About Valerie Shields
Valerie Shields is a distinguished American composer, organist, pianist, and arranger, widely recognized for her extensive contributions to choral and sacred music. Her work is deeply rooted in her practical experience as a church musician and her passion for fostering musical expression across various ensembles. Shields' compositions are celebrated for their adaptability and ability to resonate with both performers and listeners, making her a significant voice in contemporary sacred music and educational repertoire.
- Valerie Shields earned a Bachelor of Music degree in organ and violin from St. Olaf College and a Master of Music degree in organ from Northwestern University.
- She has held prominent positions including Director of Music at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Park Ridge, Illinois, and assistant director of the Northwest Girlchoir.
- With over one hundred published pieces, her compositions are often inspired by the specific needs of children's choirs, congregations, and commissioning groups.
- During the pandemic, Shields co-founded, directed, and composed music for the "Alley Band," a group of professional musicians who performed a twenty-concert series in the streets of Seattle.
Performing Valerie Shields' music offers a deeply rewarding experience for a wide range of musicians. Her sheet music is particularly well-suited for church and synagogue choirs of all levels, from children and youth to adult ensembles, as well as organists, pianists, and instrumentalists. Her compositions frequently incorporate versatile scoring options, including parts for violin, flute, oboe, cello, handbells, and percussion, allowing for rich and varied performances. Musicians will find her music both accessible and inspiring, as each piece is thoughtfully crafted with practical performance in mind, ensuring that her engaging melodies and carefully considered arrangements are a joy to learn and share.