Chrysalisfor flutists, harpists
& composers ready
to take flight.
Four days where adult amateur harpists, flutists, and composers gather to play, write, and create together — with the coaching and community to meet you exactly where you are.
The most beautiful music begins when we stop playing alone.
Most of us learned to practice in solitude. We refined our tone in our living rooms, polished our phrasing in the privacy of practice studios. And somewhere along the way, the joy of making music with other people got set aside.
For four days, harpists, flutists, and composers will gather to coach, collaborate, and create together. You'll workshop new pieces with the composers who wrote them, and learn what it means to truly partner with another musician — the rehearsal habits, the artistic conversations, the trust. You'll explore repertoire that stretches you, whether it's brand new or simply new to your stand. You'll practice and play together. And whether you're stepping into chamber music for the first time or raising the ceiling on what you already do, you'll leave with something rare: a real plan for what comes next.
Especially if you're nervous about this.
We know the feeling. You're looking at words like masterclass, new music, and ensemble performance and your stomach is tightening a little. You're wondering if you'll be the least experienced person in the room. You're wondering if workshop is code for humiliating.
Here's the truth: Chrysalis is built for the player who hasn't done this before. The faculty's whole job — and why they love teaching like this - is to meet you exactly where you are. Not where you wish you were. Not where you used to be. Where you actually are, today, in your living room.
You will not be asked to solo unless you want to.
You will not be put on a stage you didn't choose.
You'll be coached, supported, and grouped with players whose level matches yours. The brave thing isn't being the most accomplished player in the room. The brave thing is showing up.
What you'll do across four focused days.
A program designed for serious amateurs who want real artistic growth — not a passive listening retreat. Every day blends collaboration, instruction, performance, and camaraderie.
Make music together.
- Harp & flute duo coaching and repertoire discovery
- Small ensemble collaborations across instruments
- Composer-performer partnerships on new pieces
No prior chamber music experience required. Ensembles are grouped thoughtfully by level.
Refine your craft.
- Individual coaching sessions with faculty
- Masterclasses for performers and composers
- Faculty-led ensemble rehearsals
Coaching meets you where you are — not where you wish you were.
Expand your musicianship.
- Composers' lab for pieces in process
- Introduction to arranging for performers
- Recording strategies for the tech-challenged
- Exploring opprotunities as a performer or composer
Collaboration from the ground up. If you've never worked in person with a composer, you're in the right place.
Step onto the stage with confidence.
- Large group ensemble experience for all participants
- Small group coaching sessions
- Informal open mic night
- Featured concert by SPARX (flute & harp duo)
Performance opportunities, not requirements. Participate at your comfort level — including listening only.
Real plans. Real partnerships. Real momentum.
Three working artists. One shared vision.
That shared vision begins with joy — the joy of making music, of making it together, and of helping others discover it for themselves.
Harpist
Concert harpist, educator, and founder of Harp Mastery®. A Curtis Institute alumna and former faculty member, Ms. Sullivan made her debut as soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra and continues an active performing career, including her duo SPARX with Joan Marsh.
Flutist
Flutist, chamber musician, and co-founder of the harp-flute duo SPARX. A passionate advocate for new music and collaborative performance, Ms. Marsh brings decades of teaching experience and a deep commitment to bringing classical players into adventurous new repertoire.
Composer, arranger, producer, and award-winning composer of concert music. Dr. deLise has also produced, arranged and conducted hit records for major pop stars. He is a Fellow of the New Jersey Council on the Arts and is published by Metropolis Music Publishing and Alry Publications.
A rhythm to the days that lets you actually arrive.
Mornings for instruction and collaboration. Afternoons for ensemble work and education. Evenings for performance, listening, and conversation. Subject to refinement.
Choose how you'll join us.
Reserved rates at our partner hotels
Three excellent properties are holding rooms for Chrysalis attendees — including The Sands, directly across from the Convention Center. Book early; rooms in The Wildwoods fill quickly in September.
View Hotel Options →What you might be wondering.
I'm worried I'll be the least experienced person there. Is that going to be miserable?
It won't, and we've designed against it. Participants span a wide range of experience — some are returning to their instrument after decades, some play in community ensembles, some are confident soloists. Coaching is individualized. Ensembles are grouped intentionally by level. The faculty's whole orientation is toward bringing players forward from where they are, not measuring them against where they aren't. By the end of day one, you'll know your people.
