Megan Higle
Lansing,MI
Summary
Positive and upbeat Elementary Music Teacher adept at helping students love music, learn to perform and develop appreciation for new styles. Successful teaching vocal and instrumental skills to all levels. Offering over ten years of teaching experience and enthusiasm to make positive impact on students through music.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Christian Education
First Presbyterian Church Of Lansing
08.2021 - Current
- Enhanced spiritual growth by developing comprehensive Christian education programs for all ages.
- Streamlined curriculum implementation by collaborating with ministry leaders and teachers to ensure effective lesson planning.
- Increased volunteer involvement by creating engaging training materials and providing ongoing support for teachers and staff.
- Improved church communication by designing and implementing a cohesive strategy for promoting educational initiatives within the congregation.
- Managed budgetary responsibilities for Christian Education department, optimizing resource allocation while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
- Recruited quality educators by conducting thorough interviews, reference checks, and background screenings of potential candidates.
- Collaborated effectively with other church departments to incorporate Christian education principles into worship services and special events throughout the year.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars focused on best practices in Christian education management.
- Prepared, coordinated and distributed information about yearly schedule of activities and classes.
- Kept program children safe and secure at all times with proactive monitoring strategies.
- Staff resource for committees (adult, youth and children) for Christian Education opportunities, materials and program implementation.
Elementary Music Teacher
Montessori Children's House Of Lansing
09.2016 - Current
- Enhanced student engagement by incorporating music games and hands-on activities into daily lessons.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, reinforcing key concepts across subjects.
- Increased student participation in school performances by creating diverse musical opportunities for students of all skill levels. (Musical Revue, Ukulele Concert, Percussion Group, including music of different cultures and languages, including ASL)
- Established a positive learning environment through consistent classroom management techniques and clear expectations for behavior and achievement.
- Participation in "Link Up" with the Lansing Symphony - students learn the recorder, music history, music reading.
- Teaching of Ukulele to older elementary students.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs within the classroom.
- Promoted inclusivity within the music program by designing accessible lessons and accommodating special needs students whenever possible.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions, and chords.
- Organized musical equipment thoughtfully to develop classroom routines, managing materials efficiently with minimal lost activity time.
Founding Artistic Director
Lansing Children's Choir
08.2015 - Current
- Established the artistic vision and direction for The Lansing Children's Choir by developing unique productions, events, and educational programs.
- Increased audience engagement by implementing innovative marketing strategies and community outreach initiatives - social media, email, posters, etc.
- Enhanced organizational reputation by consistently producing high-quality performances that garnered positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Featured on Studio 10 in Fall of 2023.
- Secured funding for the organization through successful grant applications, donor cultivation, and fundraising events. Received over $20,000 in grant funding.
- Developed a diverse season of programming that showcased a variety of artistic disciplines and cultural perspectives. (Programs available upon request)
- Monitored progress of projects, keeping on schedule and within budget.
- Inspired over 200 children in the Lansing area through the art of choral singing.
- Summer Camp Director for our week-long, tuition free music camp - where 80 children receive music, art, drama and dance instruction, culminating in a performance.
Director of Music Ministries
First Presbyterian Church Of Lansing
08.2014 - Current
- Enhanced congregation engagement by incorporating diverse musical styles and instruments in worship services.
- Developed a comprehensive music program, recruiting and training volunteer musicians and vocalists for various ensembles.
- Managed annual budgets for Music Ministry ensuring efficient allocation of resources towards equipment, sheet music, and events.
- Spearheaded community outreach initiatives through organizing concerts and special events to foster connections with local organizations.
- Collaborated with clergy and staff to design meaningful worship experiences that aligned with liturgical themes and messages.
- Organized seasonal productions such as Christmas cantatas or Easter celebrations, coordinating rehearsals, set designs, costumes, and promotional efforts.
- Contributed to overall church leadership by participating in strategic planning meetings focused on long-term goals for congregational growth and development.
- Updated hymnal selections periodically to ensure relevance with current trends in religious music while maintaining traditional repertoire staples.
- Preserved historical aspects of church music by researching archival materials documenting past performances or compositions unique to the congregations heritage (175th Anniversary Celebration in 2023).
- Maintained a well-organized library of sheet music, recordings, and other resources necessary for the smooth functioning of the music ministry.
- Encouraged congregational participation in music ministry events through effective promotion via print materials, social media, and word-of-mouth.
- Identified and recruited potential volunteer workers.
- Enhanced worship services with special musical offerings such as instrumental solos or guest performers to provide variety and inspiration for the congregation.
Education
Master of Music - Conducting
Oakland University
Rochester, MI04.2011
Bachelor of Music - Vocal Performance
Marygrove College
Detroit, MI04.2007
Skills
- Program Management
- Teaching experience
- Curriculum writing
- Volunteer Recruitment
- Curriculum Design
- Community Engagement
- Fundraising expertise
- Vocal expertise
- Music History
- Music Theory
- Special Events
- Proficient in Piano and Voice
Accomplishments
- Member of the Mayor's Art Council of the City of Lansing during the pandemic to create strategies and recommendations to foster the Fine Arts in the City of Lansing.
- Presenter (past two years) at the APCE (Association of Partners in Christian Education) conference - topics include Inter-Generational and Youth/Children Program Development.
- Repertory and Resource Chair (Children and Community Youth) - Michigan American Choral Directors Association
- Choral Workshop Leader - MMEA (Michigan Music Educators Association) for Elementary Region E Workshop Day
Affiliations
- American Choral Directors Association
- Michigan School Vocal Music Association
Additional Information
I have been a private music instructor (piano, ukulele and voice) for over 30 years.
Working with children and youth, and fostering a love of music is what "fills my bucket".
Timeline
Director of Christian Education
First Presbyterian Church Of Lansing
08.2021 - Current
Elementary Music Teacher
Montessori Children's House Of Lansing
09.2016 - Current
Founding Artistic Director
Lansing Children's Choir
08.2015 - Current
Director of Music Ministries
First Presbyterian Church Of Lansing
08.2014 - Current
Master of Music - Conducting
Oakland University
Bachelor of Music - Vocal Performance
Marygrove College