Natalie Shaffer
A choral music director who is completing her doctoral degree at West Virginia University has been named visiting assistant professor of choral activities at Emory & Henry College.
Natalie Shaffer, who holds Master of Music degrees in conducting and musicology from WVU, will teach courses in music history and choral music education and direct the choral ensembles at Emory & Henry.
Shaffer has taught choir and general music in the public school systems of Monongalia, Marion and Upshur counties in West Virginia. Prior to beginning her teaching career, she obtained her Bachelor of Music Education degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Her research focuses on the practice of collaborative social justice through choral music. This research supported her work as artistic director with the Voices of Hope, a community choir that welcomes individuals experiencing issues related to homelessness and addiction.
Shaffer is an avid performer, guest clinician and presenter whose practices include intentional anti-racist work, the concept of de-centering, and creating inclusive spaces in the music classroom. She is a co-founder and charter member of Maestri Vocale Treble, a semi-professional choir whose members include performers, educators and conductors.
Shaffer recently served as the director of music ministry at Avery United Methodist Church in Morgantown, W.Va.; graduate assistant of choirs and adjunct professor of music at West Virginia University; adjunct professor of music at West Virginia Wesleyan College; director of choirs and vocal music at Glenville State College in West Virginia, and interim director of choral activities at Washington and Jefferson College in Pennsylvania.