Do I have to perform?
No. Performance opportunities exist throughout the retreat — the open mic, the ensemble performance, in-class coaching — and you can engage with each at your comfort level. Many participants surprise themselves by doing more than they expected. Others contribute by listening, supporting, and being part of the room. Both are valid ways to be here.
I write music as a hobby. I'm not really a "composer." Should I even come?
Yes. The composer track is for anyone who creates music — whether you've had pieces performed publicly or you've never shown your work to anyone. Louis works with composers across the experience spectrum, and the retreat is structured so that even an unpolished sketch becomes something you can hear played, refined, and brought to life.
As a composer, do I need to know how to use a program like Finale or Sibelius?
Definitely not. Bach wrote his music by hand, and if it was good enough for him, it’s certainly good enough for us. Of course, you can use a music notation program, if you prefer.
I'm worried about the physical demands. Four days of playing is a lot.
The schedule is built with rest woven in — breaks between every block, a sit-down lunch, and downtime in the evenings. You're never expected to play continuously. Many participants are 60+ and pace themselves comfortably. If you have specific concerns — about your hands, your back, your stamina — write to us before you register and we'll talk through it.
What if I don't know anyone?
Most participants arrive not knowing anyone. The cohort is intentionally sized so everyone meets — through coaching, ensemble groupings, shared meals, and the kind of conversations that happen naturally when you're making music together. Introverts and extroverts both leave with new friends. Some leave with new duo partners.
What's included in the registration fee?
All instruction, coaching sessions, masterclasses, ensemble work, educational sessions, and admission to the SPARX concert. Lunches on Friday and Saturday are also included, as is the welcome reception on Thursday. Lodging, breakfasts, and dinners are on your own.
What are the registration options?
Most participants opt for a single registration for the entire event. Or you can opt to just come for Saturday and participate in all the activities that day, including attending the evening concert. However, if you are part of a duo (a flute and harp duo, for instance) and you both will attend, you can take advantage of the Duo Registration option. This includes both full registrations at a single price which is less than the cost of two single registrations.
Where will I stay?
You have your choice of three excellent hotel properties that are holding rooms for our attendees. The Sands is directly across the street from the Convention Center. The Pan American is a premium property just ¾ of a mile away. The Madison is slightly farther away, although there is a shuttle available. You can click this link to take you to the reservations page where you can view each of the properties.
Should I bring my own instrument?
Yes — and most participants will. A locked, secured room is available for overnight instrument storage throughout the retreat.We will have a limited number of harps available for harpists to use or rent. If you need more information on this, please email us at ChrysalisMusicWorkshop@gmail.com with a note to Anne’s attention.
Is this event just for pedal harpists?
Absolutely not — lever and pedal harpists are equally welcome. All the weekend programming will be inclusive, taking into consideration players of either instrument.
My spouse or partner may want to come along. What else is there to do in the area?
We hope they do! The Wildwoods are one of the Jersey Shore's most beloved destinations, with five miles of free, expansive beaches and a 38-block boardwalk featuring amusement piers, water parks, arcades, live entertainment, and over 300 restaurants. There's also excellent golf, breweries and tasting rooms, historic and cultural sites, and outdoor activities like cycling, fishing, and watersports. It's an easy place to spend a few days independently and a beautiful one to explore together when the retreat day ends.
Where exactly are The Wildwoods located?
The Wildwoods are in southern New Jersey, about 37 miles south of Atlantic City. The primary airport for visiting The Wildwoods is Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), with Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) as a major alternative. Driving time from Philadelphia is about 1.5 hours. Driving time from NYC is about 2.5 hours.
Is the Saturday night concert open to the public?
Yes. SPARX (Anne Sullivan and Joan Marsh) will perform a featured concert open to the community. Tickets are $25 and are a beautiful way to share the retreat experience with friends and family.
Still wondering if Chrysalis is right for you? Send us a note — we love these conversations.
Chrysalis Music Workshop is a collaborative offering from HarpMastery.com
Come find out what you sound like together.
Two instruments. Three faculty.
Four days that could change how you make music for the rest of your life.