
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
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Sunday, August 23 | Registration closes |
| August 24 | Pre-college & Adult harp, classes begin |
| October 15-18 | MCCSC Fall Break: lessons will continue but no masterclass or harp ensemble rehearsal on Saturday, October 17 |
| November 22-29 | Thanksgiving Break: No lessons, masterclass or harp ensemble rehearsal |
| Sunday, December 6 | Winter Concert (tentative) |
Program Offerings
Fall 2026 Dates: August 24 - December 6, 2026
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 6 and 18 years. An interview is required before beginning classes.
Offerings:
Weekly 45-minute lesson and one-hour technique/masterclass: $1050
Contact:Fan-Fen Tai at ftai@iu.edu
Fall 2026 Dates: August 24 - December 6, 2026
Eligibility: Students of any age over 18 or musical experience are welcome.
Offerings: Receive one private lesson per week and participate in group masterclasses.
Format: In-person or virtual
Weekly 50-minute lesson and one-hour technique/masterclass: $1100
Contact: Fan-Fen Tai at ftai@iu.edu
Spring Dates: 13 rehearsals; Final dates will be announced by the director at the beginning of the semester.
Tuition: $280
How to Apply
- Registration: Complete the online registration form. Those interested in Pre-College Harp must schedule an interview prior to enrolling.
- Instrument rental: A limited number of rental harps are available at Vanderbilt Music Company.
- 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.
Once you have completed the previous steps, please submit the Participant Agreement Form
Cancellation Policy: Click here for our most up to date cancellation policy.
