Morgan Kuepfer is an educator, writer, and performer. She holds degrees from Western University (BMus Honours Music Education & BA French Studies as a Western Scholar) and the University of British Columbia (BEd). .Additionally, she is an active member of Choral Canada and has written several articles in their journal, Anacrusis. She is also a published author in The Canadian Music Educator (CME) June Edition 62(4) for her co-written article entitled "Mentoring in Community-Based Fieldwork: Drawing from Experience". As an educator, Morgan aims to design learning environments that support diverse learners to meaningfully participate both socially and academically. One way she accomplishes this is by placing music making and singing at the center of her teaching approach and philosophy.
Music has always been a huge part of my life, although I hadn't always realized it. It was only through the amazing music educators in my life that I knew I wanted to study music for the rest of my life. Over the course of my six years at Western University, I actively sought out meaningful ways to become involved in our community while maintaining high academic standing as a Western Scholar. Through these activities, I discovered a passion for teaching that has motivated much of what I have accomplished thus far. During my time as a Teacher Candidate at the University of British Columbia, I sought out opportunities to engage in projects similar to those I experienced at Western. I created for spaces for musical engagement and learning, while also strengthening my own musicianship. I know it is my underlying passion that will continually inspire me to strive for personal and academic growth as I take the first steps into my teaching career.
Musician
I've been playing the piano since the age of 4 and played the flute in my high school band. I also took up singing upon entering high school, which has become one of my main musical passions.
Throughout high school, our choirs had the opportunity to travel to Spain, England and Scotland to perform as well as immerse ourselves in their unique cultures. During these oversea trips, I had the chance to sing in as well as accompany the choir.
I was also an involved musician at my church. From playing as the piano accompanist for services, to singing in church choirs, it has always been another humbling outlet for my musical endeavors.
While at Western, I was able to continue to pursue my love of singing, dancing, and performing. I sang in and conducted choirs, performed in Theater Western's "A Chorus Line", was part of the Dance Minor Program, and had the opportunity stage manage the 2020 Studies in Motion Dance Showcase.
Over the past several years, I have been a freelance musician performing at weddings and special events within and around my community.
I hold a concurrent degree in Music Education and French Studies at Western University, where I graduated as a Western Scholar. I also attended the University of British Columbia to complete my Bachelor of Education. Eventually, I would like to pursue a masters degree in the education field and, with any luck, I would love to pursue grad work and become a PhD candidate some day!
During my last year of high school, I had the privilege of teaching two young girls piano lessons. This is where I first realized my passion for music education. Two notable music teaching experiences were at El Sistema Aeolian and in the Young Winds program at Western University.
I have also had two opportunities to teach abroad while at Western: through the Alternative Spring Break program in the Dominican and through a Music Faculty Led Study Abroad in Guatemala. They were both incredible, life-altering experiences that I am so fortunate to have been a part of!
Most recently, I became a contract teacher and am currently teaching Primary Music at North Perth Westfield Elementary in Listowel, ON. You can also find me teaching weekly fitness classes, and private swimming lessons during the summers.