Mount Union alumna Ashlee Varner has built a career as a musician and professor at Berklee College of Music.
By MIRIAM SHUGARTS | Journalism Student, Mount Union Area Senior High School
Mount Union, Pa. — “Embrace all the opportunities to learn even if they scare you,” Mount Union alumna Ashlee Varner advises aspiring musicians and artists.
Varner is a 2002 graduate of Mount Union Area High School currently working as a professor in the voice department at Berklee College of Music. Located in Boston, Berklee is one of the largest independent colleges for music in the world, known for the study of jazz and modern American music. Berklee is also one of the most prestigious private institutions for music.
At Berklee, she teaches voice and piano lessons, self-accompanying techniques, and how to write and perform with bands. Varner is on the committee that develops curriculum for the music department. She is also an author; she co-wrote the book Berklee Singer’s Guide to Jazz and Blues Songs with the music committee, as well as Music Career Essentials for the Professional Singer.
In the summer, Varner teaches for Berklee Valencia in Spain, and she also teaches through Berklee Online. She has a private studio with a few students outside of Berklee and has taught music clinics.
During her time as a professor, teacher, and role model, Varner has taught and greatly impacted many people, ranging in age from 3 to 76. “I try to tailor the instruction to specific goals,” Varner said. She has noticed that students of all ages have similarities in learning, especially with effective instruction and building skills progressively.
Varner’s own love of music began in a home filled with music. She has always been surrounded by the art of beautiful melodies and harmonies. From an early age, Varner played the piano and sang at her church.
Throughout her childhood, her parents, Ron and Jeanne Varner, gave her many opportunities to develop the abilities to become the musician she is today. They provided music lessons and introduced her to many local music professionals. “They invested so much in my education, providing experiences that included participation in college theory classes while I was still in high school, summer camps, competitions, recitals, and multiple music lessons where they drove me to lessons that were sometimes an hour away,” Varner said.
Beyond her parents’ encouragement, Varner also found support in the Mount Union community. She had a solid network of family and friends who supported and cared for her no matter what. She was also surrounded by teachers who went above and beyond to provide meaningful experiences throughout her education. “When you are surrounded by people who believe in you, it builds your confidence and encourages you to pursue dreams you might have otherwise felt were impossible,” Varner said.
Her teachers were some of her biggest musical influences. Former elementary music teacher Evelyn East encouraged Varner’s creativity and composition by spending time with her before school, helping her turn the music she heard day to day into notation as early as age 6.
In high school, Varner was involved in most of the music opportunities offered at Mount Union, including clubs and classes. These included numerous musicals directed by English teacher Nancy Corson, which gave her experience on stage.
Along with performing, Varner continued to develop her music notation skills. During her senior year, former band director Doug Prowant introduced her to music notation software, which lets users write, edit, play back, and print sheet music. Varner said that “notation software served as one of the most valuable arranging and transcription tools I’ve used throughout my career.”
Drawing on these experiences, Varner shared her advice for young aspiring artists. “Stay curious as you learn, create freely, develop discipline by starting with small tasks that excite you, and enjoy the growth process. If and when you fail, figure out how to do something better next time. Embrace challenges, show up professionally, and stay focused on your own goals and progress. Keep doing what you love! I’ve never regretted doing what I love for a living!” she said.
This article was published as part of Ms. Dimoff’s Journalism class at Mount Union Area Senior High School.
Leave a Reply