2026 Nebraska Harp Retreat
June 25-28, 2026
Final Concert: Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 4pm
Brownville, Nebraska
Foundation.
Having the right tools to play and practice makes all the difference. And you don’t have to have it figured out already! We’re all learning and this is THE place if you want to take your playing to the next level. We’ll cover the basics & then step it up a notch (or two!) to make sure your technique and skills are in tip-top shape.
In addition to your 2 private 1-hour lessons over the course of the retreat, we’ll dig into practice tips, elevating your performance skills, self-evaluation of your own technique, warm-up routines, audition excerpts, writing your own compositions and more! This is the opportunity to step away from the bustle of life to focus on your playing, practicing and improving.
“Knowing Julie...It is an honor that I am able to recommend my students to attend the Nebraska Harp Retreat, where she continues to pass along her passion for the harp in an incredibly nurturing, encouraging and fun environment. I have found that my students who have attended the NHR come back with a greater love of the instrument, improved technical skills and confidence in their playing, and they experience the joy of building friendships with other harpists!”
“Attending the Nebraska Harp Retreat was an unforgettable experience! The highlight of the retreat is undoubtedly getting to work with Julie herself, an exceptional harpist and teacher who truly cares about the success of each participant. She goes above and beyond to offer invaluable advice, encouragement, and support.
Brownville, NE is a welcoming town with a strong appreciation for the arts, and connecting with the locals was an unexpected highlight. The retreat provides a supportive environment for harpists at any stage, with a historic house and peaceful landscape ideal for focused practice.
The camaraderie among fellow harpists.. made the experience even more rewarding. I highly recommend this retreat to any harpist looking to improve their playing and make lasting memories!”
“I had a really great time and enjoyed just being able to focus on music and getting better at technique. The time is relaxing from the normal busyness of life and allows you to still work on your harp skills. I am looking to returning for the next one! ”
Dreams.
If you listen carefully, there’s probably a small voice inside of you saying, “I wonder if I could….” or “I’d love to do that…!” I want you to listen to that voice & to dream your BIG dreams! Through discussions and reflection, we’ll discover your strengths and passions and then develop action steps to make those dreams come true!
Our time together will be to assess where you are and where you want to go, whatever level you are at! Dream big, make plans, and set your schedule to accomplish what you want to achieve!
Creativity.
It can’t all be work and no play! Our creative spirit needs to be unleashed and nurtured and finding outlets for it is an important activity, too! Be prepared for light-hearted fun at this workshop that will translate to your music, playing, and friendships, which will ultimately transform your life!
Brownville, NE is a quaint village filled with cultural experiences and artistic activities. The workshop will include art classes by local artists, museum tours, a river boat dinner cruise and more! Other Brownville attractions for family and friends include area hikes, coffee & decor shops, antique shops, museums, and a local winery.
2026 Nebraska Harp Retreat Details
The Nebraska Harp Retreat is open to all harpists who desire a focused retreat experience to take their playing to the next level. With the arrangements at the Muir House, this retreat is open to various ages and can accommodate multiple levels of players. If you are wondering if this experience is right for you, please reach out to nebraskharp@gmail.com for more information.
The 2026 Retreat will be an intimate experience over the course of 3 days. Filled with rehearsals, practice time, lessons, opportunities for art classes and independent exploration of Brownville, the retreat will be a weekend of musical rejuvenation and artistic fulfillment. Classes will cover ensemble repertoire, performance anxiety, eurhythmics, performance practice, and more! For those interested in orchestral repertoire and elevating their audition skills, specifically for competitions, performances or orchestra auditions, we will arrange to have a mock audition experience as well.
