Harpsichord Horizons: A Monthly Celebration of Early Music
Performance-Pedagogy-Community
Discover the vibrant world of historical keyboards at Harpsichord Horizons, a monthly gathering designed to inspire, educate, and connect the Bay Area music community. Hosted in the intimate Recital Hall of Gradus ad Parnassum Music Academy in San Mateo, this event offers a rare opportunity for students, teachers, and enthusiasts to engage with one of the Bay Area’s premier instruments: a German double-manual harpsichord built by Bruce Kennedy after Mietke.
Whether you are a student curious about Baroque performance, a teacher looking to expand your studio’s repertoire, or a music lover who enjoys the crisp, resonant pluck of the harpsichord, there is a seat at the table for you. Harpsichord Horizons isn’t just a class—it’s a community. We believe that music is best learned and enjoyed when shared, and we begin every session with a communal dinner to foster friendships and lively discussion.
Our sessions are led by distinguished specialists and experienced pedagogues in historical performance, offering participants direct access to world-class expertise in an approachable, casual setting. We are thrilled to announce that our inaugural session on May 23 will feature the expertise of esteemed Bay Area harpsichordist and pedagogue JungHae Kim.
🎹 Why Join Us?
For Students: Gain confidence by performing in a supportive “studio-style” setting and receive expert feedback from historical performance specialists.
For Teachers: Connect with colleagues and introduce your students to high-level period performance practice.
For Parents & Music Lovers: Learn the fascinating history of the instrument and get “up close and personal” with a world-class harpsichord.
⏱️ Session Schedule | Saturday, May 23 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Welcome, Introduction & Dinner
A warm opening to the evening and an introduction to the Kennedy harpsichord, enjoyed alongside a shared meal to foster community.
7:30 PM – 8:40 PM | Studio Showcase & Masterclass
Selected students perform prepared pieces.
Live coaching with JungHae Kim, focusing on touch, articulation, and Baroque style.
An engaging deep dive into historical repertoire and performance practice.
8:40 PM – 9:00 PM | Open Keyboard & General Discussion
A facilitated Q&A for all attendees.
Participants are invited to the stage to see the instrument up close and try the keyboard.
📩 How to Participate
We invite teachers to nominate students—and students to self-nominate—for the Studio Showcase portion of the evening. All levels of familiarity with the harpsichord are welcome!
Please note that this event is free of charge for all participants. However, to help us prepare for the session and dinner, an RSVP is kindly requested.