Teacher Profile: Lisa Overholser
About Lisa Overholser
Originally from Kansas City, Lisa started piano lessons at age 9, not knowing the kind of impact it would have on her life. Originally intending to go into math or business as a career, her high school piano teacher opened her eyes to the beauty and depth of music, and she hasn't looked back since. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Piano Performance from the UMKC Conservatory of Music, studying with Joann Baker and graduating with distinction. She went on to receive an MM in Music History and Piano Performance from University of Kansas, studying with Richard Angeletti and writing her thesis on the piano music of Zoltan Kodaly. Her PhD from Indiana University is in Folklore & Ethnomusicology, completing her dissertation in Hungary under a Fulbright Fellowship with the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble.
She enjoys collaborating with other musicians, serving as an accompanist for many instrumentalists throughout her college years and playing in ensembles like the New Music Ensembles at UMKC and KU, the Early Music Ensemble at Indiana University (on harpsichord), and even in the Mutinhimira Marimba Ensemble at IU under the tutelage of Sheasby Matiure from Zimbabwe. Throughout her academic career, she has maintained a private piano studio, thoroughly enjoying helping students of all ages discover their love of music and regularly scheduling recitals at retirement centers and nursing homes for the benefit of all.
Lisa believes in a holistic approach to music study, and has always been enthusiastic about the many different ways to support artists. In her professional career she has developed mentoring and professional development programs for traditional artists, has done research on how artists and arts organizations contribute to the creative economy, and as a Storytelling Festival Director, has enjoyed hosting storytellers that incorporate music into their craft.
As a recent transplant to Colorado, she loves exploring Colorado's mountain scenery through hikes and occasional ski trips. On any given night, you might also find her dancing tango, salsa, or cumbia.