Abigail Kent

Adjunct Professor of Harp

Education

The Juilliard School
Doctor of Musical Arts

Mannes School of Music
Master of Music

The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia
Bachelor of Music

Performance/Recording Highlights

Harpist Abigail Kent communicates emotions and stories through music, using the harp as a passport to the human heart. An international award-winning harpist, Fanfare Magazine recognized them for “immaculate playing and musical sensitivity.” Some of Abigail’s international awards and honors include “New Artist” in Musical America International Magazine, winner of the touring “Concert Artist” position for the American Harp Society, and Live Finalist for the Young Concert Artists International Auditions.

Abigail is also in high demand as an orchestral harpist. She is the Principal Harpist Fellow of New World Symphony and has also performed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, and Charleston Symphony Orchestra. Her performances at international festivals include the Aspen Music Festival, Spoleto Festival USA, Pacific Music Festival (Sapporo, Japan), and Tanglewood Music Festival.

A committed pedagogue, their love of teaching stems from hosting masterclasses during the two years as Concert Artist for the American Harp Society. As the adjunct harp faculty at College of Charleston, Abigail has created two different and individualized pathways to study the harp that mirror their own double identity: traditional lever harp and classical pedal harp. They have also presented masterclasses and lectures for the American Harp Academy, the 2019 American Harp Society National Institute, The Curtis Institute of Music, and The Juilliard School. 

Kent studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, Curtis Institute of Music (BM), Mannes School of Music (MM), and The Juilliard School (DMA).

Courses Taught

MUSP 298 - Applied Harp