Haley Olson is a composer, pianist, and vocalist from Wisconsin whose music has been described as “elegantly crafted and deeply moving” (Tom Cipullo). Writing for solo instruments, voice, and choral and instrumental ensembles, Haley also collaborates with dance and theatrical troupes to create dynamic, interdisciplinary works. Her music has been programmed and performed by ensembles and festivals across the United States and Europe, including the ECCE Ensemble, the Occasional Symphony, the Space City New Music Festival, and the Sparks and Wiry Cries songSLAM. Recent premieres include “Tree Piece,” an improvisatory piano piece commissioned by New Music On the Point, and an SATB choral work written during her residency with St. David’s Music Program in Baltimore, Maryland.  

Haley holds degrees in composition and music theory from St. Olaf College and The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, and received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance in August 2025. A classically trained pianist, she studied with teachers including Stefanie Jacob, Kent McWilliams, and Kathryn Ananda-Owens. In addition to composing, she is an active musician in the Metro Detroit area. Prior to living in Michigan, Haley served as the soprano section leader and Music Ministry Assistant at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, where she directed the children’s choir and handbell choirs, and where she composed new pieces and arrangements for the parish choir and congregation. She is currently an alto choir scholar at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Parish in Michigan. An advocate for artists and arts education, she worked as a member of American Composers Forum’s Artist Services team and mentored student composers through Baltimore’s Junior Bach program.