Jacobs Harp Academy

Academy faculty

Dr. Fan-Fen Tai is the director of the Jacobs Harp Academy at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where she nurtures students of all ages and levels. A prizewinning performer and dedicated educator, she has earned critical acclaim for her dazzling interpretations of the harp repertoire—The Herald‑Times praised her “pleasure of a [Handel] harp concerto…played dazzlingly,” while the Tucson Citizen lauded her “virtuoso tour de force” and “intricate pedaling, coloristic nuance and kaleidoscopic mood.” on her performance of the Ginastera harp concerto. Dr. Tai holds a Doctor of Music degree from Indiana University (2009), a Master of Music from the University of Arizona, and a Bachelor of Music from Taipei National University of Arts. Her students have garnered top prizes in competitions worldwide, and she has appeared as concerto soloist with ensembles including the Taipei Symphony Orchestra, Asian Youth Orchestra, U of Arizona and IU Orchestras.

Beyond her performing career, Dr. Tai has made contributions as a chamber coach, ensemble director, and competition juror. She also collaborates with composers on creating new works, and advocates for community engagement, performing constantly in her local communities to bring harp music beyond the concert hall. 

For more information, contact Fan-Fen Tai at ftai@iu.edu

Schedule

Spring 2025 semester
EventDate
January 13Registration closes
January 27Pre-college & Adult harp, classes begin
May 4Spring Concert, 2PM at Auer Hall
May 10Classes conclude

Program Offerings

Fall 2024 Dates: September 2 - December 15, 2024

Spring 2025 Dates: January 27 - May 10, 2025

Eligibility: Students between the ages of 6 and 18 years. An interview is required before beginning classes.

Offerings: Receive one private lesson per week, participate in weekly masterclasses, may play in harp ensemble, and perform in recitals.

Tuition: $910

Contact:Fan-Fen Tai at ftai@iu.edu

Fall 2024 Dates: September 2 - December 15, 2024

Spring 2025 Dates: January 27 - May 10, 2025

Eligibility: Students of any age or musical experience are welcome. 

Offerings: Receive one private lesson per week and participate in group masterclasses.

Format: In-person or virtual

Tuition: $960

Contact: Fan-Fen Tai at ftai@iu.edu

Dates: 6 rehearsals; Final dates will be announced by the director at the beginning of the semester.

Tuition: $160

$50 non-refundable enrollment deposit due at registration (credited towards tuition). If you do not wish to pay tuition in full at the time of initial registration, please do not select the tuition option prior to completing registration, however tuition must be paid in full by the payment deadline in order to participate in the program.

How to apply

  1. Application process: To apply, complete the online registration. Those interested in Pre-College Harp must schedule an interview prior to enrolling. 
  2. Instrument rental: A limited number of rental harps are available at Vanderbilt Music Company.
  3. Payment: Accepting payment via credit card or check. Please do not send checks or any other forms of payment to the Office of Jacobs Academy. 
  4. Cancellation Policy: Click here for our most up to date cancellation policy.

Registration for Fall 2025 coming soon

Once you have completed the previous steps, please submit the Participant Agreement Form