How do I tell my story. In looking at the many stories we are telling in this special space for member spotlights, many have chosen to bring us an overview, a synopsis of their career and development. Others have shared more detail. It has been so special to get better acquainted with the wonderful people who make up our network of marvelous teachers in CSMTA leadership and the individual local associations. I have known Nancy Harris for ten years and never new the depth and breadth of her training and experience. It was so delightful to hear her story.
I have reached out to a number of statewide teachers asking them to provide information about their background and experience. Each and every teacher in CSMTA is welcomed. Personal profiles will be posted on this website.
I have chosen to follow in Nancy’s lead and tell you about my background. The forty years of business background helped me in developing as a music teacher. When I completed my Bachelor Degree in Music in 1976, I continued with my piano studio while working in the business world.
VOLUNTEERING – MY THOUGHTS My focus for the last 20 years has been on my piano studio and students. We join these professional organizations to further our professionalism, to continue to learn and grow in our musical pedagogy. This organizations, from National, State and Local provides those developmental opportunities. It takes volunteers to run the organizations and develop the professional pedagogy. The other focus is our students. At all levels there are numerous programs, festivals, competitions, recitals and more…for the students. It takes volunteers to run these programs.
I strongly believe in the philosophy of “tithing” and I have chosen to make the recipient of my tithe a very worthy fellowship…musical associations, teachers, and students. I am eager to find areas that need support, need a helping hand to make a program work, develop pedagogical tools, fellowships, and programs. Over the years this endeavor has brought me the opportunity to meet wonderful fellow travelers on this journey. I have supported many young students as they continue their musical adventures and studies. There are no words for the significance of the return in my life. I am thankful for the opportunity to be involved in programs and activities. I have gown so much from this adventure and the wonderful teachers, parents and students that have enriched my life.
MTNA/CSMTA: I returned to my hometown, Grand Junction, in 2003 and joined GJMTA. I served on the board for several years and helped with the many events. The most fun was when we did the Monster Concert with students playing together on multiple pianos. I moved to Denver in 2010 and joined DAMTA, serving on the board for the past 10 years as Membership Chair/Yearbook Publication. Soon I joined Foothills (FMTA) and served as Program Chair and currently Sonatina Festival Chair since 2017. Well, this wasn’t enough…joined Columbine (CMTA) and currently serve as Program Chair. Working with four different local associations has brought so much personal development and knowledge through association with dynamic teachers and from the programs at the meetings.
I have served on the State Advisory Council in various capacities since 2009. I was the MTNA Foundation chair for several years and currently serve as chair for Community Outreach, Education and Public Relations. Three years ago a started working on the Tale of the Music Teacher project and finally this year got a website up for this project.
PIANO TEACHER: I have been teaching piano for 55 years. I have worked in a number of business positions during that time, but always had a few piano students. When I moved back to my home town, Grand Junction, CO in 2003, I moved my focus to my piano studio, moving to the Denver/Lakewood area in 2010.
KEYBOARD MAGIC STUDIO: http://www.keyboardmagic.com/ I teach all ages with a focus on adults with my adult method: “Rose Piano Course.” I have been working with Piano Marvel since it was developed in 2005 and have several students studying in this computer tutorial method.
FESTIVAL FOR CREATIVE PIANISTS: In 2008 I started working with Dr. Arthur Houle in bringing this festival to Colorado State University. Now I am the Program Director for this festival which is held in Denver at Classic Pianos the second week of June. http://www.pianofestival.org/ The current virtual 2021 events are at https://www.abundantsilence.org/festival-homepage.html
SPECIAL PROJECTS: Roden Crater Project by Light/Space Artist James Turrell. In the Painted Desert of Northern Arizona. Student Assistant to earn Arts Management Certification at Northern Arizona University 1984-1986 Mt. Graham International Observatory. Project Assistant to University of Arizona V.P. for Research Procure Forest Service permissions to build the observatory and start up the project. 1986-1989 Gemeni Observatory, Mauna Kea, Hawaii Project Coordinator, startup of the project 1990-1991
BUSINESS CARRER HIGHLIGHTS:
Business Support Services (1978-1981) Private business adventure in Fairbanks business community offering: Records Management—review office functions and set up filing systems PC Training—provide individual support to secretarial and clerical staff on transferring skills from using typewriters to understanding how to use the new PCs at their desks. Conduct in-office business skills training for company staff.
