Biography
Dr. Michael Langer is Assistant Professor of Practice for the School of Music at Western
Carolina University, where he teaches Aural Skills and Music Theory.<br>Previously,
Michael served at Limestone University in Gaffney, SC, where he taught Piano and Theory,
directed Jazz Ensemble, and served as Music Program Coordinator and department accompanist.<br>A
native North Dakotan, Michael has taught at the University of Mary, North Dakota State
University, Bismarck State College, and Dickinson State University as well as at International
Music Camp on the North Dakota/Manitoba border.<br>Leading a diverse concert life,
Michael has worked as percussionist and pianist with theater, opera, dance companies,
orchestras, jazz combos, and touring ensembles in Idaho and North Dakota. Notable
performances include Beethoven鈥檚 Piano Concerto no. 1 with the Missouri Valley Chamber
Orchestra and Schumann鈥檚 Piano Quintet with the Grammy Award-winning Attacca Quartet.
He has directed music at many Lutheran and Catholic churches. He served as President-Elect
for NDMTA and on the board of SCMTA as chair of District I auditions. He has presented
at the MTNA national conference as well as state conferences for NDMTA, NCMTA, WVMTA,
and CMS Great Lakes.<br>Michael鈥檚 students have won competitions at both local and
regional levels. He enjoys composing in his spare time and was commissioned by NDMTA
in 2018.<br>Michael<b> </b>holds degrees in Music Ed. from the University of Mary,
a MM in Piano Performance from Boise State University, and a DMA in Piano Performance
and MM in Theory Pedagogy from North Dakota State University.
Teaching Interests
music theory<br>aural skills<br>applied piano<br>class piano<br>history<br>jazz<br>music
education<br>collaborative piano
Research Interests
The intersection of politics, social rights, and music.<br>Underrepresented composers.<br>The
piano music of Frederic Rzewski and Cornelius Cardew.<br>Piano Pedagogy.
