Shannon Witkouski is an accomplished percussionist, educator, and emerging scholar who is pursuing a Master of Arts in music theory at The Ohio State University. She is also a graduate teaching associate for the Music Theory and Aural Training courses. 

Before arriving at Ohio State, she earned a dual Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and Instrumental Performance – Percussion from Westminster College, where she was named Outstanding Junior Music Student and graduated summa cum laude. She is the 2025 recipient of the prestigious National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship — awarded to just one student nationally — and has earned multiple academic honors, including selection as a Drinko Center Summer Research Fellow. Through this fellowship, she conducted original research on “AI-Assisted Composition for Bands and Orchestra: Enhancing or Replacing Creativity?”

An active performer, Witkouski has appeared with Westminster’s Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Orchestra, Jazz Band, and other groups, with invitations to perform at the College Band Directors National Association Conference, the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State Conference, and the Pennsylvania Collegiate Bandmasters Association Intercollegiate Band. She also served as a student carillonneur under the direction of Mitchell Stecker. She also maintains a vibrant freelance career, performing with ensembles such as Belle Voci Pittsburgh, the Shenango Valley Chorale, and the Beaver Valley Choral Society.

Beyond performance, Witkouski is deeply involved in leadership and service. At Westminster, she was a member of Pi Sigma Pi Senior Academic Honor Society, Mu Phi Epsilon professional music fraternity, Alpha Gamma Delta international women's fraternity, and Westminster’s chapter of the Pennsylvania Collegiate Music Education Association, for all of which she has held leadership roles ranging from Secretary, Campus Relations, to Public Relations Chair. Her leadership extends nationally and internationally through the Percussive Arts Society, where she is an active member of the University Student Committee and is the Head of Social Media and Marketing.

A dedicated educator, Witkouski worked as a Peer Tutor in Westminster’s Office of Academic Success for the School of Music and School of Education. As a tutor, she earned her Level 1 Certification in the International Tutor Training Certification through the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). She also currently serves as Front Ensemble and Drumline Instructor/Clinician for Blackhawk High School in Beaver Falls, PA.

A recipient of numerous scholarships and awards, Witkouski is committed to artistic excellence, innovative research, and fostering the next generation of musicians. 

Outside of the classroom, she enjoys listening to a variety of music, reading memoirs, watching movies and Anthony Bourdain, and playing with her dog, Marlee.