Jane Yoo

I am a professional harpist and dedicated teacher who believes that great music-making begins with a strong technical foundation, curiosity, and confidence. As a teacher, I strive to create a supportive and encouraging environment where students can develop both their musical skills and their individual voices. I work with students of different ages and levels, from beginners discovering the harp for the first time to advanced students preparing for auditions, competitions, recitals, and professional careers. My teaching focuses on developing healthy technique, musicality, efficient practice habits, and a deeper understanding of the music, while adapting my approach to each student’s individual goals and needs.

I hold a Bachelor of Music from Seoul National University, a Master of Music from Yale School of Music, and an Artist Diploma from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, where I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Harp Performance. I am a prizewinner of the USA International Harp Competition and I have been a harp fellow at the Aspen Music Festival and School for three summers. I have performed as a guest harpist with orchestras including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony Orchestra, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, and New World Symphony. As a soloist, I have performed with ensembles including Yale Philharmonia and Aspen Contemporary Ensemble. I have received First Prize in the Korean International Harp Competition and two time Kumho Young Artist.

Alongside my performing career, teaching has always been an important part of my work as a musician. Through my experience at Seoul National University, Yale School of Music, and the Peabody Institute, I have had the opportunity to work with students at a variety of levels while learning from outstanding teachers and performers. Whether you are just beginning your harp journey, looking to strengthen your fundamentals, preparing for an audition or competition, or simply hoping to become a more confident and expressive musician, I would love to help you reach your goals and enjoy the process of making music.

My teaching approach is centered on building a strong technical foundation while helping each student develop their own musical voice. I believe technique should serve musical expression, not limit it, so I work carefully with students on posture, hand position, tone production, coordination, and efficient movement. At the same time, I encourage students to understand the music beyond simply playing the notes—thinking about phrasing, color, character, rhythm, and musical intention. I want my students to feel comfortable asking questions, experimenting, and developing their own ideas.

Every student has different goals, learning styles, and challenges, so I adapt each lesson accordingly. For beginners, I focus on establishing healthy habits from the beginning and making the harp feel approachable and enjoyable. For intermediate and advanced students, I can help refine technique, improve practice efficiency, expand musical interpretation, and prepare repertoire for recitals, auditions, competitions, and conservatory applications. Drawing from my own experience preparing for international competitions, auditions, and professional performances, I can also help students develop effective practice strategies and learn how to perform with confidence under pressure.

Most importantly, I want students to leave each lesson with a clear understanding of what they are working toward and how to get there. Rather than simply correcting mistakes, I try to help students understand why something is not working and give them practical tools they can use when practicing on their own. My goal is for students to become increasingly independent musicians who are not only able to play the harp well, but also understand how to listen, think, practice, and communicate through their music.