Jessica Meyer

Jessica Meyer is an award-winning violist and composer currently serving on the viola faculty at the Manhattan School of Music. She has developed a distinctive career path that bridges performance, composition, and education, creating approximately 80 works over the past decade.

Her research and creative interests span multiple domains of contemporary music practice:

• Developing innovative techniques for solo viola performance using loop pedals
• Creating contemporary classical compositions ranging from solo works to orchestral pieces
• Exploring improvisation across diverse musical traditions including jazz, baroque, and contemporary classical
• Integrating music technology with traditional string performance
• Developing pedagogical approaches that emphasize creativity and self-expression

Meyer's recent compositional output shows remarkable diversity, with works like Spirits and Sinew (2023) inspired by New Orleans Voodoo traditions, the orchestral Turbulent Flames (2024), and specialized commissions for ensembles like the Exponential Ensemble and Juilliard's pre-college division. Her work demonstrates a consistent focus on creating music that serves specific performers while pushing technical and expressive boundaries.

As an educator, Meyer emphasizes the importance of trusting one's creative instincts and building musical community. She has developed classroom approaches that encourage students to create their own music, believing that 'choosing yourself and what makes you your unique self' is central to developing as a musician.

• Award-winning composer recognition
• Specialist in loop pedal technology for solo performance
• Advocate for creative music education approaches

Meyer maintains an active performance schedule while continuing to develop her compositional voice, with her work demonstrating a consistent commitment to exploring the full expressive potential of the viola across diverse musical contexts.