Michael Engelhardt | Learning Experience Designer

Learning Experience Designer Resume

MICHAEL S. ENGELHARDT

St. Louis, MO | 815.703.7119 | mike@michaelengelhardt.com | www.michaelengelhardt.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Program leader with 20+ years designing, delivering, and scaling learning and capability-building initiatives for diverse stakeholders, including instructional design, curriculum development, staff and volunteer team leadership (teams of 100+), and budget management exceeding $100K. Proven track record translating organizational priorities into structured, measurable learning experiences across higher education, nonprofit, and live-event production environments. Skilled at cross-functional collaboration, vendor and stakeholder management, and driving program outcomes through both thought leadership and technology.

CORE COMPETENCIES

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Ethical Society of St. Louis — St. Louis, MO (2025–Present)

Music Director

Manage an annual budget exceeding $100,000 across endowments, special funds, and general operations, with full accountability for resource planning and allocation.
Built and launched a new concert series from the ground up, owning end-to-end program execution: logistics, sponsor relations, marketing production, talent booking, and ticket sales for a 400-seat venue.
Source, vet, and contract guest artists weekly, managing external vendor relationships and ensuring consistent quality and audience experience.

Webster University — St. Louis, MO (2023–Present)

Instructor of Music

Design and deliver curriculum across three courses (History of Popular Musical Styles, Arranging for Popular Styles, Songwriting Masterclass), translating subject-matter expertise into structured, scalable learning paths for diverse student populations.
Provide one-on-one coaching and technical skills training (DAW proficiency) for Songwriting students, tailoring instruction to individual readiness and goals.
Direct the Vocal Jazz Ensemble program, managing live production logistics and multi-track recording delivery.

Independent Choral and Vocal Artist — St. Louis, MO (2001–Present)

Composer, Conductor, Producer, Vocalist

Built and lead a sustained independent practice spanning composition, production, and performance, delivering 20+ published works and production credit on 12 full-length albums and 6 broadcast programs — requiring consistent program management, stakeholder coordination, and on-time, on-budget delivery.
Founded Beer Choir, LLC (2014), scaling a single local concept into a nationwide social engagement program adopted by community groups across the U.S. — full ownership of strategy, brand, and growth.
Partnered with major touring and recording artists (Josh Groban, Ben Folds, O.A.R., Take 6, Kansas, Patti Austin) and production teams (Michael McDonald, Brian Owens) on vocal coaching, tuning, and co-production engagements, managing client relationships and creative deliverables under tight deadlines.
Proficient across modern production and collaboration tools: Articulate 360, Canvas, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Logic Pro X, ProTools, Melodyne, and Finale.

Mt. San Antonio College — Walnut, CA (2022–2023)

Professor of Vocal and Choral Music (1-Year Appointment)

Directed three concurrent ensemble programs (Vocal Jazz, Concert Choir, Pop A Cappella), managing competing schedules, performance calendars, and individualized development plans for each participant group.
Delivered private instruction across pop, jazz, and classical disciplines and taught History of Jazz and Voice Masterclass coursework.

Millikin University — Decatur, IL (2008–2014)

Instructor of Music

Designed and delivered curriculum across five courses (Conducting, Music Theory, Ear Training, Choral Methods, Commercial Vocal Styles), building foundational program structure still used by the department today.
Directed and toured four performing ensembles regionally, owning logistics, budget, and team performance for each.
Produced multi-camera video recording, lighting, and projection systems for the university's flagship annual broadcast concert, coordinating cross-functional production teams to a fixed broadcast deadline.

First Christian Church — Decatur, IL (2010–2014)

Worship Arts Director

Directed all musical, artistic, and technical programming for a contemporary-style congregation of 1,000+ attendees, owning strategy and execution end-to-end.
Supervised a staff of 4, managing goal-setting, performance, and day-to-day team development.
Managed an annual departmental budget of approximately $20,000, with full accountability for planning and allocation.
Launched a new Arts Academy in partnership with local schools and community organizations, building a cross-organizational program from concept to delivery.

Additional Experience: Willow Creek Community Church, Vocal Director & Essence Creator (2003–2006) — member of the creative production team for a 20,000+ member organization; managed a volunteer team of 100+ across the Gospel Choir and multiple vocal ensembles. Decatur Park District, Music Director (2008–2010) — directed a 20-member touring ensemble and an 80–100 voice community program. Alderson-Broaddus University, Instructor of Music (1999–2001) — built curriculum for a new academic program area.

EDUCATION

Master of Music, Choral Conducting — Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 2007

Graduate Studies, Choral Conducting — University of Northern Iowa, 1998–1999

Bachelor of Music, Voice Performance — Millikin University, 1997

SELECTED RECOGNITION

Works performed at Carnegie Hall and featured at American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), National Association for Music Educators (NAfME), and Jazz Education Network (JEN) national conferences.
20+ original works published by Walton Music (GIA), Hinshaw Music, and Alfred Music.
Conference presenter: ACDA National Conference; Missouri ACDA Summer Conference.