My name is Megan and I am a Soprano! I have been singing as long as I can remember. I play piano, guitar, and ukelele to accompany myself, and am proficient at teaching piano, improvisation, and songwriting as well as voice. I studied Music Education/Performance at SUNY Broome Community College, and have Music Therapy training from Marywood University. At Marywood, I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Global Social Welfare and Music. I worked extensively for several years in nursing homes providing activities for elderly residents; especially residents with dementia. I have also worked with children and adults with various mental health diagnoses as well as other diagnoses such as Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder. This prepares me greatly for providing lessons for people of all backgrounds and abilities! I am currently pursuing a career in Music Performance and Education; teaching lessons and working in a music store while performing locally and recording music. It is my hope that I can bring to my students the joy and passion I feel towards music, and maybe even some of the healing I have found through it as well!

When did you begin singing, and why?

I have been singing as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories involve me “making up” songs to narrate my life! Through singing and music, I am able to express my emotions and connect with others in a way that I could not access as easily through talking.

What other instruments do you play, and what is your experience with them?

I play piano, guitar, and ukulele! I have been playing piano since I was five years old, and started learning guitar and ukulele much later in life in order to accompany my improvisation and songwriting.

What are your personal goals as a musician?

My biggest goal is to pursue my performance career; in hopes to write and perform personal songs that may inspire others. I also want to spread the joy of music to others; through teaching and also through leading improvisation/songwriting classes!

Do you have a memory of a time when a musical concept or technique really clicked?  Something you’ll remember forever?

One time I was practicing in my voice lesson for an audition for my university’s production of Songs for a New World. The competition was fierce, so I didn’t end up getting the role, but I remember something in me really connected with the music more than any of the classical music I’d sung in those lessons! I sang my heart out, and my teacher said something along the lines of, “Why haven’t you sung like that until now?!” In that moment, I realized how much I need to connect with what I am singing about in order to sing my best.

What is your favorite piece of advice from one of your past (or current) teachers?

Definitely when my vocal teacher in college emphasized how important it is to support your sound!

What was your most challenging moment learning an instrument?

When I played the flute in elementary school, it took me the entire semester (or school year?!) to make a sound out of the flute, but I kept at it and played through high school.

What is your biggest musical achievement?

Honestly, for me it’s putting music out on Spotify and performing at local shows!

Favorite thing about teaching?

Getting to inspire people on this own journey of self growth.

What is a piece of advice you would like to share with anyone learning music?

Never give up! It takes time, but you will grow through it!

Personal music projects:

I have a music project that goes by “Meghan Kylie.” I have music on all streaming platforms including Spotify!