The USA International Harp Competition (USAIHC) is a triennial performance competition held at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana that recognizes the accomplishments and fosters the careers of gifted young harpists worldwide. Founded in 1989 by Susann McDonald, world-renowned harpist and Distinguished Professor of Music at Indiana University, the USA International Harp Competition is open to harpists of all nationalities between the ages of 18 and 32.
During the ten-day competition, contestants compete in four stages: the first two stages consist of required repertoire, the third stage is a 40-minute solo program of the contestant’s choice, and the fourth stage features the three finalists performing a harp concerto accompanied by the Jacobs School of Music Philharmonic at the Indiana University Musical Arts Center. All stages are free and open to the public.