Ada Lia Tzab Poot

Harp Faculty

Ada Lia Tzab Poot is the first classical harpist from Yucatan, Mexico. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Harp Performance degree at the University of Minnesota under the guidance of Professor Kathy Kienzle.

Born in a Mayan community, Ada grew up in a musical environment. She studied piano as a teenager in Merida, Mexico and later started her undergraduate studies in conducting, while at the same began harp lessons. The harp would become the instrument to which she will devote herself. Looking to expand her learning, Ada moved to Paris and studied at the Conservatory of Rueil Malmaison with Christine Icart, obtaining the Perfectionnement and Excellence diplomas.

She has performed solo and chamber music recitals, as well as participated in symphony orchestras in Mexico, Belize, France and the United States. Another important aspect in her musical endeavors is pedagogy. She is a Suzuki Harp trained teacher and has extensive experience in teaching music to young children. One of her main life goals is to bring music to marginalized communities, and she has done so through the organization of different educational concerts and activities for kids and young people among Mayan communities in Yucatan, Mexico.

Ada is a member and co-founder of the Laurel School of Music faculty ensemble Son de Cuerdas, a group including flute, cello, harp and piano whose mission is to bridge cultures through Latin American music in Minnesota and beyond.