2026 Nebraska Harp Retreat Schedule:
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Check-in: Thursday, June 25 between 5-7pm; Dinner options will be provided
Additional lesson opportunities can be arranged for Thursday afternoon, before check-in
Friday, June 26, 2026
First Class begins at 9:30am
Full day of rehearsals, classes, private lessons, village exploration, and practice time
Optional art class at EnvironArt
Dinner provided
Optional evening production at the Brownville Village Theater
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Full day of rehearsals, private lessons, exploration, and practice time
MasterClass
Optional afternoon activities in the village
Dinner provided
Optional evening (different) production at the Brownville Village Theater
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Dress Rehearsal, 1pm
Final Concert, 4pm, Brownville Concert Hall
Example Daily Schedule
8am - breakfast
9am - harp ensemble rehearsal or class at Brownville Concert Hall / compositions
10am - practice time / lessons
12pm - lunch on own
1:30pm - art classes with local artist / farm experience / museum tours
3pm - rehearsal / practice time / lessons / free time
5:30pm - dinner
7pm - practice / free time
Tuition & Fees
Tuition / $600; Room & Board / $300
Full payment is due by June 1, 2026
Tuition includes:
One private lesson with Julie Phillips
Harp classes (ie. orchestra repertoire, technique study, composition, iPad skills, eurhythmics training, etc.)
Performance opportunities—final public concert, masterclasses, mock auditions
Free time to practice and explore Brownville
Classes with local artists plus evening activities
Additional lessons are available during the retreat. Please inquire early in the retreat about scheduling additional lesson time.
Accommodations: The retreat can accommodate both overnight guests and commuters. Please note on your application which you plan to do.
Rooms at the historic Muir House are double occupancy with a shared bathroom
Continental breakfast, lunch and dinner is provided on Friday & Saturday. Sunday breakfast and lunch are provided.
For commuters, the Lyceum Cafe is an affordable lunch option ($10-20), or you are welcome to pack your own lunch.
Dinner is provided Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings
Commuting options are available. Parents who are interested in staying in Brownville during the week may arrange for a room at the River Inn Resort in Brownville or use other local accommodations.
Application
Deadline: May 1, 2026
In addition to submitting your application, applicants who have not attended the Nebraska Harp Retreat before are asked to submit a recorded video of their current level of playing. Repertoire should consist of two contrasting pieces (no more than 10 min total in length) as well as an orchestral excerpt of your choice. These videos are used to assign appropriate level of ensemble music for the harpists.
Materials and/or links may be sent to nebraskaharp@gmail.com. Application payment of $30 should be mailed by check to 3984 Syme Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008 or sent via Venmo to @harpjas. Applications can be found here. Ensemble repertoire will be emailed in mid-May.
Scholarships may be available for select individuals and students are encouraged to apply. If interested in a scholarship, please complete this application in addition to your NHR application. Scholarship applications are due May 1, 2026.
Other FAQs
Repertoire: Harp participants are asked to come prepared with one performance-ready solo piece (to work on polishing), one or two in-progress pieces (to work on practice techniques), and one orchestra excerpt of their choice. Participants will also be given harp ensemble music to prepare for the retreat’s final concert.
Directions: Brownville, NE is located in the Southeast corner of the state of Nebraska. It is 75 miles from the Omaha, NE airport and 105 miles from Kansas City, MO airport. Airport pickups can be arranged. Cost is $100/roundtrip.
Instruments: Participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own harps, although a small number of instruments may be available to rent from the Lincoln/Omaha/Kansas City areas. If a rental harp is needed, please note that on your application. Securing a rental harp and payment to harp owners are the responsibility of the attending student.
Photos from past Nebraska Harp Retreats
Harpists rehearsing their ensemble music, 2016
Photos from previous Nebraska Harp Workshops
Harp ensemble rehearsal at Peru State College, 2016
Post concert photo with all of the workshop participants.
Hosted lunch at the home of the Peru State College’s President.
Make a Donation
If you would like to assist in funding the Nebraska Harp Workshop Retreat, please consider making a donation. All of the funds go towards underwriting this and future summer’s workshop retreats, providing scholarships to our participants, and assisting with travel expenses for guest artists. Even a small donation will help! And thank you!
