soundwavesComposerMusic DirectorMusic Educator

Shirley Mier

Shirley Mier is a composer, music director, music educator – and a total theory nerd. (Why aren’t there more types of 7th chords??) Shirley composes music of all kinds, in the theatre, concert and educational world. Whatever the style or genre, her music is rooted in tonality, with harmonic inventiveness, clarity and momentum. It also has plenty of drama and humor, thanks in part to her musical theatre background.

In 1988 Shirley moved to Minneapolis to do a theatre gig. 30+ years and 100+ theatre gigs later, Shirley finds herself in Hudson, WI (just across the river from the Twin Cities), with a Ph.D. in Music Composition from the U of M, a career as a music professor at Century College, numerous commissions, performances and publications of her works, and a country & bluegrass band – not to mention a black belt in Kuk Sool Won, many wonderful friends and colleagues, and her amazing and supportive family. Welcome, and thanks for visiting!

Shirley Mier

Instrumental Music

Shirley composes primarily for concert band and has written and arranged music for orchestra and chamber groups as well.  Click here for a list of works and links to purchase.

Theatre Music

Shirley has composed numerous musical theatre scores, primarily for children’s musicals at Stages Theatre in Hopkins, as well as Greek drama and music for Shakespeare plays. Click here for information about published works.

Electronic & Sound Design

Shirley’s theatre works include several sound design projects and electronic scores.  Check out her recent projects on her bandcamp page.

Music Directing & Performing

Shirley has decades of experience as a Music Director with community, professional, and college theatre companies in the Twin Cities, most recently with Century Playhouse and Theatre 55.  She is a comedy improv pianist and plays melodica & keyboard with her country & bluegrass band, the Hell-Burnin’ Sinners.  Click here for news about upcoming projects and gigs!

Featured Work

Holden Village Vespers – Concert Band

Commissioned by the Kenyon-Wanamingo High School Band (Claire Larson, Director), and funded by the Rachel Nesseth Extra Mile Foundation, Holden Village Vespers is based on Marty Haugen’s beloved Holden Evening Prayer. The Kenyon-Wanamingo High School Band premiered Holden Village Vespers at their “Sounds of the Season” concert on Dec. 9, 2024, and performed it again as part of their “Reflections of Home” program at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Convention on Feb. 14, 2025.

This project was truly a celebration of the power of music and community, made all the more meaningful by the fact that Marty Haugen himself hails from Wanamingo, MN.

Holden Village Vespers is now available for purchase exclusively through JW Pepper.