Megan Burkart
Selma,IN
Summary
Versatile performer with strong knowledge of music theory and history. Well-versed in classical music settings as well as improvisatory rock collectives. Dedicated musician willing to collaborate with other professionals or perform in solo role. Consistently cultivates long-lasting professional relationships within the music industry. Remains focused and poised in fast-paced settings. Demonstrates ability to engage audiences, collaborate with fellow musicians, and adapt to new environments quickly.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Band Leader
Prairie Creek Sirens
Muncie, IN
03.2022 - Current
- Coordinated rehearsals and performances with band members, sound engineers, and venue staff.
- Developed set lists for live shows and special events.
- Maintained a professional attitude at all times in order to inspire the best performance from band members.
- Ensured that musical instruments were properly tuned and maintained prior to each performance.
- Managed the booking of venues for gigs, ensuring appropriate payment was received for services rendered.
- Negotiated contracts with promoters, agents, and other parties involved in performances or recordings.
- Composed original music and arranged existing songs according to specific needs of individual projects.
- Worked closely with audio engineers during mixing sessions in order to achieve desired sound quality levels.
- Played different musical instruments to accompany and complement band members.
- Promoted performances through social media.
- Organized costuming coordination and promotional photo shoots.
Performing & Recording Artist
Maevyn Stone
Selma, IN
06.2018 - Current
- Created original music and lyrics for upcoming albums, singles, and EPs under the alias Maevyn Stone.
- Performed live shows at various venues to promote new releases.
- Collaborated with other artists on joint projects, such as songs, tours, and interviews.
- Developed a strong social media presence to engage fans and increase awareness of new releases.
- Scheduled promotional appearances with radio stations and podcast interviews.
- Coordinated the release of physical copies of albums such as CDs or vinyls.
- Monitored sales figures of previous releases to measure success levels.
- Maintained professional relationships with promoters and booking agents.
- Directed video shoots for music videos or promotional clips.
- Conducted research about trends in the music market in order to adjust approach accordingly.
- Collaborated with other musicians to plan rehearsals and performances.
- Traveled, sometimes great distances, to perform at venues and rehearsed to prepare for performances.
- Held informal performances on street corners and for private groups.
- Interacted directly with fans during concerts or online through streaming platforms.
- Successfully crowdfunded and sold original albums.
Private Harp, Voice, Composition & Electronic Music Lessons
Self-employed
Central Indiana
05.2010 - Current
- Virtual and in-person instruction in Central Indiana
- Developed custom practice assignments to help students reach their goals more efficiently.
- Provided one-on-one instruction in music theory, technique and performance for students of all ages and skill levels.
- Taught vocal and instrumental techniques, exercises and performance skills to students.
Freelance Harpist
Mystical Harp, self-run business
Central Indiana
01.2004 - Current
- Adapted to new songs, concepts and arrangements quickly and professionally.
- Developed strong interpersonal skills to deal with different personalities.
- Chose music appropriate to specific performance requirements.
- Met one-on-one with clients to help them choose song selections and discuss details and timing of their event.
- Played a variety of music with a broad stylistic range and improvisational flexibility.
- Quickly learned new pieces to accommodate clients' requests.
Resident Harpist
Grand Hotel
Mackinac Island, MI
06.2024 - 07.2024
- Sight-read and improvised guest requests quickly and professionally.
- Played variety of music with broad stylistic range and improvisatorial flexibility.
- Performed professionally among large numbers of guests while being filmed and photographed.
- Maintained equipment, such as harp tuning, upkeep, and transporting.
- Diversified and edited set list daily to provide engaging music for long-term guests.
- Performed daily for High Tea & Demitasse, as well as for special events such as private dinners and wedding ceremonies.
Graduate Assistant
Butler University
Indianapolis, IN
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Collaborated with faculty on special projects related to curriculum development and program assessment in the music composition department.
- Shared responsibilities conducting the New Music Ensemble.
- Helped with set-up and tear down, as well as smooth transitions, during ensemble performances.
Harp Teacher & Composition Teacher
Butler Community Arts School, Butler University
Indianapolis, IN
08.2018 - 03.2020
- Developed and implemented individualized teaching strategies for students of varying levels of musical experience.
- Assessed student's current level of musical knowledge and provided appropriate instruction to help them improve their skills.
- Integrated popular songs into lesson plans while still emphasizing traditional music theory principles.
