A fabulous harpist with 15+ years experience, Aponi Brunson is a native of Richmond, Virginia. She is an alumni of the Maggie Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies, a graduate of the American Youth Harp Ensemble, and of University of Mary Washington with degrees in both harp performance and music education.

Aponi has extensive teaching experience and has served as the Assistant Artistic Director of the American Youth Harp Ensemble (AYHE) and the Managing Director of the HARPS Foundation for 15 years.

Aponi has provided leadership for AYHE Outreach Programs including “Sound Experiences,” a harp-centered music education program for underserved youth, and Harp Therapy Outreach programs in local hospitals and serving youth with disabilities. Since 2007 Aponi has also directed the AHYE’s Lyra and Troubadour Ensembles. 

As a solo harpist, Aponi performs regularly with orchestra, chamber music ensembles, choirs, and for private events. She has performed in venues such as World Harp Congress, Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, the White House, the Paris Music Festival, the Edinburgh Festival, and in Milan and Rome, Italy. Equally at home performing classical and jazz, she brings a wealth of experience and versatility to her teaching.

Aponi was recognized by Chesterfield County, Virginia as the winner of the 2018 Outstanding Adult Award for Extraordinary Service to Youth.