Valerie Shondel has had a long and distinguished career as an organist, pianist and conductor in the New York City Area. She has brought her unique skills to her positions to build premier and highly successful organizations.Ms. Shondel was Director of Music at the St Paul the Apostle in New York City and at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown. She continues to work as a freelance conductor, organist and pianist New York City and New Jersey. Most recently, she appeared in concert at Carnegie Hall.Valerie Shondel earned degrees in Piano Performance and Musicology with a minor in harpsichord from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. She continued with doctoral studies at New York University and organ studies with Harriet Dearden and Vincent Carr. Valerie has held faculty positions at Wake Forest University, Greensboro College and Eastern Music Festival. She was also involved in arts management with The International Society of Bassists, The Greensboro Symphony, Kindermusik and The Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra. A highlight of her career was to perform as Organ Soloist at the Cathedral de Notre Dame in Paris, France. Valerie Shondel is a member of the New York City and Northern New Jersey Chapters of the American Guild of Organists.Valerie leads a life filled with her passions both at work and at home. She is blessed with three married sons and 4 grandchildren. Her hobbies include cooking, gardening, time with family and yoga.