A New Verse: Professor and CMA Director Shareen Vader Retires

You could say Shareen Vader has always been surrounded by music. Long before she became the director of the TLU Community Music Academy, it was part of her life. After all, she was only four years old when she took her first piano lesson-and by fourth grade, had taken up the violin as well.

Her education progressed from there, through high school and then college, where she double majored in music performance, in both voice and piano. She earned an all-level music education degree from Texas State University and a master's in choral conducting from Louisiana State University.

Her public school teaching career spanned 31 years, and in 2017, she joined the TLU Community Music Academy staff, directing the youth choirs. When she retired from teaching in 2019, she took on the role of Community Music Academy Director-and this summer, she'll be retiring from that role.

"The CMA has had a very special place in my heart," said Vader. "Due to the wonderful teachers I had as I began my musical journey, music became my lifelong career, and I was inspired to continue sharing my passion for music with other young students so that they could have the opportunities and love for music like I was blessed with having. This has always been the vision of the TLU CMA which has made this such a special part of my career. It is so rewarding to watch these children grow and succeed through their experiences in music, and to see how they develop self-confidence and become strong leaders in everything they are involved in."

In addition to her work with CMA, Vader works as an accompanist for local schools and UIL events, while serving on the adjunct faculty at TLU.

"Words are not adequate to express the impact Shareen Vader has had on the students and families of the TLU Community Music Academy and the students, faculty, and staff of TLU," said Dr. Douglas Boyer, Director of the TLU School of Music. "She is not only a master teacher and an extraordinary administrator, but she is also a caring and thoughtful mentor, a world class musician and vocal pedagogue, and a kind and supportive friend and colleague."

Boyer went on to say that Vader's work in rebuilding the CMA post-covid has been inspiring, and that her work connecting the community of Seguin and the surrounding area to TLU is invaluable. "One of the pillars of TLU's new strategic plan is 'Community Connection.' The CMA lives that connection to community, involving approximately 250 students in musical experiences each semester and bringing thousands of community members to the TLU campus. Thank you, Shareen, for your exceptional work with the TLU Community Music Academy, your teaching gift to the students of TLU, and your mentorship and guidance to the music education students in the TLU School of Music."

The momentum that Vader has so beautifully cultivated since 2019 will keep right on going under a new director. The Community Music Academy is thrilled to announce that long-time CMA teacher and TLU School of Music faculty member, Dr. Eric Siu, has been named interim director.

Siu is happy to pick up the reins. "I've loved teaching at the CMA for the last 12 years," he said. "I've built so many wonderful relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and community members alike, and seeing the students grow musically as well as personally has been incredibly rewarding. I'm excited for the opportunity to build on Shareen's excellent work and continue to expand our impact on the Seguin and TLU community!"

Interested in learning more about the TLU Community Music Academy? Follow this link: https://www.tlu.edu/about-tlu/civic-engagement/community-education/community-music-academy or contact Dr. Siu at (830) 372-6015 or [email protected].