Department of Theatre & Dance Staff

Julie Pride is on staff in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Western Kentucky University where she accompanies the dance studios and the Music Theatre program. Julie received her MM in Pedagogy in 2018.  Her research centered on the piano writing in Roger Quilter’s art songs.  She received a graduate research grant that enabled her to travel to England for two weeks in 2017 to conduct research at the British Library and in a private collection.  While there she also had the opportunity to study with Valerie Langford, the author of Quilter’s biography and a definitive expert in his music.  

Julie is a frequent accompanist and collaborator in the Department of Music.  In 2011, she traveled to England where she presented several recitals around the country of American music with WKU voice professors Wayne and Beth Pope and also performed on period pianos, harpsichord, and organ at the renowned Finchcock’s Music Museum. She has also performed in England and France as a vocalist and has sung backing vocals for Rita Coolidge and gospel great Larnelle Harris.  

She is a music theater veteran serving variously as music director, assistant music director, repetiteur, coach/accompanist, and conductor on numerous musicals and revues including conducting the Gala performance from Beauty and the Beast that reopened historic Van Meter Auditorium. She serves as the organist at State Street United Methodist Church, where she was appointed in 2002.

Ms. Pride holds a BA in music from the School of Music at Florida State University where she studied piano with Leonard Mastrogiacomo and piano ensemble with Norma Mastrogiacomo. While at FSU, Julie was active as a performer, playing and singing in the Jazz/Pop Ensemble. She was fortunate to sing in the Berlioz Requiem under the direction of Robert Shaw. She holds a Master of Health Administration degree from Western Kentucky University. Ms. Pride and her family reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.