- Explored different genres of music with students in order to broaden their understanding of different styles.
Artistic Director, Composer, Arranger, Founder
Sylphs & Seraphim Women's Vocal Ensemble
Muncie, IN
08.2013 - 08.2018
- Created musical arrangements for performances.
- Scheduled rehearsals and concerts.
- Provided technical direction during live performances.
- Composed and taught original music compositions.
- Conducted warm-up exercises prior to performances to ensure optimal voice production from singers.
- Coached singers on proper diction and pronunciation in different languages used in choral works.
Retreat Director
Hildegard Festival Retreat, Oakwood Retreat Center
Selma, IN
07.2014 - 08.2015
- Organized retreat events and activities, including scheduling performers, teachers, volunteers, and staff.
- Created public relations strategies to promote the festival and build community engagement.
- Negotiated contracts with artists, vendors, caterers and other service providers.
- Maintained detailed records of financial transactions related to planning, production and execution of the festival.
- Implemented marketing campaigns on social media platforms.
- Assisted in developing website content related to ticket sales and registration procedures for attendees.
- Designed a full website advertising classes, teacher bios, performer bios, and venue specifics.
- Coordinated and allocated equipment, supplies and staff for events.
- Worked with professional and trade associations to create memorable and successful events.
- Attended and participated in industry events.
- Created program activities, agendas and budgets.
Graduate Assistant
Ball State University
Muncie, IN
09.2009 - 01.2010
- Taught music theory, technique, ear training, sight singing, and performance skills to incoming freshmen.
- Conducted regular assessments to track student progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Provided individualized feedback to each student on their performance and assignments.
Music History Area Assistant
Ball State University
Muncie, IN
09.2004 - 05.2005
- Organized and maintained filing systems for documents and records.
- Learned how to read neumes and transcribe them into modern musical notation.
- Proofread musical documents to ensure proper transcription prior to publishing.
Education
Bachelor of Music in Harp & Voice -
Ball State University
Muncie, IN05.2010
Master of Music in Composition -
Butler University
Indianapolis, IN05.2021
Skills
- Advanced music theory
- Relationship Building
- Musical composition
- Self Motivation
- Improvisation
- Problem-Solving
- Professional Networking
- Online Teaching
- Performance Planning
- Fundraising
- Musical Arrangements
- Studio Recordings
- Professionalism
- Event Planning
- Sight Reading
- Social Media Promotion
- Social Skills
Awards
- Vocal Competition Winner, Ball State University, 05/08
- Jan Pennington Harp Scholarship Competition, National Competition, 05/04
References
- Dr. Michael Schelle, Professor of Composition, Artist in Residence, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN
- Dr. Frank Felice, Professor of Composition, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN
- Wendy Muston, Professor of Harp, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN
- Elizabeth Richter, Professor of Harp, Ball State University, Muncie, IN
- Dr. Michael Oravitz, Professor of Music Theory, University of Northern Colorado, Greenley, CO
- Dr. Eleanor Trawick, Professor of Music Theory, Ball State University, Muncie, IN
Affiliations
- Natural artist - foraging and weaving vines into wreaths, crowns & portals
- Textile sewing artist - designing and mending clothing, tents, and more
- Amateur painter and doodler - specializing in zentangle
Timeline
Resident Harpist
Grand Hotel
06.2024 - 07.2024
Band Leader
Prairie Creek Sirens
03.2022 - Current
Graduate Assistant
Butler University
09.2019 - 05.2020
Harp Teacher & Composition Teacher
Butler Community Arts School, Butler University
08.2018 - 03.2020
Performing & Recording Artist
Maevyn Stone
06.2018 - Current
Retreat Director
Hildegard Festival Retreat, Oakwood Retreat Center
07.2014 - 08.2015
Artistic Director, Composer, Arranger, Founder
Sylphs & Seraphim Women's Vocal Ensemble
08.2013 - 08.2018
Private Harp, Voice, Composition & Electronic Music Lessons
Self-employed
05.2010 - Current
Graduate Assistant
Ball State University
09.2009 - 01.2010
Music History Area Assistant
Ball State University
09.2004 - 05.2005
Freelance Harpist
Mystical Harp, self-run business
01.2004 - Current
Bachelor of Music in Harp & Voice -
Ball State University
Master of Music in Composition -
Butler University
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