About Kristal
Kristal Schwartz is a professional harpist with over twenty-five years of performing and teaching achievements. A native of Santa Clara Valley, she is highly sought after for solo performances, recordings, ensemble collaborations, teaching, weddings, private parties, afternoon teas, and a variety of special events.
Kristal holds a Master’s in Performance with Honors from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (2007) and a Bachelor’s in Music Performance from Thomas Edison University (2005). She studied under the principal harpists of the San Francisco Symphony, the San Francisco Conservatory, and San Jose State, which has profoundly influenced her exceptional technique and artistry.
Clients appreciate Kristal’s meticulous attention to detail and her unique ability to reflect each client’s personality in her selected repertoire. She thrives on engagements where she can create an extraordinary atmosphere, fostering conversation, companionship, and memorable moments.
An Experienced Educator and Harp Entrepreneur
Kristal is an experienced educator, dynamic harp ensemble director, and freelance performer. She maintains a thriving private studio in the Bay Area with over 30 students, ranging from beginners to professional levels. Her dedication to teaching brings out the best in her students, many of whom have won competitions, been accepted to prestigious programs, and gone on to professional careers in music. Kristal’s students have performed at the American Harp Society Institute and have been accepted to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-College.
In 2008, Kristal began building the first K-12 harp program in Northern California at Valley Christian Conservatory. She has fostered harp awareness in numerous schools, including Clark Elementary School, Harker, Mitty, and Saratoga High School.
From 2010 to 2015, Kristal partnered with the San Jose Academy of Music to help build their music school into a prestigious institution for piano, voice, and strings. She served as co-owner during this time, significantly contributing to its growth and success.
Director of the San Jose Youth Symphony Harp Ensemble
Kristal is well known as the director and founder of the San Jose Youth Symphony Harp Ensemble (SJYS Ensemble), a pre-professional ensemble recognized for its stunning performances and innovative use of electric harps combined with traditional concepts. The ensemble performs Kristal’s own arrangements of contemporary and electroacoustic harp ensemble pieces, as well as collaborative works with new and emerging composers and arrangers from around the world. Starting in the 2025 season, she is considering running the ensemble privately through her academy, Bay Area Harp Academy.
A Personal Journey with the Harp
“When I was three, I was first exposed to the harp at a party. Although it sounds funny, I knew then I was supposed to play the harp!” Kristal recalls. Her parents initially thought it was a passing fancy, but her persistence eventually led to harp lessons and her very own harp.
Kristal enjoys using her musical skills in various venues, but she is particularly drawn to small, intimate occasions. These settings allow her to see the transformative effect of her music as it turns stress into tranquility and hurriedness into serenity.
Creating Memorable Moments for Life Events
“It is important to understand what clients want to communicate during their event. That’s why I spend a lot of time interviewing them, learning about the mood and atmosphere they wish to create. While events are joyous occasions, they can also be stressful. My role is to anticipate this and perform music that alleviates tension, allowing everyone to enjoy the moment without distraction.”
Consider booking Kristal for your next special event. Contact Kristal today to discuss your needs and make your occasion truly memorable.
Kristal holds a Master’s in Performance with Honors from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (2007) and a Bachelor’s in Music Performance from Thomas Edison University (2005). She studied under the principal harpists of the San Francisco Symphony, the San Francisco Conservatory, and San Jose State, which has profoundly influenced her exceptional technique and artistry.
Clients appreciate Kristal’s meticulous attention to detail and her unique ability to reflect each client’s personality in her selected repertoire. She thrives on engagements where she can create an extraordinary atmosphere, fostering conversation, companionship, and memorable moments.
An Experienced Educator and Harp Entrepreneur
Kristal is an experienced educator, dynamic harp ensemble director, and freelance performer. She maintains a thriving private studio in the Bay Area with over 30 students, ranging from beginners to professional levels. Her dedication to teaching brings out the best in her students, many of whom have won competitions, been accepted to prestigious programs, and gone on to professional careers in music. Kristal’s students have performed at the American Harp Society Institute and have been accepted to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-College.
In 2008, Kristal began building the first K-12 harp program in Northern California at Valley Christian Conservatory. She has fostered harp awareness in numerous schools, including Clark Elementary School, Harker, Mitty, and Saratoga High School.
From 2010 to 2015, Kristal partnered with the San Jose Academy of Music to help build their music school into a prestigious institution for piano, voice, and strings. She served as co-owner during this time, significantly contributing to its growth and success.
Director of the San Jose Youth Symphony Harp Ensemble
Kristal is well known as the director and founder of the San Jose Youth Symphony Harp Ensemble (SJYS Ensemble), a pre-professional ensemble recognized for its stunning performances and innovative use of electric harps combined with traditional concepts. The ensemble performs Kristal’s own arrangements of contemporary and electroacoustic harp ensemble pieces, as well as collaborative works with new and emerging composers and arrangers from around the world. Starting in the 2025 season, she is considering running the ensemble privately through her academy, Bay Area Harp Academy.
A Personal Journey with the Harp
“When I was three, I was first exposed to the harp at a party. Although it sounds funny, I knew then I was supposed to play the harp!” Kristal recalls. Her parents initially thought it was a passing fancy, but her persistence eventually led to harp lessons and her very own harp.
Kristal enjoys using her musical skills in various venues, but she is particularly drawn to small, intimate occasions. These settings allow her to see the transformative effect of her music as it turns stress into tranquility and hurriedness into serenity.
Creating Memorable Moments for Life Events
“It is important to understand what clients want to communicate during their event. That’s why I spend a lot of time interviewing them, learning about the mood and atmosphere they wish to create. While events are joyous occasions, they can also be stressful. My role is to anticipate this and perform music that alleviates tension, allowing everyone to enjoy the moment without distraction.”
Consider booking Kristal for your next special event. Contact Kristal today to discuss your needs and make your occasion truly memorable.
Preferred Venues
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