Harpist Katherine Siochi, whose playing has been described as “elegantly rendered” and “otherworldly” by the San Francisco Chronicle, will be adding her internationally-awarded artistry to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) in 2025 when she joins the faculty as professor of harp. 

“I feel incredibly lucky to be joining the faculty of SFCM,” Katherine Siochi said, “It has always been a dream of mine to teach at a conservatory where I will have the opportunity to work with serious, dedicated students at the very highest level. The mutual inspiration shared between teachers and students is one of the most fulfilling aspects of our careers.”

Siochi has been Principal Harp of the San Francisco Symphony (SFS) since the beginning of the 2023–24 season. She joins the nearly two-dozen SFS musicians—many of them principals— who also serve as part of SFCM's faculty. 

Katherine Siochi performs with the San Francisco Symphony.

“I love the synergy between teaching and performing,” Siochi added. “Teaching opens me up to new ideas and ways of thinking that are constantly changing. I want my students to strive for perfection while understanding that it’s a never-ending pursuit because the art is always evolving. That’s what makes music so unique and beautiful–it’s a lifelong journey.” 

“It's an incredible opportunity to have an artist like Katherine join our faculty,” said Dean and Chief Academic Officer Jonas Wright, “Watching her teach has been an absolute joy. Our students are fortunate to work with such a world class performer and teacher.”

Previously Siochi was Principal Harp of the Minnesota Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, and Sarasota Orchestra. She has appeared as a guest with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and New York Philharmonic, and was the gold medalist of the 2016 USA International Harp Competition.

In high demand as a teacher, Katherine gives private lessons, audition coachings, and masterclasses throughout the U.S. and online. She is also the harp coach for the SFS Youth Orchestra, and is on the faculty at Aspen Music Festival and School, where she teaches and performs with the Aspen Festival Orchestra.

“I am so excited to grow the SFCM harp program with Katherine,” said Jennifer Ellis who is a member of the harp faculty at SFCM. "She is an exquisite player, thoughtful teacher, and fantastic colleague,” she added.

“Katherine is an amazing musician, and a great teacher,” said Emmanuel Ceysson, the principal harpist in the Los Angeles Philharmonic, who recently stepped down from teaching at SFCM responsibilities due to increased demand as a soloist. “It only felt very natural to warmly recommend Katherine to join the Conservatory harp studio,” Ceysson continued. “People could witness her talent at the public masterclass she gave the harp studio last year, and I can’t wait for her to start this new chapter in her life and for the San Francisco harpist community to meet her and go study with her.”

As a soloist, Siochi has performed at Lyon & Healy Hall in Chicago, China, Hong Kong, and Israel. After winning first prize in the American Harp Society's National Competition, Katherine toured for two years as their Concert Artist. In 2021, she released her debut solo album Nocturne on Lyon & Healy Records.

Siochi grew up in Iowa City, Iowa, where started her musical studies with the piano when she was five years old, and began learning the harp at age nine. She holds her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in harp performance from The Juilliard School. Siochi studied secondary piano as an undergrad and credits her piano training to applying keyboard voicings to the harp and transcribing piano repertoire.

“I’m grateful to have had teachers throughout my own education who not only pushed and challenged me, but also fostered a supportive and nurturing environment,” Siochi said. “I hope to create the same for my students, as I strongly believe feeling encouraged and cared for on a personal level empowers students to aim even higher musically. The people always come first; the music second.”

Learn more about studying Harp at SFCM.