Jessica Meyer to Join Manhattan School of Music Faculty

In her teaching, the composer and violist has a particular focus on networking, communication, and entrepreneurial skills

The Manhattan School of Music (MSM) has recently appointed violist and composer Jessica Meyer to its viola faculty.

Drawing from wide-ranging influences including Bach, Brahms, Delta blues, Flamenco, Indian Raga, and Appalachian fiddling, Meyer often uses a loop pedal in her music, combining layers of solo viola with the human voice.

In her teaching, she has a particular focus on networking, communication, teaching, and entrepreneurial skills, which she has taught in workshops at Juilliard School, the Curtis Institute of Music, for the Teaching Artists of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Manhattan School of Music, the Longy School of Music, NYU, the Chamber Music America Conference, and at various other universities around the country.

Meyer leads the Teen Composer Intensive at New England Music Camp, and this summer, she will serve as the Composer in Residence for the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival — as well as leading their Emerging Composer Program.

"I have been wanting a place to teach where I can finally park all that I know as a violist and empower an army of students to be inspiring soloists/chamber/symphonic/new music/anywhere/anything performers," Meyer said. "To thrive in the 21st century as an artist, we have to not wait to be chosen — but instead choose ourselves."

"MSM is thrilled to welcome Jessica Meyer to the viola faculty," said JT Kane, MSM's Dean of Instrumental Studies and Orchestral Performance. "Jessica’s impressive background as a pedagogue, soloist, chamber musician, and composer, combined with her belief in the mission of MSM and our commitment to Cultural Inclusion, will enhance our students' experience and help them grow and become the best musicians and citizens possible. We couldn’t be happier that she accepted our offer to be part of the MSM family."