Meet Morgan
Dr. Morgan Jolley is a conductor, music educator, scholar, and arts advocate whose work bridges academic rigor, inclusive artistry, and transformative community engagement. She is the Founder and Managing Artistic Director of Vocal Essence of the Southern Tier (VEST), a nonprofit vocal music organization in Upstate New York dedicated to barrier-free access and lifelong participation in vocal music ensembles.
Dr. Jolley most recently served as Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at the Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College (CUNY), where she conducted the Treble Chorus and taught conducting, choral pedagogy, class voice, and general music methods. She has also taught at Ithaca College, the University of South Florida, SUNY Potsdam, and across other K–12 and community settings in her 18-year career.
A founding faculty member at Weeki Wachee High School (FL), she opened the school’s choral program in 2010 and directed musical theatre productions while leading the choirs to consistent Superior ratings at District and State festivals. Under her direction, the choir also performed at Carnegie Hall, marking a major artistic milestone for the young program.
Dr. Jolley served as Associate Director of the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, preparing the chorus for performances with the Florida Orchestra and at Carnegie Hall. She was Artistic Director of the Timbertones (a 100-voice senior adult chorus), and Associate Director of the Nature Coast Children’s Choir, which also performed Carmina Burana at Carnegie Hall.
A sought-after clinician and presenter, Dr. Jolley has conducted many regional and state Honor Choirs, and has presented at ACDA Conferences (National, Southern Division, NY and FL State, Research Symposium), ISME, NYSSMA, FMEA, PAVA, and others. She currently serves as Membership Chair and Conference Co-Chair for NY ACDA and the Vocal Jazz Associate Chair for NYSSMA
Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that music is for all, and her teaching emphasizes vocal health, genre diversity, lifelong learning, and community connection. She creates inclusive, brave spaces where singers thrive artistically and personally. Her motto—Be the Change—drives her mission to use music as a tool for growth, inclusion, and social connection —and in every classroom and ensemble, she ensures that every voice matters.
Dr. Jolley holds a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of South Florida, an M.M.Ed. from Florida State University, and a B.S. from USF. Her research focuses on voice science, vocal health of music educators, vocal health across cultures, dysphonia in choirs as it relates to genre diversity, culturally responsive pedagogy, social justice in the arts, parenthood and choral music education. Morgan loves to hike, golf, and spend quality time with people she loves, especially her partner Joe, three adult children Katherine, Nikolai, and Conner, and bonus kids Jacob and Sarah.
Teaching and Artistic Philosophy
Music is for all.
Every individual deserves the opportunity to experience the joy, connection, and growth that ensemble singing provides—regardless of background, identity, ability, or experience level.
Barrier-free access is essential.
No one should be excluded from music because of auditions, cost, language, or style. I believe in removing systemic and cultural barriers so that every voice can be welcomed and heard.
Lifelong singing starts with strong foundations.
I teach skills that serve singers for life—musical literacy, vocal health, ensemble collaboration, and expressive performance—across age groups, genres, and goals.
All genres are worthy of study.
Whether sacred or secular, classical or commercial, folk or experimental, all musical styles have educational and artistic value. I program and teach music that reflects the rich diversity of our communities and cultures.
Choral singing builds community.
A choir is more than an ensemble—it’s a place to belong, to express, to listen, and to grow. Singing together fosters empathy, trust, and connection that ripple beyond the rehearsal room.
Excellence matters—but humanity matters more.
I believe in artistic rigor, but not at the expense of joy, safety, or inclusion. Every singer deserves the chance to grow at their own pace in an environment that honors dignity and respects difference.
Be the change.
Music changes us as individuals—which in turn changes the people around us. Singing together can foster empathy, compassion, and a more just world.
Music is medicine.
It heals what words cannot, offering restoration, hope, and strength. Music supports emotional well-being, mental clarity, and a deeper connection to self and others.
Music brings awareness and justice.
I believe in programming music that amplifies underrepresented voices, tells untold stories, and challenges us to reflect and act. Choral singing can be a vehicle for social change and advocacy.
In my classrooms, choirs, and organizations, everyone is welcome.
Regardless of financial means, background, skill level, race, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith, language, ability, or musical preference—you have a place in this community.