The music of Minnesota-based harpist and composer Amy Nam draws inspiration from the physical world: from tactile textures to the pulsation of Cepheid variables, from astrophysical models to the existential mysteries of origin and meaning. She is passionate about using music as a vehicle to ignite curiosity and express wonder.
Recently Nam was named 2025 Fermi Forward Discovery Group Guest Composer. During this residency she is interacting with scientists and composing music for public performances inspired by the research being done at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) outside of Chicago, IL.
Her original music has been featured in Harp Column magazine and has garnered awards from the American Harp Society Grants Program, the BMI Foundation, the Eastman School of Music, and the Lyra Society. Her work …of breath and fire was commissioned by fivebyfive and awarded a grant through Chamber Music America’s Classical Commissioning Program. Her orchestral works have been performed by ensembles including the Pacific Chamber Orchestra, Tennessee Valley Music Festival Orchestra, and the American Composer’s Orchestra.
Nam was named 2nd Prize winner in the Dutch Harp Festival World Harp Competition 2024. As a soloist she has appeared with the Luther College Symphony Orchestra, the St. Croix Valley Orchestra, the McGill Contemporary Ensemble, and the Vanderbilt University Orchestra. She is active in the American Harp Society and serves as Vice President on the board of the Minnesota Harp Society.
Nam holds a master’s degree in composition from the Eastman School of Music, a master’s degree in harp performance from McGill University, and completed her undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt University.
Nam is Adjunct Faculty in Music in Harp and Composition at Luther College, instructor of harp and composition at Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival, instructor of harp at Dorian Summer Music Camps, and instructor of harp and piano at Blessings Academy at the Hastings Arts Center. She also maintains a thriving home studio. Her greatest joy in life is working with her students to develop their wonder, curiosity, and musical perception.