Limestone Professor Dr. Michael Langer Presents At Music Teachers Association Conference

Dr. Michael Langer, a professor at Limestone University, recently presented at the West Virginia Music Teachers Association (WVMTA) state conference held at Shepherd University.

His presentation, titled “Improvisation as Political Resistance: Frederic Rzewski’s North American Ballads,” was based on his dissertation research.

Langer’s session featured a performance of Rzewski’s “North American Ballads,” followed by a discussion on interpreting the work’s historical context and the use of improvisation in performance. Rzewski (1938–2021), an American composer active during the Cold War era, created music that reflected the social and political movements of his time.

“This was my first time presenting for the WVMTA, and I had a great experience,” Langer said. “The attendees were fascinated with the topic and enjoyed the performance. I’ve received thoughtful follow-ups from several participants, and it was a wonderful opportunity to build connections that can benefit Limestone’s music students.”

The conference drew music educators from across West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia.

The WVMTA is a state affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association, an organization dedicated to advancing the value of music study and supporting the professionalism of music educators.

Langer serves as Assistant Professor of Piano and Theory and as Music Program Coordinator at Limestone. He holds multiple degrees in music, including a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and a Master of Music in Music Theory Pedagogy from North Dakota State University. He is an active member of the South Carolina Music Teachers Association and the Greenville Music Teachers Association.

For more information about Limestone University’s music program, visit www.limestone.edu.