Friends sang the praises of Lebanon Valley College’s Music Department to Meg Burns ’25 and her campus tour showed her the type of personal attention she would receive as a student. Four years later, Burns shares how correct those opinions were and how she has discovered her career path.

“The first tour I took at LVC made me feel like an individual and not just another student,” said Burns. “My interests and needs were listened to and incorporated into that tour. I knew this school was special from that moment on.”

Burns, who always loved to perform, began her college journey as a Music Education major before realizing that teaching in a traditional K-12 classroom was not the right choice. She changed her major to Music, which allowed her to explore new ideas of what a music teacher could be.

Returning to her high school alma mater proved pivotal for Burns, who interned as a vocal instructor with Pottsville High School’s drama club from January through March.

“It was a struggle to find music internship opportunities that focused primarily on artistry rather than the business or technology side of things,” said Burns. “I had to make a space for myself, and I’m so grateful that the Pottsville drama club allowed me to have that space.”

Burns pulled soloists and small groups aside to work on specific musical numbers and taught people techniques to improve their performance. The club performed Man of La Mancha, which she said is a fairly difficult show musically.

“I learned a lot about my teaching style and what to do when your original plans don’t work,” said Burns. “Every person learns differently, and I had to adapt on the spot depending on people’s needs. I’m a very routine-oriented person, so it was challenging to break out of that linear mindset and try new things with the students.”

Throughout the internship, Burns applied lessons learned from classes and performances with Wig and Buckle Theater Company, the College’s student-run organization. Burns graced the stage multiple times starting her first year and built sets, searched for costumes, advertised, and served as treasurer for a year.

“I tell everyone I know joining Wig and Buckle was the best choice I ever made on campus,” said Burns. “As an autistic person, I struggle with a lot of social things, and Wig and Buckle introduced me to the most welcoming group of people I could have asked for! From the first rehearsal for Macbeth all the way back in my first year to my final bows in Something Rotten, I felt seen, heard, and supported.”

After graduating from The Valley, Burns will continue teaching private lessons at a local studio and plans to pursue a graduate program in Musical Theatre.