Meghan Shanley Alger

For me, teaching is all about expanding the world of possibilities for my students. My goal is to help them find a sense of belonging through exploration and self discovery. Using arrangements of traditional music and compositions by underrepresented composers, I help spark students' curiosity about themselves, the music and the world. My students play everything from Harberg, Hindemith and Quantz, to Schubert, Mercadante and Kouyoumdjian. Lessons are energized through the introduction of extended techniques and composition so students have the skills and confidence to experiment with music limitlessly. Studio successes include acceptances to Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra, Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra, All State Senior Band, as well as the University of Maryland - School of Music. Students also regularly earn top scores from MMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival. The studio comes together monthly for a group class to share our successes and challenges in practicing, play chamber music and work on technical exercises together. We also gather twice a year as a studio to perform and cheer each other on in a recital celebration and reception.