Information about the Valeria Finzi Memorial Scholarships

ValeriaAlbertoFinziMED

 above: Valeria Finzi and her husband Alberto

Valeria Finzi was a prominent and beloved 20th century harpist and harp teacher, originally from Italy, who lived for many years in Los Angeles, and in whose honor the Valeria Finzi Memorial Scholarship Fund was established. 

Every Spring (usually in April), the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Harp Society holds auditions for that year's scholarships. 

It is recommended that applicants have at least two years experience on the harp. 

They will be required to play two solo pieces of contrasting style by MEMORY, not exceeding 7 minutes in length. 

All pieces should be well within the applicant’s musical and technical capability. 

At the auditions, all applicants must provide to the Scholarship Committee the publisher’s editions (their own store-bought copies) of all pieces to be performed.  (Anyone using photocopies will be disqualified.)

A pedal harp will be provided. Applicants may bring their own pedal or lever harp and will be entirely responsible for the set-up and tuning. 

Applications for the auditions will be accepted from any young harpist who meets ALL of the following requirements:

1. Is currently a member of the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Harp Society. (Please note: Membership in the national AHS does not include membership in the local Los Angeles Chapter. Membership year for both AHS (National) and AHS-LA run from September through August.)

2. Resides in the greater Los Angeles area OR studies regularly with a teacher who is a resident member of the Los Angeles Chapter.

3. Is not yet enrolled in college. 

4. Will not be older than eighteen years of age on the date of the auditions. 

5. Must be available to perform at the subsequent Spring Fling (concert / fundraiser for the continuing support of the Valeria Finzi Memorial Scholarship Fund) to be held in late Spring. 

In addition to Spring Fling, Finzi scholarship recipients are highly encouraged to participate in other chapter events including master classes, lectures and Auditions and Evaluations (aka Music Ed event). 

Completed application must include the following:

  1. Completed application form.
  2. An application fee, which has been $25 for the past several years.
  3. Recommendation from applicant’s harp teacher in support of the applicant’s potential for development on the harp.
  4. Statement written by applicant which includes the applicant's harp education goals for the coming year and a brief description of how scholarship funds would be used if awarded. (Scholarship funds are intended to provide partial payment for lessons, but proposals for other needs related to the harp will be considered). 
  5. Proof of membership in the Los Angeles Chapter. 

The date of the next auditions, and application forms, are made available in February or March of each year.  Please watch the chapter website under UPCOMING EVENTS early each year, for the announcement of the next scholarship auditions. 

Information about recent years' scholarship recipients are linked to under the heading "LATEST NEWS" on the right side of this site's home page

 

Upcoming Events

Sun Apr 07
Finzi Memorial Scholarship Auditions

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