Born in 2005 and hailing from Southern California, Laurel Harned is quickly establishing herself as one of the foremost emerging classical guitarists in America. 

 

In recent years, Laurel has frequently performed as a soloist throughout the United States. In 2026, she completed two solo concert tours across Texas and California, performing in 15 cities, more than half of which welcomed sold-out audiences. An appearance with the Oklahoma Chamber Orchestra performing part of Joaquin Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez has been a highlight of her career, as well as solo recitals for numerous guitar societies across the US. 

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In 2025, she entered the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, where she is earning a Bachelor’s degree under the tutelage of Maestro Manuel Barrueco. She also holds an Associate or Arts degree from Moreno Valley College, where she was a Dean’s List student and tutor.

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Laurel has won first prize in several competitions and participated in nearly 30 masterclasses with internationally renowned musicians, including Ana Vidović, Solo Duo, Tilman Hoppstock, Beijing Guitar Duo, and others. In 2024, she was featured nationally on NPR’s From the Top after receiving the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Scholarship.

 

She has recorded videos for Guitar Salon International (USA) and Siccas Guitars (Germany), with those performances garnering well over a million views on YouTube. Laurel is proud to be an ambassador for Augustine Strings.