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.

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. She is 2nd Prize winner of the Dutch Harp Festival World Harp Competition 2024.

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, and instructor of harp and piano at Blessings Academy at the Hastings Arts Center. She also maintains a growing home studio. Her greatest joy in life is working with her students to develop their wonder, curiosity, and musical perception.