Lisa Kahn

Lisa Kahn is a Professor of Harp at VanderCook College of Music, combining a distinguished performing career with impactful music education. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, a Master’s from the University of Illinois, and a Performance Diploma from the Chicago College of Performing Arts. Her performance career includes roles with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Civic Orchestra, and as solo harpist at the Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island).

She served as President of the Chicago Chapter of the American Harp Society and led harp performance at the Drake Hotel for 7 years. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes adaptability, joy in learning, and combating perfectionism’s mental health impacts. Lisa maintains a large private studio and is an internationally published author.

Key achievements include solo performances at the Ear Taxi Festival (2021) and competition participation in the Lyon and Healy Awards. Her work bridges classical performance excellence with innovative pedagogical approaches.