Alumni Feature: Megan Harton, BMus ’21

Print | PDF

Megan Harton’s (they/them) career sits at the intersection of sound, technology, activism and education, but it began with a simple goal: to explore composition in a place that would support creative curiosity. At Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Music, that exploration grew into a path that now spans performance, research and leadership in postsecondary music education. 

Today, Harton works as Postsecondary Studies Coordinator at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, one of Western Canada’s largest centres for music learning, performance and wellness. In this role, they oversee program administration, coordinate auditions and concerts, support students, and help shape a vibrant postsecondary music community.

“The role is consistently engaging and rewarding due to its evolving nature.”, they explain. They also recently started teaching in the Conservatory’s Department of Music Creativity and Technology as well.

Alongside their work at the Conservatory, Megan teaches composition at the University of Victoria, continuing their passion for mentoring emerging musicians.

“Teaching has opened an exciting new chapter in my musical life,” they share. 

A community that shaped a creative path

Megan came to Laurier to study composition, with trumpet as their primary instrument. Their decision was shaped not only by academic interests, but by the people and environment they encountered.

At Trumpet Day 2017, Megan remembers “It was the energy, passion and positivity of trumpet instructor Guy Few and coach-accompanist Stephanie Mara that excited me most and ultimately led me to choose Laurier.” 

“During their time at Laurier, mentorship played a defining role. Composition faculty and instructors Linda Catlin Smith, Kathryn Ladano and Colin Labadie supported Megan’s artistic growth, while opportunities in improvisation, electroacoustics and contemporary music encouraged them to explore new creative directions and shape an interdisciplinary artistic practice.”

Beyond the classroom, it was the sense of community that stood out most.

“Lifelong friendships and professional connections formed, and as a student composer, I felt comfortable reaching out to performers for help with my scores or performances.” 

From Laurier to a global creative practice

Since graduating, Megan has built a dynamic career that bridges composition, research and performance. They are an active improviser and performer in the electroacoustic duo “mt. logan,” while continuing to create as a composer, audio engineer, and sound artist. 

After graduating in 2021, their path has included participation in Continuum Contemporary Music’s HATCH program, music education and leadership roles and winning the Open Ears Festival Digital Sound Art Competition. 

Megan later pursued a Master of Music in Music Technology at the University of Victoria on a full scholarship, where their work expanded into research and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Their projects now span multimedia installations, electroacoustic works, and research presented at international conferences, reflecting a practice rooted in sound, technology, and creative exploration. 

Advice for future musicians

For current students, Megan emphasizes making the most of every opportunity while at university.

“Engage in clubs not only for social interaction but also to proactively utilize your limited time at school. Many opportunities will be presented before you that will be more challenging to access once you enter the professional world.”