Thérèse Hurley

Thérèse Hurley, originally from Collingswood, NJ, graduated with a Bachelor of Music and Graduate Performance Diploma both in Harp Performance from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University where she studied with Ruth K. Inglefield. She continued her studies with a double master's degree in Harp Performance and Music History from Temple University where she studied with Elizabeth Hainen, principal harpist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Music History and Historical Performance Practice at the University of Oregon.

An experienced orchestral and solo harpist, Thérèse has performed with the Oregon Bach Festival Orchestra, Eugene Symphony, Newport Symphony, Haddonfield Symphony, Delaware Symphony, The Garden State Philharmonic, and Newark Symphony. While an undergraduate, she performed at Les Rencontrès Musicales d'Évian under the direction of Mstislav Rostropovich. As a soloist, she performed at Caesar's Casino in Atlantic City for two years and has provided music for numerous private engagements such as weddings, corporate parties, cocktail parties, bar mitzvahs, and funerals. Although classically trained, Thérèse tailors the music to the event so whether you would like a Bach Adagio, an Irish air, or even The Grateful Dead, she will provide the perfect music for the day.

As an instructor, Thérèse has been on the faculty of the Peabody Preparatory and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels from beginner through advanced. In 2010, she was awarded the Donald and Darel Stein Graduate Student Teaching Award by the University of Oregon. This award recognizes outstanding teaching performance by experienced graduate students who also demonstrate excellence in their own academic programs. Each year, the University selects one or two recipients among a pool of over 1,300 graduate student teachers.

Anniversaries, Awards Nights, Banquets, Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Casinos, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Coffee Shops, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Country Clubs, Cruise Ships, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Hotels, Movie Soundtracks, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Resorts, Restaurants, Reunions, Showers, Sorority Function, Studio Session, Temples, TV Soundtracks, Weddings...and more.

• I wanted a harpist playing Christmas music in our backyard as a surprise to my family. I contacted Therese through gig masters only 2 days before the event. Therese said yes, she was on time, she was well prepared, and her playing was wonderful. Thank you Therese and thank you gigmasters.com for connecting us so quickly. -- Eric M, Springfield, OR, 12/23/2010