Nicole Springer Named Director of Community Music School of Webster University

Nicole Springer has been named the director of the Community Music School of Webster University, effective Aug. 17. Springer was selected after a nationwide search led by a committee including members of the School faculty, the advisory board, and faculty in Webster’s Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts.

“We are delighted to welcome Nicole as part of the Community Music School,” said Paul Steger, dean of the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts. “As a musician, educator and arts education advocate, she is a person who listens well, who understands music completely and who enjoys watching young musicians learn and grow.”

Springer is an experienced arts administrator with extensive knowledge of the academic environment, arts management, and experience with writing local, federal government, and foundation grants. She served as the executive director of The Youth Orchestras of Fairfax, where she worked with the National Symphony Orchestra, and increased Youth Orchestra scholarship funding by 25%, while managing all aspects of the organization, including strategic planning, finance and budget, marketing and promotion, fundraising and development, faculty recruitment, student retention, season programming, concert production volunteer and external relations, parent communications, auditions, audience development, and educational outreach.

“I am excited to join Webster University and lead the Community Music School,” said Springer. “I am impressed by the organization’s rich history, reputation, and programs. This is without a doubt a testament to the strength of the faculty, administration, and support of the community. I look forward to building on its success and supporting a mission I feel so strongly about.” 

Springer previously worked with the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and produced the World’s Largest Concert, a televised concert on PBS, from 2006-2010.  She won a TELLY award for the 2006 production, which was filmed in Branson, Missouri, and featured the St. Louis Children’s Choirs and the Missouri State Symphony Orchestra. 

Springer also served as assistant director of the Arts Management program at George Mason University, where she expanded her teaching experience with extensive programming and administration responsibilities as the assistant dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. She holds a degree in music performance and is an active violinist.