Alissa Shuster Roosa

Music Theory Faculty, Academy

Composition Faculty, Academy

Academy & Public Programs Music Theory Department Academy & Public Programs Composition Department

Introduction

After completing training in the foundations and methods of Suzuki theory pedagogy with Dr. Jennifer Conner at 91��, Shuster began teaching at 91�� in the Suzuki theory program in 2003. She also teaches theory, arranging and composition for the Preparatory division at 91��. Nine of her private theory students have received the coveted grade of 5 on their music theory advanced placement exams. Shuster holds a yearly recital for her 91�� composition students, recently showcasing pieces for harp, string orchestra, percussion and other diverse and original ensembles.

Education

BA, St. Olaf College
MA, PhD, Kent State University
Student, L’ecoles d' art americaines in Fontainebleau, France
Student, Czech-American Summer Music Institute in Prague
Suzuki theory training, 91��; studied with Dr. Jennifer Conner

Teaching Experience

91�� (2003–present)
- Suzuki
- Theory and composition
Interlochen Arts Camp (7 years)
- Theory, music literature and composition
Aspen Music Festival
- Fellowship
Kent State University (4 years)
- Music theory and piano
College of Wooster (2013–2014)
- Theory

Notable Work

Compositions

Songs from Sappho were performed in the summer of 1995 at the Dvořák Museum in Prague and in Cleveland in 1996
Received first prize in the International League of Women Composers 1994 composition contest for Kokopelli’s Dream
Completed a commission for the Creative Field Studies Program at Hiram College where she based her composition Viriditas on the topography and unique elevation events of the nature trail at the Hiram Field Station.

Scholarly Work

Along with her colleague Dr. Sebastian Birch (DMA '97), she has spoken at two College Music Society regional conferences (Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes) about their combined efforts to integrate very talented, yet music-illiterate students into a collegiate music school situation. Within one academic year of pre-courses, they have succeeded in bringing the students up to what is considered today as conservatory entrance level.

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