Laura (McGlynn) Weed

Composer, arranger, teacher and pianist.

Laura (McGlynn) Weed began piano lessons at an early age, played in orchestras, sang in choirs, and won superior ratings at music festivals. At the age of 17, she won a national composition award, and went on to study composition with Dr. Donald O. Johnston at the U of Montana, where she earned a B Mus Ed degree, with Honors. She also received an ARCT from the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto.

Laura’s compositional style is punctuated with modality and jazz, and exercises an eclectic command of classical, romantic, and modern forms. Her breadth of style is matched by her breadth of genres of composition, ranging from solo piano to choral and chamber works. Laura is dedicated not only to creating music, but to creating a community that rivals her own passion for the art form. After moving to Canada in 1981, Laura taught music at Forest Green School, directed the Meridian Singers, performed in many concerts at Horizon Stage, and accompanied a member of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

A former president of the Parkland Music Teachers’ Association, workshop clinician and member of the Alberta Piano Teachers’ Association, Laura has spearheaded community musical initiatives in Spruce Grove, Alberta, such as founding Carolfest , and chairing committees to improve the annual Parkland Music Festival. She has also been instrumental in the music ministry of St. Andrew’s United Church as a concert coordinator, musical director, composer, and accompanist.

Laura’s collaboration with educator Sue Harvie at Spruce Grove’s Brookwood School resulted in her commission for the school song, Brookwood School Song, as well as the theme song Choral Celebration, which unites hundreds of singers each year. Over the years, her students have won festival honors, earned top exam marks, and have gone on to achieve success in their own musical careers as teachers and performers. Laura’s contributions to the musical community in Alberta are far-reaching, and continuing, as Mrs.Weed embarks on her third decade of musical composition and education.

Laura Weed lives in Spruce Grove, Alberta with her husband, Gehres, a software developer. Their daughter, Janelle Weed, is a gifted musician, teacher, writer and editor, who is currently working on a Master’s degree from the U of Alberta, Edmonton.