Peter Olson

Peter Olson teaches Music Appreciation, Applied Bass, Applied Piano, and directs the McLennan Community Orchestra at MCC.

Peter’s academic interests include the history of music in the context of the broader humanities, historical performance practice, and the theoretical analysis of orchestral works. His dissertation research focuses on the theoretical background and music education of early American hymn-tune composers. He has presented at the Society for American Music annual conference and served as the Assistant Editor for the journal Performance Practice Review.

Peter studied conducting with Stephen Gothold and has participated in orchestral conducting workshops and seminars with Miguel Harth-Bedoya. He is a strong supporter of community music-making and is the founding director of the McLennan Community Orchestra and plays string bass in the Waco Community Band.

Peter has a Master of Arts and is ABD towards his PhD in musicology from Claremont Graduate University. He received his Bachelor of Arts in music and liberal arts (with a minor in chemistry) from Southern Virginia University. He also teaches at Brigham Young University–Idaho (online) and previously taught at Pitt Community College (North Carolina).

Office: BPAC 116 * Phone: (254) 299-8283 * Email: polson@mclennan.edu