Masterclasses at Harp Fest NZ 2026
What is a masterclass?
A masterclass is an opportunity for a student to play a work for a master teacher, in a performance situation and in front of an audience. The intention is to provide a learning opportunity for the student as well as the audience/observers.
What is the difference between a harp lesson and a masterclass?
A lesson is usually regular one-on-one instruction with a teacher, who will develop the student’s technical ability to play the harp allocate suitable pieces and exercises to improve the musicality, and play for the student’s ongoing progress. In a masterclass, a teacher works with the student in front of an audience. Like a performance, the student will perform their piece uninterrupted. The master teacher will then address the student, as well as the audience, and may explore interpretation and technical issues, which affect every player of that instrument.
Can I attend a masterclass just to observe?
We would encourage everyone to attend at least one masterclass. As an observer you will not only appreciate listening to performance of works but also learn about the work and how to perform it from the teacher.
Who can register as a masterclass student?
Any Harp Fest NZ 2026 attendee who has registered can apply to be a student for a masterclass. Masterclasses will be offered from Grade 3 to advanced, depending on interest at the different levels. There is a limit of 6 Masterclass places across the weekend.
Audition rules: To be submitted by 25 February 2026
*Video submission is to be not more than 2 minutes in total.
*Introduce yourself, tell us your teachers name, name of the piece you are playing and the composer or arranger of the music.
*Play either the whole piece or an excerpt of around 60-90 seconds.
Complete this form:
You can either upload your video onto the form or put the link to your YouTube video.
We will reply by 1 March 2026 to let you know if you have been accepted for the Masterclass.
If you have been accepted, you will need to pay the entry fee and submit a copy of the music you are playing for the Masterclass by 5 March 2026. More specific details will be given directly to the successful applicants.
Our two masterclass teachers for Harp Fest NZ 2026 are:
Suneetha Carter (Australia) and Noel Wan (Taiwan/Canada/USA)
We will be accepting only six masterclass students due to scheduling restrictions.
A masterclass is an opportunity for a student to play a work for a master teacher, in a performance situation and in front of an audience. The intention is to provide a learning opportunity for the student as well as the audience/observers.
What is the difference between a harp lesson and a masterclass?
A lesson is usually regular one-on-one instruction with a teacher, who will develop the student’s technical ability to play the harp allocate suitable pieces and exercises to improve the musicality, and play for the student’s ongoing progress. In a masterclass, a teacher works with the student in front of an audience. Like a performance, the student will perform their piece uninterrupted. The master teacher will then address the student, as well as the audience, and may explore interpretation and technical issues, which affect every player of that instrument.
Can I attend a masterclass just to observe?
We would encourage everyone to attend at least one masterclass. As an observer you will not only appreciate listening to performance of works but also learn about the work and how to perform it from the teacher.
Who can register as a masterclass student?
Any Harp Fest NZ 2026 attendee who has registered can apply to be a student for a masterclass. Masterclasses will be offered from Grade 3 to advanced, depending on interest at the different levels. There is a limit of 6 Masterclass places across the weekend.
Audition rules: To be submitted by 25 February 2026
*Video submission is to be not more than 2 minutes in total.
*Introduce yourself, tell us your teachers name, name of the piece you are playing and the composer or arranger of the music.
*Play either the whole piece or an excerpt of around 60-90 seconds.
Complete this form:
You can either upload your video onto the form or put the link to your YouTube video.
We will reply by 1 March 2026 to let you know if you have been accepted for the Masterclass.
If you have been accepted, you will need to pay the entry fee and submit a copy of the music you are playing for the Masterclass by 5 March 2026. More specific details will be given directly to the successful applicants.
Our two masterclass teachers for Harp Fest NZ 2026 are:
Suneetha Carter (Australia) and Noel Wan (Taiwan/Canada/USA)
We will be accepting only six masterclass students due to scheduling restrictions.