IHTP Vision

A harp player for every hospital and hospice!

IHTP Motto

We hear your voice!

IHTP Mission

The International Harp Therapy Program trains practitioners to assist patients in healing or transitioning in a supportive and comforting environment. At the core of the program is the recognition that each individual has their own resonant tone, preferred musical styles, and rhythm (for example breathing rate), in any given moment. Combining these elements, the therapeutic harpist offers the recipient their own personal musical journey, or “cradle of sound” , to enhance quality of life and to help them in emotional, mental, physical and spiritual healing, as well as providing comfort to family and staff. Skilled Certified Therapeutic Harp Practitioners play at the bedside, and also engage the patient with interactive music-making when appropriate.

Christina Tourin – founder & director of IHTP

IHTP History

For centuries, the beneficial relationship between music and healing has been well established. We now have substantial documentation of the responsiveness to and appreciation of music by people of all ages and cultures. Music played on the harp has several unique healing properties. The resonance from the strings, including the range of pitch and tonal colour, set up an important relationship between the sound and the recipient. Historically, the harp has been a symbol of relief and comfort.

Christina Tourin is a second-generation harpist, enthralling performer and internationally acclaimed recording artist. [http://www.playharp.com] She is also a pioneer and leader in the world of harp and healing. From her initial inspiration in the early 1990s, and through her vision, tireless energy and dedicated teaching, the International Harp Therapy Program is now a highly regarded and sought-after course of study, and is accredited by the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians (US). The program offers comprehensive training, combining two separate attendance modules, independent (at home) study, and internship. The keynote of convergence draws together science and spirituality; intuition and intellect; and deepened compassionate awareness of self and other. To learn more, please visit our Training page. You will also find links to valuable resources such as free online tutorials by Christina.

For close to 3 decades, IHTP has trained graduates from 22 countries across 5 continents, and has now established its global Affiliate Partner Programs, with training available in the United States, Europe, Italy, Hong Kong and Australia. We are fortunate to be able to offer you the Australian Affiliate Program under the guidance of Christina and the IHTP. Our program is also recognised by the Australian Therapeutic Harpists Association (ATHA). https://www.atha.org.au/