Megan Gilles began
her formal music training in Fulda, Minnesota at the age of 8 studying
piano and later organ primarily with teachers Mary Hogan and Lois Gruis.
She earned her Bachelor of Music from the College of St. Benedict/St. John's University in 2002. Megan earned her Masters of Arts degree in Liturgical Studies from St. John's University, Collegeville, MN in May of 2008. Megan served as treasurer of the West Central Music Teachers Club (National Federation of Music Clubs) from 2008-2019.
Megan is currently a member of the Great River Music Club (National Federation of Music Clubs).
She is a member of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA).
Positions held:
Local
2018-Present-Vice President of the Willmar Music Teachers Association
2011-2018-President of the Willmar Music Teachers Association
2015-Present-Local Site Administrator for the South Central Testing Site for Piano Exams, Music Bridges, Theory Exams
2015-Present-Local Site Administrator for the MMTA Ensemble Festival for South Central Willmar
Statewide:
2016-2020-Vice President of Membership
2017-Present-Greater Minnesota Piano Exam Repertoire Analyst
2013-2015-Independent Music Teachers Forum Chair-wrote articles for the statewide newsletter bimonthly and led two Independent Music Teachers Forums at the state convention for Minnesota.
Presentations Given at the MMTA State Convention:
2014-Independent Music Teachers Forum Roundtable
2015-Independent Music Teachers Forum Roundtable
2016-panelist for a discussion on Parent Relationships
2017-MMTA 101 for new(er) MMTA Members
2018-panelist for a discussion on Completing the Triangle: Developing Positive Parent Relationships.
2018-MMTA 101-Student Programming and MMTA 201-Benefits of MMTA Membership
2019-MMTA 101-Student Programming and MMTA 201-Benefits of MMTA Membership
Megan is married to Doug Gilles and they are the proud parents of Arianna and Zoe.
"Many have been the times when I sat down at the piano and played away my blues. When my heart was aching and all I could do was cry, playing the piano always brought a certain amount of comfort and stability to my world. Music is a gift that lasts a lifetime. While not everyone possesses the natural talent for playing well, the way I see it, a little music is better than no music at all."
-Dayle Shockley as written in the Dallas Morning News