Peter van Reesema joined ECMI as Executive Director in 2026. He brings a background as a professional musician, educator, and arts administrator. Peter oversees ECMI’s organizational strategy, operations, and community partnerships, working closely with faculty, staff, and the Board to support the school’s mission and long-term sustainability.

His professional experience includes extensive work in musical theater and contemporary performance, including serving as a keyboardist and conductor for the Broadway production of Hamilton. Peter is passionate about building accessible, high-quality arts education in our community and strengthening the role music plays in civic life. Now based in Maine, he is excited to support ECMI’s growth while honoring the collaborative, community-centered spirit that defines the organization.

Click here to connect with Peter.

Nancy Colter founded ECMI in 2013 with the help of knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers, board members, and staff. She currently serves as its Artistic Director. Nancy’s work includes overseeing programmatic excellence, rigorous program evaluation, a supportive musical environment for students and teachers, and quality in all artistic endeavors. She provides artistic oversight for concerts and musical events and works to ensure fine instruction through faculty recruitment and management.

Nancy lives on Mount Desert Island and is dedicated to expanding the role classical music education plays in elevating lives and creating community in our region.

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Lydia Reifsnyder joined ECMI family in March of 2025. Born and raised on Mount Desert Island, Lydia is thrilled to be applying her music experience back into her local community. She graduated with a Masters in Choral Conducting from Westminster Choir College. She has performed with a variety of choirs, including the Westminster Choir, Westminster Jubilee Singers, and Westminster Symphonic Choir, and locally with the Bagaduce Chorale, Mount Desert Summer Chorale, and the Gilbert & Sullivan Society.

Through her years as a Graduate Assistant, Lydia has gained the necessary skills to manage a music education organization. She will be working with the Faculty, Staff, and Volunteers to make sure the ECMI experience continues to prosper.

Click here to connect with Lydia.