Olin Johannessen is a music educator, composer-arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter from Dover, NH.
My name is pronounced Olin (ŌH-lin) Johannessen (yo-HAHN-nes-sen).
I began my musical studies at age 6 with the piano, becoming a percussionist at age 11, which I continued with through college, earning my Bachelors in Percussion Performance. After a 3 year stint in the music manufacturing industry, I returned to my studies to pursue my Masters Degree in Composition. After completing my M.M., I was hired as a middle and high school choral director.
As a music educator with experience and comfort in both instrumental and choral music worlds, a singer-songwriter, bandleader and collaborator, and a composer-arranger who has worked in many genres, I am eager to connect and learn how we can work together.
As a lifelong music educator, I am passionate about supporting my practicing colleagues with inspirational workshops to assist in performance and festival prep, behind the scenes consulting work, and providing fresh ears and concepts to help get you and your students thinking bigger, and working smarter.
As a composer-arranger I find great joy and satisfaction in collaboration and partnership, and would love to talk about that piece you’ve been dreaming about commissioning for your choir or instrumental ensemble.
As a performing musician and singer-songwriter I’d love to get together and jam with you, or come support and share at an open mic or house show.
I’m here with a renewed sense of purpose, new headshots, and a whole lot of energy. So — let’s connect and see how we can dream together.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Olin holds degrees from the University of Massachusetts Amherst; a Masters in Composition (‘11), and a Bachelors in Percussion Performance (‘05). Since 2021 he has served as Director of Digital Content and Associate for Music at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Portsmouth NH.
Prior to joining the St. John’s staff he served ten years as Grades 6-12 Choral Director for the Portsmouth Public School Department where his choirs consistently earned high ratings.
Prior to his appointment in Portsmouth, Olin worked as Assistant Director of Education for the Vic Firth Company, as well as Assistant Percussion Director for the award-winning Percussion Ensemble and Marching Band of King Philip Regional High School in Wrentham, MA.
He is comfortable working with both vocal and instrumental ensembles across all genres. Download current résumé here.