Dr. Lee Peterson

Instructor of Piano and Composition

MATS Seattle University

DMA Michigan State University

MM Hardin-Simmons University

BM Hardin-Simmons University

Lee Peterson is an experienced teacher and performer, specializing in piano with "excursions" into fortepiano, organ, and harpsichord. She has taught at four universities and worked with students aged 6 to 70+, representing various levels of accomplishment and learning styles (including students with particular challenges).

At the university level, Lee has taught music theory, music history, composition, piano literature, piano ensemble, class piano, accompanying, and recorder (founder and director of a recorder consort). Before relocating to Seattle in 1994, she was a tenured Assistant Professor of Piano and Accompanying Program Director at Baylor University.

Lee came to Seattle University as a student in the MATS degree program (Master of Arts in Transforming Spirituality). After earning the MATS degree, she taught several music courses as a member of the music adjunct faculty and in 2006, began working full-time at Seattle U as Assistant Director of Choral Music. 

Lee “re-directed” (retired!) from Seattle University in June 2023 after fifteen years as Assistant Director of Choral Music and one year as Pianist-in-Residence. During her time as Assistant Director of Choral Music, she supported the choral program as a collaborative pianist, transcriber, arranger, composer, occasional conductor, and overall facilitator. She also accompanied vocal and instrumental students in lessons, recitals, and masterclasses. She performed solo piano recitals ("set" repertoire and improvisational programs) and appeared as a collaborative pianist in many concerts sponsored by the Music Division, including performances of chamber music with students, other music faculty, and guest artists.

“It has been a great honor to join the EMA faculty in June 2023. I’m very excited to work at EMA, in an environment where all students are welcomed and music education is offered as an integral part of cura personalis: care of the whole person.”

When not musicking, Lee enjoys practicing a multitude of small handcrafts, writing, reading, and long walks on gentle rainy days.