Host Families are Bloomington residents that accommodate one or more harpists in their home during the triennial USA International Harp Competition, which takes place at the IU Jacobs School of Music. In 2025, the competition will be held May 14 - 24, 2025. Hosting a harpist is a fulfilling and fun opportunity to meet and get to know a terrific young musician. Additionally, Host Families have a chance to experience amazing music at as many of the USAIHC performances as they would care to attend!

Timing

  • The participants will require accommodation for arrival on May 13th through departure on May 25th. However, harpists often arrive 1-4 days early and may leave 1-4 days after the final stage of the competition.

  • If you are not available for all dates, it does not automatically exclude your participation. We will do our best to work around schedules and logistics needed to meet your availability for early and/or late departure of any particular harpist.

  • Other participants in the USAIHC such as laureates, performers, volunteers, etc. may need lodging for shorter amounts of time within the competition. If you are only available for some of the dates, please still consider hosting a non-contestant harpist at your home.

Expectations

  • Each harpist must be accommodated with their own bedroom, although several harpists may share a bathroom.

  • We ask that Host Families provide breakfast foods and some (3-4) dinners for the harpist assigned to them.

  • You may want to treat your harpist to a dinner out or some event, as time permits, but the Host Family is not expected to give the harpist money.

  • Please offer to take your harpist to a grocery store so they can stock up on food for their stay.

  • Most days, the harpists will find lunch around IU when they take a break from their practice schedule, and some will opt to go to dinner with their fellow harpists.

  • During the competition, they will be focused on practice, and you may not see them very much. Make it easy for the harpist to let you know their preferences.

  • Host Families should make their harpist feel welcomed and a part of the family.     

  • Our harpists are usually far from home at a very challenging competition. It can be an intense experience, so we hope that you will be present to cheer on your harpist as they compete and accompany the harpist to as many of the evening events as possible.

 Transportation

  • Any transportation you would be willing to provide your guest is appreciated, but not expected.

  • There will be a free shuttle available to the harpists to go to and from the IU Jacobs School of Music, but the demand for the shuttle will exceed its availability. If you can provide a ride to IU for the harpist, it would be greatly appreciated.

  • Transportation to and from the airport is the responsibility of the harpist, not of the Host Family. If you wish to pick up your harpist from the airport, you are welcome to do so, but you will need to make arrangements directly with them.

 Other

  • All school harps remain at IU. At no time should a Host Family move a participant’s personal harp unless given express permission from the harpist.

  • All host families must submit to a background check with favorable results.

  • There are several concerts and 2-3 social events during the competition which you are invited to attend.

Thank you for considering being a Host Family in 2025! If you would like to be involved in this program, click here to fill out an interest form.