Michelle Whalen

Michelle Whalen (Faculty) is an independent singer-songwriter, teacher and pianist from Eagan, Minnesota. With her husband Joe, Michelle writes, programs, arranges and directs bands, musical groups and choirs in her local church and community. Michelle has used her degree in music performance singing professionally as both a studio and live artist for 15 years. She wrote her own music for many years until, in 2008, Michelle released her first solo album, “Fringes.” She is currently working on a Christmas album that promises to include a cover of “The Little Drummer Boy” that won’t make you groan or count the days until December 26th.

Michelle taught at Colorado School of Music for five years before moving back to the Great (and cold) Northwoods where she has established a private voice and piano studio. She enjoys working with students who show a unique spark for songwriting. Once upon a time, “pa-pa-pa pum” had not been imagined yet until that day came when Ludwig Beethoven took it from being an annoying lick in his head and turned it into the opening to his Fifth Symphony. Now, all the world sings along with Ludwig to those two notes and triplet-o rhythm. While we may not all write a fifth symphony, or even a first, Michelle firmly believes all songwriters have days like that day, and we never know if it’s going to be today – so better start writing.

Michelle also leads a songwriter’s group Bits and Pieces, a bi-monthly meeting of songwriters, musicians and poets who gather to share, collaborate and grow in their craft. It is this kind of collaborative culture that is the model for the Songwriters Institute.

Visit the other Songwriters Institute faculty member's profile: Jeremy Ylvisaker.