INTEGRATIVE THERAPEUTIC
HARP CONFERENCE
Bologna - Italy, July 14-15, 2026
International Music Museum
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Exploring the Healing Power of the Harp
Research, Resonance and Connection
Call for Papers
We are pleased to invite musicians, therapists, researchers, and sound enthusiasts to take part in the Integrative Therapeutic Harp Conference, which will be held in the historic heart of Bologna (Italy), at the prestigious International Music Museum, on July 14–15, 2026.
The Integrative Therapeutic Harp Conference explores the new frontiers of therapeutic and integrative harp practice — an approach that unites research, resonance, and sound awareness.
This event offers a unique opportunity for dialogue, research, and interdisciplinary exchange among the fields of therapeutic music, sound healing, and the harp as an instrument of well-being, care, and consciousness.
The conference follows the World Congress of Music Therapy 2026 in Bologna, creating an ideal bridge between scientific research and musical therapeutic practices.
Therapeutic Harp
Therapeutic harp is one of the main expressions of therapeutic music. Originating in the United States, it has spread across clinical, educational, corporate, and wellness settings, and is now rapidly expanding in Europe as well.
Thanks to its acoustic and vibrational properties — harmonic richness, sustained resonance, and natural timbre — the harp promotes relaxation, activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, and improvement in emotional regulation and cardiac coherence. Research and field experience have shown significant effects in reducing pain, anxiety, and stress, as well as improving oxygenation and lowering heart rate.
Today, therapeutic harp practice stands at the crossroads of music, neuroscience, music therapy, sound healing, art therapy, and contemplative practices, as a tool for harmonization and awareness.
Therapeutic Music
Therapeutic music uses the intrinsic healing qualities of sound and live music to create an environment that supports the body’s natural processes of restoring well-being and homeostatic balance.
Certified therapeutic musicians offer music adapted to the needs of the moment, supporting the client on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.
The discipline is recognized by the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians (NSBTM), a U.S.-based non-profit organization that accredits training programs for therapeutic musicians and defines the standards of study, ethical code, and professional scope of practice.
Since 2023, the NSBTM has been affiliated with the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), fostering a constructive dialogue between music therapists and therapeutic musicians.
Purpose of the Integrative Therapeutic Harp Conference
The conference aims to:
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promote dialogue between research, therapeutic practice, and musical creativity;
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share experiences of therapeutic harp in clinical, educational, corporate, and wellness settings;
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build international bridges among professionals and training programs;
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highlight emerging research in the fields of therapeutic music, vibroacoustics, and sound healing.
International Music Museum and Library
Bologna, Italy
A place of history and beauty, home to one of the largest musical collections in Europe, offering an ideal setting for a gathering dedicated to harmony and the therapeutic power of sound.
The frescoed halls of the palace take visitors on a fascinating journey through six centuries of European music history: portraits of renowned composers and performers, ancient musical instruments, and manuscripts and treatises of extraordinary historical and artistic value.
The Integrative Therapeutic Harp Conference will take place in the precious Event Hall, located within the Library, which houses over 110,000 volumes, including manuscripts, incunabula, printed editions, and opera librettos.
General Information
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Presentations may be given in English, Italian or French.
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A simultaneous translation service will be available for attendees upon request.
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Each presentation will last 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes for questions and discussion.
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Oral presentations accompanied by harp, live sound, slides, audio, or video are welcome.
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Registration details and participation fees will be announced starting in January 2026.
Key Dates
October 15, 2025
Opening of the Call
January 15, 2026
Deadline for Abstract Submission
January 19, 2026
Notification of Acceptance
January 20, 2026
Opening of Registration for Conference and Retreat
July 14–15, 2026
Conference
July 16–19, 2026
Therapeutic Harp Retreat
Selection Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
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Relevance to the conference themes (research, resonance, connection)
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Originality and innovative value of the contribution
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Clarity and quality of the abstract presentation (max 300 words)
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Interdisciplinary value and ability to inspire dialogue
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Balance between theory and sound practice
Publication in the Harp Therapy Journal
The most significant presentations will be selected for publication in English in the Harp Therapy Journal, edited by Sarajane Williams (Publisher, USA), in collaboration with Silvia Maserati (Italy) and Marianne Gubri (France/Italy).
Founded in 1996, the journal is the leading international reference for research, education, and dissemination in the fields of therapeutic harp, therapeutic music, and sound healing.
This collaboration offers an important opportunity to give international visibility to innovative research, projects, and practices in the field of therapeutic harp.
Healing Strings Retreat
After the Integrative Therapeutic Harp Conference, a Therapeutic Harp Retreat will take place by the sea in Gabicce (1h30 from Bologna), from July 16 to 19, 2026.
An immersive experience dedicated to the harp and its resonance with the natural elements, therapeutic improvisation, sound healing, and intuitive singing — open to all participants wishing to deepen their practice of the harp as an instrument of wellbeing.
Registration opens on January 20, 2026.
Abstract submission
Submit an abstract in Word or PDF format, including:
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Name, surname, and a short biography (max 100 words)
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Title of the presentation
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Preferred language (IT / FR / EN)
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Description of the presentation (max 300 words)
Submission deadline: January 15, 2026
Please submit your proposal by filling out the online form below: