Confab: a meeting or conference of members of a particular group.
“You have created a harp conference that is second to none.” FRANK VOLTZ
“JPG’s motto, ‘For the love of the harp,’ says it all. With enthusiastic students, delicious catered lunches, a student recital, and a final sharing session, it’s a well-organized, joyous celebration for harpists of all levels. Don’t miss this ‘Confabulous’ weekend!” KIM ROBERTSON
“JPG is an absolute gem. The collaborative energy is uplifting and inspiring. Without a doubt, JPG is one of the best harp retreats on the planet! I can't wait to visit lovely Chattanooga again!” SUNITA STANESLOW
JPG Harp Confab 2026 with Robbin Gordon-Cartier!
July 8 - 11, 2026 - Chattanooga, Tennessee
PLAY! LEARN! FUN!
Imagine your creative confidence, your joy of the harp, and your experience of FUN as the harp EXPANDS – with every note you play – as you PLAY, PLAY, PLAY for 3 days together!
Now … imagine this: it only costs $345 for all three days of instruction.
And there’s only one catch: there are a limited number of spots, so secure your spot today!
How do you get started? Click on the STORE page and then click on HARP CONFAB to complete the application and pay with your credit card.
Meet your creative coach Robbin Gordon-Cartier
Robbin Gordon-Cartier brings her joy of the harp to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Joyful, centered, and a consummate musician are words that describe the presence and playing of Robbin Gordon-Cartier. Dedicated early to the study of the harp, Gordon-Cartier spent long summers as a young harpist in Ireland studying at the Royal Irish Academy. Since then, she has appeared nationally and internationally everywhere from Carnegie Hall to the National Symphony of Santo Domingo, at events honoring Lord Guinness, Cicely Tyson, and Sir James Galway. She plays frequently at churches and gospel events. Robbin teaches an extensive and very successful harp program in the East Orange School District’s Cicely Tyson’s School of the Performing Arts where she works to bring the harp to the attention of a wide variety of young people, busting stereotypes. She has joined the faculty of Kean University in Union, NJ, as Concert Artist/Adjunct Harp Faculty. Robbin has a CD out, Just As I Am. Check out Maureen’s interview with Robbin on The HarpSong® Podcast. Presenter Website: Robbin Gordon-Cartier
JPG Harp Confab Schedule
Dates – July 8-11, 2026
Wednesday - CHECK-IN from 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Because all harpists register online, all you have to do is give your name, and you will be given your JPG Harp Confab Workbook. Next, you will place the column of your harp on one of the colored circles on the floor, and place your harp bag in the storage area. Bring your bench and music stand. chairs are available if you need them.
Easy Strings Meetup: Meet & Mingle from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Kick off the three-day JPG Harp Confab with an evening designed for connection and camaraderie. This casual gathering offers a chance to meet your hosts, learn about the Confab, connect with our instructor, Robbin Gordon-Cartier, hear her play a couple of pieces, and connect with fellow attendees. Exchange ideas, build community, and get a preview of what’s in store before the Confab begins. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be served.
Thursday – 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday - 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Daily Breaks and Lunch are provided each day.
JPG Harp Confab Capacity:
Number of teachers – 1
Number of students – 50 max
Location: JPG Harp Confab is held in beautiful Chattanooga, TN, with easy access from CHA airport and BNA and ATL airports by shuttle van. It is also accessible by I75 and I24. The address for our 2026 camp is:
The Oak Street Center
433 Oak Street
Chattanooga, TN 37403
Fee
The fee for the 2026 JPG Harp Confab is $345 which includes:
Instruction by Robbin Gordon-Cartier
Workbook
Lunch and snacks daily
Wednesday, heavy hors d'oeuvres and beverages during the Easy Strings Meetup: Meet & Mingle
Cancellation Policy: Registration is refundable, except for the small percentage that Squarespace keeps, until May 1, 2026. By May 1, supplies are purchased, printed, etc. Even then, we will do our best to work with you if the reason for cancellation is illness or a death in your family.
What to bring:
Bring your harp, music stand, and bench. Chairs are provided, if needed. Dress is comfortable. We recommend you bring a sweater in case the room is too cool for you. We strive to strike a happy medium, but people have different temperature needs.
Lodging:
Chattanooga is a tourist city and there are many hotels in the downtown area close to where we will hold the confab. To get the best price, sites, such as priceline.com or airbnb.com can offer discounts and many options.
For 2026, we are excited about the possibility of partnering with the University of Tennessee Chattanooga to offer housing in one of their single room, apartment-style dorms for $45 per night. We will be able to confirm whether or not this will be an option for housing in the Winter of 2026. Stay tuned.
Here’s What you Learn
As you PLAY you LEARN – and here are some of the things you’ll learn
Classes will be announced soon! Stay Tuned!