Training: Teaching and training in the business world for over 20 years.
Instructional Design--Developed extensively in computer related topics. Designed Instruction Manuals for Windows Applications, WordPerfect, Crystal Reports (Seagate Software), Electronic Viewing of Drawings, Electronic Release System on an IBM AS400 Mapics System.
Seminars and Workshops--Developed and presented on topics to include: Professional Development, Time Management, Records Management, Work Scheduling, Effective Meetings, Team Leadership,
Total Quality Management--Worked for 5 years with the Total Quality Management Program developed by 3M Company and implemented at Polaris Industries. Trained employees in the "Roadmap to Problem Solving" and "Your Role in Quality" programs.
Private Teacher--Teaching piano for 40 years. Published an instructional guide for adults, “Twelve Step System for Keyboard Proficiency.” Redeveloped and published this course as “Rose Piano Course.: Developed a computer tutorial on an Apple IIe entitled “Melody And Rhythm A Computer Tutorial.”
Computer Applications: Involved in computer applications working on an IBM mainframe at the University of Alaska. Programming was in several languages, primarily in Fortran IV for statistical applications. In this environment, programmed my own data base applications to accommodate a complex cost estimation model for budget development at the University of Alaska Statewide system. Provided a very detailed documentation of how the system should collect information on student enrollment, faculty FTE, space allocation and application (this was information obtained from a very detailed facilities inventory which I developed). My skills at documentation are highly advanced and are focused on the needs and understanding of the users.
Masters Degree thesis was the development of a tutorial on an Apple IIe for identification in melody and rhythm. This application required considerable focus on writing a program to handle both musical notation and rhythm.
Experience in Relational Data Base Management Systems. Programmed my own system and have worked on most of the commercial data base software on the market. My computer experience and applications serve me well in bringing up any necessary skills to handle network system applications in an office environment. Specifically, assisted in the establishment of a Novell Network System in 1988, and assisted in Novell Network support at ASV.
Software Applications: Windows; Microsoft Office; Dbase IV; Project for Windows; Lotus 1-2-3; WordPerfect; PageMaker and customized programming in several languages.
Project Coordinator/Design Supervisor/Release System Administrator: (3/93 to 2/97) Polaris Industries Worked for 6 months developing new products for All Terrain Vehicle Product Line. Projects were: A new transmission, and a special chassis to accommodate a diesel engine built in the United Kingdom. Worked closely with British engineers. 9/93, promoted to Design Supervisor. Supervise design/ drafting personnel for the ATV Product Development Group. Developed a plan to move from board to total CAD applications in ProEngineer. Staffing and work flow management were primary responsibilities. 5/96, promoted to Release System Administrator responsible for reviewing the format, scope, and content of the manual release system and moving into electronic format. Supervised the staff responsible for the engineering release process, document control center and engineering documentation staff.
Certificates Earned while with Polari Industries. Partners in Continuous Improvement Polaris Industries Performance Management Wilson Learning Facilitator Training - Your Role In Quality Polaris Industries How to Supervise People Rockhurst College Preventing & Dealing with Sexual Northwest Tech College Harassment in the Workplace Polaris Industries Effective CADD Production Management Univ. of Wisconsin Stress Reduction Solutions for Women Rockhurst College How to Supervise People Fred Prior Effective Design Reviews SAE International Zenger-Miller Frontline Leadership Polaris Industries
EDUCATION: M.M., Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ. Music, 1986 Developed a computer tutorial on an Apple IIe entitled “Melody And Rhythm A Computer Tutorial.” B.A., University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK. Music, 1976 A.A., University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK. Business, 1974
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES: Arts Management, Certification from NAU, Dr. Timothy Hunt Competent Toastmaster (CTM) Dale Carnage Effective Speaking and Human Relations Dale Carnage Management Seminar
MEMBERSHIPS: Music Teachers National Association, Local Associations: DAMTA, CSMTA, CMTA, DAMTA, FMTA National Association of Female Executives American Association of University Women Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Rotary Club of Hilo Grand Rapids Centennial Rotary Club