Biography

A pianist by nature, an organist by desire, and a vocalist by necessity, Andrew McDonald enjoys his time as a freelance musician.  Mr. McDonald works as a teacher, sacred musician, and performer in the La Crosse area.  He has extensive experience as a frequent collaborative pianist for local soloists and ensembles, in addition to his solo performances.  Andrew holds a post at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, where he serves as assistant organist.  He was formerly the principal organist and choirmaster at Saint James the Less in La Crosse, WI.  

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Mr. McDonald currently maintains an independent private studio and is an active member in professional organizations such as the American Guild of Organists (AGO), the Music Teachers' National Association (MTNA), and the Church Music Association of America (CMAA).   He serves the La Crosse Area Teachers of MTNA as co-chair for WMTA district auditions and the local AGO chapter as sub-dean.  A full-time student, Andrew studies piano pedagogy and performance with Dr. Mary Tollefson at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and organ and sacred music with Mr. Scott Turkington at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

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As a graduate from Providence Academy in La Crosse, Andrew deeply appreciates a liberal arts education.  In his blog, "A Pianist's Pen," he enjoys synthesizing the world around him through the lenses of different disciplines.   When not making music or at work, Andrew enjoys reading, surfing Wikipedia, and making his family and friends laugh.