Julie Smith Phillips is a dynamic award-winning musician who enjoys a diverse career playing in solo, chamber and orchestral settings. A two-time medalist in the prestigious USA International Harp Competition (2001, 2004), she has held the chair of Principal Harp with the San Diego Symphony since 2007. Prior to her post in San Diego she served as Principal Harp with the Milwaukee Symphony and the New World Symphony and has since served as guest principal harp for the Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and St. Louis symphony orchestras.

A founding member of The Myriad Trio, she regularly performs chamber and solo concerts around the country. Highlights include solo performances at the Ojai Music Festival, Kingston (RI), Piedmont (CA) & Rockport (ME) Chamber Music Festivals, and appearances at Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music and the Sun Valley Music Festival. Former faculty member at Arizona State University (2013-2017), she teaches at Point Loma Nazarene University, is the founder of the Nebraska Harp Retreat, and is mom to three young kids: Samantha, Henry and Jack. In her spare time she enjoys relaxing at the beach with her family, gardening, and dreaming of a home renovation with her husband. Ms. Phillips is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music where she studied with Yolanda Kondonassis, and is proud to perform on Lyon & Healy harps.