Our harp studio takes full advantage of Lamont's many performance opportunities, participating in symphony orchestra and opera, as well as chamber, world and contemporary groups. They graduate Lamont prepared for whatever opportunities may come their way, including professional symphony orchestra positions, teaching, and freelance performance. Harp students study with Courtney Hershey Bress.
Courtney Hershey Bress is Principal Harp of the Colorado Symphony. She has performed with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Bress is currently Principal for the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, and has served as Principal Harpist with the United States Army Field Band, the Baltimore Symphony. She has played with the Grand Teton Music Festival, the Strings Music Festival, and the Colorado College Summer Music Festival. In May of 2023, Ms. Bress performed the world premiere of a harp concerto by Michael Daugherty, a piece commissioned by Ms. Bress and the Colorado Symphony.
In addition to serving as adjunct faculty at the Lamont School of Music and the Lamont Summer Academy, Ms. Bress gives master classes around the country and maintains a private teaching studio. Her students have won National and International harp competitions and enjoy fruitful careers.
Get in touch with Professor Hershey Bress at Courtney.Hershey.Bress@du.edu.
Auditions
Applicants may choose to either audition in person in Denver OR submit a recorded video audition.
Applications received after January 15 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. You may indicate your preference for a live or virtual audition on the Lamont application.
Click here to view the current year’s audition dates and the full steps for how to apply.
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In-Person Audition Requirements
All auditions are approximately 15 minutes in length. The applicant will choose one of their prepared works to perform. The faculty will choose the second of the prepared works and possibly an additional work as well.
Undergraduate (BM and BA)
- Two standard works of contrasting style demonstrating highest technical and artistic abilities (Grandjany's Variations on a Theme of Haydn, Glinka's Nocturne, Natra's Sonatina, etc.). Memorization required.
- Orchestral excepts:
- Tchaikovsky, Waltz of the Flowers (cadenza)
- One of the following:
- Franck, Symphony in D Minor (complete)
- Verdi, La Forza del Destino (overture)
Undergraduate (Minor)
- Two contrasting pieces
- One orchestral cadenza or excerpt of your choice
Graduate (MM)
- Three works of contrasting style demonstrating highest technical and artistic abilities (a Bach transcription, unaccompanied movement of a standard concerto, Houdy's Sonata, Salzedo's Scintilation, Grandjany's Rhapsodie, etc.). Memorization required.
- Orchestral excerpts:
- Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique (complete)
- One of the following:
- Ravel, Tzigane (cadenza)
- Donizetti, Lucia di Lammermoor (harp solo)
- Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake (cadenza)
Graduate (Certificate in Performance)
- Two contrasting pieces or movements, memorized
- Two orchestral cadenzas or excerpts of your choice
Review Requirements for Artist Diploma
Review Requirements for Certificate in Orchestral Studies -
Video Audition Requirements
Applicants unable to travel to Denver for a live audition may submit a video audition via the Lamont application. Repertoire may be recorded separately in multiple takes; editing within each take is prohibited.
Undergraduate (BM and BA)
- Two standard works of contrasting style demonstrating highest technical and artistic abilities (Grandjany's Variations on a Theme of Haydn, Glinka's Nocturne, Natra's Sonatina, etc.). Memorization required.
- Orchestral excepts:
- Tchaikovsky, Waltz of the Flowers (cadenza)
- One of the following:
- Franck, Symphony in D Minor (complete)
- Verdi, La Forza del Destino (overture)
Undergraduate (Minor)
- Two contrasting pieces
- One orchestral cadenza or excerpt of your choice
Graduate (MM)
- Three works of contrasting style demonstrating highest technical and artistic abilities (a Bach transcription, unaccompanied movement of a standard concerto, Houdy's Sonata, Salzedo's Scintilation, Grandjany's Rhapsodie, etc.). Memorization required.
- Orchestral excerpts:
- Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique (complete)
- One of the following:
- Ravel, Tzigane (cadenza)
- Donizetti, Lucia di Lammermoor (harp solo)
- Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake (cadenza)
Graduate (Certificate in Performance)
- Two contrasting pieces or movements, memorized
- Two orchestral cadenzas or excerpts of your choice
Review Requirements for Artist Diploma
Review Requirements for Certificate in Orchestral Studies
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Courtney Hershey Bress.
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