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
Kathy Shaffer, Communications Coordinator
Lisa Toutant, Strategic Planning
Molly O’Dell, Treasurer
Paul Cotter, Board Chair and Co-Founder
