It all begins with an idea
MusicWings, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was co-founded by Alice Cotter in 2023. Alice holds a PhD in musicology from Princeton University. She is a public scholar and music educator passionate about elevating the human experience through music and learning. In her work as a music teacher in Truckee, Alice recognized a need to bridge social gaps and offer financial support to music students in the Truckee-Tahoe region.
Alice Cotter, PhD, MusicWings Executive Director and Co-Founder. Photo credit: Polina Vayner @LaikaStudioPhotography
Our team
MusicWings is made of a board of directors who share a love of music and a desire to make a positive impact on our community.
Christine Braud, Community Outreach Coordinator
Dan Hikel, Secretary
David Shaw, Director of Grants
Kathy Shaffer, Communications Coordinator
Lisa Toutant, Strategic Planning
Molly O’Dell, Treasurer
Paul Cotter, Board Chair and Co-Founder
