Kathleen Pierson, BA Music Goucher College, MM (Master of Music, Composition) Towson University
Kathleen Pierson has composed, performed, and taught music for over fifty years.
Based in her native Maryland, Kathleen currently serves as Musician for Dance in the vibrant B.F.A. Dance Program of Towson University.
Musician for Dance, including Carolina Ballet Summer Intensives, pictured here
Best known as an improvisational musician for Ballet and Modern Dance, she has enjoyed longterm or Guest Artist positions at Goucher College, Towson University, Kenyon College, Bryn Mawr College, Elon University, East Carolina University, UNC School of the Arts, Carolina Ballet, Ballet Conservatory of Asheville, and many other academic/professional/summer Dance programs. She accompanied at ACDF (American College Dance Festival) 22 times.
Testimonials
"[Kathleen] is known as an innovative and proactive partner/teacher by our dance faculty and they vie to have her as their accompanist...She has also composed music and soundscapes for several faculty pieces...'Desert Night' with Dana Martin's choreography was especially well-received."
Karen Kohn Bradley, Head of Dance and Director of Graduate Studies in Dance at University of Maryland (retired); former Chair of the Towson University Department of Dance
"Kathleen is the most versatile and sensitive accompanist to play for my classes, ballet and modern, in my years of teaching...The student response to her music is overwhelmingly enthusiastic and as a teacher it is exhilarating to watch them move with energy and emotion as they react to Kathleen's superb accompaniment."
Dana J. Martin, Owner/Director of The Moving Company Dance Center; former faculty Towson University Department of Dance
Improvised music for a Modern Dance class combination, from a university covid-era Zoom class.
Stills from Dance for the Camera "Autumn Again," featuring Kathleen as videographer, and co-choreographer with the dancers
Kathleen has actually choreographed and taught Modern Dance and Improvisation herself, which infuses her dance class accompaniments with a visceral understanding. She is a strong advocate for Improvisation as a creative catalyst in all the arts.
Concurrent reputation as singer/songwriter, and teacher of music.
As Adjunct Faculty in the Music Departments of Denison University and Towson University (TU Dean's Award for her "teaching and interdisciplinary work"), she taught GenEd "Music 101" thirteen times, Women in Music eleven times, Exploring New Media, Music Fundamentals, World Music, Theory/Composition, and Music for Dance, with dual appointments in both Music and Dance Departments at once.
Beyond music, Kathleen's other endeavors included many years of training horses and riders.
Goucher College Equestrian Team; Director of Black Rock YMCA Riding Program; Manager of Baltimore County Horse Shows Association shows