Artist Spotlight - Peg Nuspliger
Meeting with Peg Nuspliger at the Lyon’s Falls Library, it was easy to see her passion for music and education. Peg, who has dedicated her life to teaching and sharing music, led us and a few others in song, filling the room with the warm, inviting sounds that have characterized her long career.
Peg began her journey in music as a student, learning under the guidance of her first teacher, Luther Askin, who introduced her to the trumpet. Her musical talents blossomed from there, eventually leading her to the French horn, an instrument she describes as both challenging and rewarding. Her early experiences shaped her understanding of music, making her a versatile musician who also plays the piano, an essential skill she honed during her time at Wagner College.
Peg’s teaching career began in 1968 at Bridgewater-West Winfield Central School District, where she taught instrumental music for five years. She later moved on to teach 7th and 8th grade vocal music and a high school music class at Adirondack Central School District. Peg retired in 2000, but her impact on her students and the community continues to resonate.
Throughout her career, Peg focused on teaching music literature, appreciation, and theory, with a particular emphasis on the first two. She believed in helping students not just to perform but to understand and appreciate the music they were learning. “The more you understand anything, the more you can appreciate it,” Peg often says. She worked diligently to instill this understanding in her students, teaching them to listen closely, identify instruments, and recognize themes in music.
One of Peg’s lasting contributions to her community is her leadership of the Adirondack Community Chorus, a group she has directed since 1976. Under her guidance, the chorus has grown into a vibrant ensemble that welcomes singers of all ages and backgrounds. The chorus performs three formal concerts a year, as well as several other performances at venues like Brookside Senior Living Community, West Martinsburg Methodist Church, and the Historical Society in Lowville.
Despite her retirement, Peg remains deeply connected to music and education. She expresses concern about the future of music in schools, noting that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep music programs alive and to inspire students to practice in a world filled with easy entertainment options. Peg’s own experiences, balancing her love for tennis with her dedication to music, taught her that persistence is key. She often reminds her students that while music might not always make them happy, and there will be moments of boredom and frustration, the rewards are well worth the effort.
Peg Nuspliger’s legacy is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep love for music. Her contributions to her students and the community continue to inspire, ensuring that music remains a cherished part of many lives.
