What: The UNT HarpBeats, an ensemble of nine harpists who perform pieces ranging from Bach to the music of Michael Jackson and Taylor Swift, present an evening of modern and classical music.

When: 6:30 p.m. April 14 (Thursday).

Where: Paul Voertman Concert Hall, located in the Music Building at 415 Avenue C, Denton.

Cost: Free.

More information: For a complete list of UNT College of Music events, including faculty and student recitals, visit the College of Music online calendar and connect with the College of Music on Facebook and on Twitter at @UNTCoM.

DENTON (UNT), Texas -- When thinking of harps, most people imagine traditional, elegant tones of classical music. But, the University of North Texas College of Music's HarpBeats are turning the harp world on its ear – transforming songs by the likes of Harry Bellafonte (view video), Led Zeppelin (view video), Michael Jackson and Taylor Swift, as well as recognizable television themes, such as Inspector Gadget (view video), into 47-stringed masterpieces.

"The harp is in an exciting place right now because new types of harp music are emerging, including harp in jazz, pop and rock bands," said Jaymee Haefner, principal lecturer of harp and director of College of Music Undergraduate Studies for the College of Music. "I want the students to experience a little bit of all these genres during their studies at UNT since the rest of their training tends to be more traditional."

The public will have the opportunity to hear not only the modern, non-traditional arrangements, but also get a taste of classical greats such as Bach at 6:30 p.m. on April 14 in Paul Voertman Concert Hall, 415 Avenue C, Denton. Haefner says the concert not only helps demonstrate the talents of her students, but gives concert goers an opportunity to experience the diverse abilities of the harp. Haefner says the audience can expect a concert that reaches beyond the typical recital experience with performances of arrangements of Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror," "Jump in the Line" by Harry Belafonte (view video) and a variety of Taylor Swift songs.

"By modernizing harp music, our HarpBeats ensemble is able to reach a broader audience because it taps in to current music," Haefner said. "Although many people claim to enjoy the sound of the harp, a traditional recital might not be enough to pull them away from watching their favorite show. However, once they experience a harp recital which surprises them, they will be more inclined to attend other harp events in the future."

The UNT College of Music has one of the largest harp programs in the nation, and produces well-rounded musicians who are able to adapt their skills for anything from solo performances to large ensembles. The HarpBeats recently doubled their online music catalog by releasing three new tracks – Led Zeppelin's "Bron-Yr-Aur and Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp," "Jazz Fantaisie on Ravel's Introduction and Allegro," and a UNT harp student's arrangement of "The Woods" – available at the UNT Music Store.

Haefner says working with the HarpBeats is an honor and she looks forward to continuing to shape them as musicians.

"The harp students at UNT stimulate me every day," Haefner said. "I am grateful to work among them and to be a part of their projects. I can honestly say that every harp student who has studied at UNT has made a lasting impact on the studio, and also on me as a teacher. Working with these students is the best job in the world."

About the UNT College of Music

The College of Music is one of the largest and most respected comprehensive music schools in the world. Approximately 1,500 music students attend the college each year, participating in nearly 70 widely varied ensembles while engaged in specialized studies in performance, composition, conducting, jazz studies, music education, music history, music theory or ethnomusicology. Music students, alumni and faculty have made appearances on the world's finest stages, have produced numerous recordings with many receiving Grammy awards and nominations, and have written influential texts in a variety of areas in music scholarship. Distinguished University alumni can be found around the globe in top music ensembles, opera companies, universities, and schools.