Allison M. Andersen
Allison M. Andersen is a collaborative pianist, conductor, and arts entrepreneur whose career has been dedicated to making music accessible, engaging, and deeply connected to community life. Based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Allison has spent more than two decades providing piano and collaborative music services for universities, choirs, soloists, orchestras, studios, and community ensembles throughout Southeast Idaho. Her musical foundation began early through years of piano, classical music, and opera studies, eventually leading her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Music from Brigham Young University - Idaho. While studying piano performance, she discovered a passion for opera and collaboration, embracing the dynamic role of supporting vocalists, instrumentalists, and ensembles as “the orchestra before the orchestra arrives.”
For the past 25 years, Allison has operated her own piano services business, working extensively with music schools, high schools, voice and violin studios, community choirs, and performing artists. Her work focuses not only on musical excellence but also on creating supportive, encouraging environments where artists and students can grow with confidence. In addition to her freelance collaborative work, she serves as Music Coordinator at Trinity United Methodist Church, where she plans and coordinates weekly worship music, organizes special guest performances, and helps present free community concerts that broaden access to the arts. Allison is also actively involved with the East Idaho Youth Chorus, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving music literacy and arts education for young students in the region.
Beyond her work with youth music education, Allison contributes to several community-based arts initiatives that strengthen cultural connections throughout Idaho. She works with a longstanding community orchestra that welcomes musicians of all backgrounds and experience levels, programming concerts that celebrate American music, community traditions, and military service. She also serves on the board of the local opera organization while balancing professional work in industry engagement and business support at Idaho National Laboratory. Known for her reliability, collaborative spirit, and passion for accessible arts programming, Allison continues to bridge music, education, and community engagement through every role she undertakes.
• Brigham Young University - Idaho
Bachelor's of Science, Music
• Idaho State University
Master of Business Administration - MBA
• Western Governors University
Master of Business Administration - MBA
• Opera board member (50-year-old organization in Southeast Idaho)
• Music Coordinator at United Methodist Church
• East Idaho Youth Chorus
• Community Orchestra
• Free concert series making music accessible to the community
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being dependable, prepared, and consistently willing to help wherever I am needed. I believe in creating a stable and encouraging environment that allows students, collaborators, and fellow musicians to grow with confidence. Building strong relationships through reliability, professionalism, and support has been central to both my personal and professional success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the continued reduction in arts funding and the resulting decline in access to music education within local communities. These cuts make it increasingly difficult to sustain programs that introduce students to music and the performing arts. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity in building community partnerships and creating innovative ways to keep music education and performance accessible.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are accessibility to the arts, community connection, and creating healthy, encouraging environments where people feel supported and valued. I also deeply value honoring service, particularly for veterans, and advocating for fair compensation and respect for musicians and artists. I believe the arts play an essential role in strengthening communities, and I am committed to helping ensure those opportunities remain available and sustainable.