Elzbieta Szmyt is professor of music in harp, chair of the Harp Department, and director of the Pre-College Harp Program at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
Sarah Bullen is adjunct professor of music in harp at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
Bullen was appointed principal harpist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) in 1997 and held the position for 24 years, until her retirement in 2021. She began her orchestral career in 1981 as principal harpist of the Utah Symphony, and from 1987 to1997, she was principal harpist of the New York Philharmonic.
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.
