Nicole Stroh
I am a graduate student at Shenandoah Conservatory, teaching piano to children at the University's Arts Academy while I am working on my studies. In addition to my studies at the Conservatory, I run my own private teaching practice and spend time constructing lecture recitals to perform that showcase the intersection of music, neuroscience, and psychology.
I am a future MT-BC (music therapist, board certified) anticipated by the end of 2026 after my internship with Music Speaks in Waukesha, WI. During three academic semesters at Shenandoah University's Conservatory, I have taken classes regarding research, cultural context, and music in the medical setting, working alongside supervisors in Johns Hopkins Hospital based in Baltimore MD under Dr. Kerry Devlin, and INova Hospital based in Alexandria, VA under Khyla Anderson (MT-BC). From my time at this school I have put together small research and passion projects that regard the intersection of music, sociology, psychology, and neuroscience - I am determined to draw as many conclusions as possible on these interdisciplinary studies, to help create a foundation for artists and scientists to work together for the betterment of quality of life in humans. I spent time developing my musicianship skills while studying at William Paterson University of New Jersey and Berklee College of Music. From 2024 through present day I have volunteered a number of recitals (solo and lecture-based) to the community, as well as put together my first amateur research project with a colleague that was granted a lightning talk position at my University's Research Expo.
The two most recent projects took place in August of 2025. I gave a solo recital for musical enrichment at Westminster Canterbury in Winchester VA, and re-programmed the same recital materials for a lecture recital on the nervous system and music.
In November of 2024, I showcased works by Native American composer Louis W. Ballard. In February 2025 I organized and performed a lecture recital in Honor of Douglass Day and Black History Month at Shenandoah University, showcasing works by Black artists and composers from 1904 to present day, highlighting sociological and psychological themes of these artists. At Shenandoah University's Research Expo in April 2025, I gave a lightning talk regarding the relevance of science in music and music being in elementary schools; my report was based on music in elementary schools and how this impacted development.
Interests
With research and performance comes programming and writing - I enjoy this process just as much as the research and performing itself!