Jennifer Ellis

Jennifer Ellis is a dynamic contemporary harpist and educator at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), where she teaches harp performance, pedagogy, and community engagement. She is the founding director of the SFCM Summer Harp Camp and has held roles in Pre-College and Continuing Education programs.

• Education: DMA in Harp Performance with a Certificate of Musicology and Graduate Teacher Certificate (University of Michigan), MM in Harp Performance (Cleveland Institute of Music), BM in Harp Performance (Oberlin Conservatory)

Research and Scholarship focus on innovative harp performance, community engagement, and inclusive teaching practices. She has pioneered extended techniques for harp using tools like paper clips, screwdrivers, and electric fans, and explores electroacoustic applications with motion sensors.

Publications include articles on community partnerships and harp pedagogy, with contributions to Harp Column Magazine and The American Harp Journal. Her work on Yolanda Kondonassis' book on harp writing further highlights her scholarly contributions.

Scientific Awards include:

• 2022 LABA Fellow
• University of Michigan Engaged Pedagogy Initiative Fellow (2014-2015)
• Alice Chalifoux Prize (2012)
• Rackham Centennial Fellowship
• AT&T Foundation scholarship
• Wildacres and Avaloch chamber music residencies

Advising students like Dr. Melody Stein and Hannah Chen, who have won national harp competitions, she emphasizes innovative pedagogy and composer collaborations. Ellis serves on the American Harp Society's national board and has led workshops at over a dozen universities and festivals.