LuAnn Longenecker joined Westminster Conservatory's Early Childhood Department in September 1988 and has served as Department Head since January 2003.  She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Lebanon Valley College (PA) and a Master's in Music Education from Westminster Choir College of Rider University.

Prior to coming to Westminster, Mrs. Longenecker taught at the preschool and elementary levels in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  Once at Westminster, she completed training in the original Kindermusik curricula under the direction of the authors and also helped to pilot their program for 18-month to 3-year-old children.  While affiliated with the Kindermusik Educators' Association, Mrs. Longenecker was a guest clinician for national conventions and taught demonstration classes for the authors' workshops.

Mrs. Longenecker holds Level 1 certification from the American Orff-Schulwerk Association and has studied piano and organ.  She has served as organist, choir director and handbells director in central New Jersey churches.  She has also served as choral accompanist for the Franklin Township School District.

Mrs. Longenecker has been invited to be a guest lecturer/clinician for Westminster Choir College's Music Education and Piano Pedagogy Departments.  In addition, she has been an advisor for students completing internship and Baccalaureate Honors projects.  Beginning in September 2009, Mrs. Longenecker has been awarded successive PNC Foundation "Grow Up Great" grants for implementing music instruction in daycare centers for at-risk children.