the American Harp Society. You will also have your recording, evaluator’s comments, and theory and ear-training results—the makings of a truly educational experience. As each year goes by, you will be able to chart your own personal growth through annual participation in the Music Education Evaluations Program.

Dates and location for 2026 evaluations will be announced in the late fall of 2025. It is important for the student to be available for both dates and for the recital in the afternoon of the second evaluation. Application deadline to be announced.

Questions? Please email Jann.