About

At the Bay Area Harp Academy Foundation, we believe music is more than just a skill—it’s a source of healing, connection, and transformation. Our mission is to make harp education accessible, empowering, and inclusive by nurturing the next generation of harpists through performance, and community engagement.

Turning dreams into melodies, one string at a time.

Established in 2025

Founded by conductor, educator, and harpist Kristal Schwartz, the Foundation supports a diverse student body, ranging from young beginners to aspiring professionals. With a special focus music outreach, and ensemble performance opportunities, we aim to remove barriers and create pathways to musical excellence for all.

Our Goal

Our programs promote workshops, community service events, regional and national conferences, and international tours.
From the Redlands and Los Angeles Harp Conferences to our aspirations for the 2026 World Harp Congress in Toronto, we provide students with the opportunity to perform, grow, and be inspired on a global stage.
We celebrate neurodiversity, honor each student’s unique journey, and believe that music—especially harp music—has the power to heal, uplift, and transform lives.
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Our Team

Kristal Schwartz
Artistic Director

​Kristal Schwartz is a passionate harpist, educator, and arts advocate whose career has been dedicated to empowering musicians through education, community, and artistry. As the founder and Artistic Director of the Bay Area Harp Academy Foundation, she brings over two decades of experience as a performer, teacher, and ensemble leader to her role as conductor.

Hannah Ewell 
​Secretary

Hannah Ewell is a harpist and teacher with a music education and harp performance degree from San Francisco University. 

Laura Montalvo
​Treasurer

Laura Montalvo is a business management technical consultant and parent of a youth harpist.  Since 2019, Laura has become involved with the studio operations of Bay Area Harp Academy while supporting her daughter's interest in learning to play harp.

Bay Area Harp Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. EIN:33-4174393. Your support helps us bring the healing and joy of harp music to students of all ages and backgrounds.