The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University

Betty L. Schien (Piano ’71) Where to start?!!! I first attended Peabody in the summer of 1969 for a Piano Workshop. I was in the emotional upheaval of a divorce, but I met two other lovely women who were in the same state – instant bonding. I subsequently enrolled as a special student at the Conservatory where I spent two extraordinary years in Leon Fleisher’s piano repertory classes as a private piano student studying with Elisabeth Katzenellenbogen. In fact, I’ve been very impressed that I seem to be considered an “alum” in spite of this rather meager output on my part!

While in the Baltimore area I eventually became a professor at a community college and did performances, mostly in chamber music, in the area. I felt a need to get a terminal degree (I had a BM and MM from a university in Illinois), so I worked in a study program at The Catholic University of America and eventually received a DMA in Piano Pedagogy in 1994 – no doubt giving much encouragement to older people as I was “long in the tooth” even at that time. Soon after that I was hired for a wonderful position as organist at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cockysville where I remained for about 9 years. In 2005 I realized that I needed to return to my home state of Illinois where I have many relatives. After a short while I had an opportunity to teach applied piano at Blackburn College in Carliville, Illinois. Now I am adjunct faculty at Lincoln Land Community College teaching music appreciation classes and applied piano. I had an opportunity to do an organ/piano recital last year as part of their concert series. I also do organ lecture recitals for my students. In addition, I have a job as organist at a Lutheran church in Mt. Olive, Illinois. I give credit to a Higher Power who seems to give me the energy and wisdom I need to keep on keeping on.

As to my support for Peabody, I certainly wish I had more to give. I appreciate the part the institution played in my life, I appreciate the quality of the study programs and the performances, and I sincerely hope they can maintain and achieve their goals. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that one of those energetic young students gives us a call to ask for our support.

Edwin Haugan (TC ’55, BM ’57, Piano) In 1998, I retired from Spokane Falls Community College, where for twenty-five years I taught piano, music theory and music history. More recently, I retired from my position as church organist after thirty-five years of service. I still teach a few students privately and practice and play the piano for pleasure.  After earning a BM in piano at Peabody I did graduate work in music at Tulane University, North Texas State University and Louisiana State University. It was my study at Peabody, however, that more than any other experiences, shaped me as a musician. In addition, Peabody is dear to me because that is where I met Katharine Mullin, a fellow student who, shortly after her graduation, became my wife. We were married across the street at the Mount Vernon Place Methodist Church.

Patricia Bush (BM ’80, Music Education) My "day job" is being a full time elementary general music teacher. I also teach private piano lesson in the evenings, and I volunteer with the 3-5 year olds at church on Sunday mornings singing songs with them and playing percussion instruments.  Peabody gave me an excellent education in preparing me to teach music. The program gave us/students opportunity during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th year to experience teaching - a great thing to do in your 2nd year so if you decided teaching wasn't for you, you would know sooner than later. Plus having all that experience teaching in different schools and different grade levels, besides the intense focus on individual practice time so that you were really well rehearsed on your major instrument as well as minor instruments/voice. The opportunities for performing with different groups was fabulous. I am supporting Peabody with my annual gift in hopes that other students can have a great music education at Peabody.

Sharada Rao (BM ’01, Saxophone) After Peabody, I went to grad school for two years and got a master’s degree in statistics. I have been an actuary at a life insurance company since 2003. I still teach sax lessons every Thursday, and I'm very proud of all of my students. I donate because I know firsthand how much a student benefits from a solid music education regardless of what career path s/he takes. 

Israel Sushman (BM ’70, Music Education) Pictured with his wife of 25 years, Nancy. My “day job” is in technology and information systems operations for south coast and deserts eco-region for the Nature Conservancy, and I play clarinet and sax for fun, help my son with his clarinet practice, and listen a lot (over 90GB on my iPod). I gave this year because I have a little extra, and you called at the right time.

Sarah Meneely-Kyder (MM '69, Composition) I a full-time musician and I have so much appreciation for what Peabody offered me toward that end!

Jari Villanueva (BM ’78, Music Education) I retired from the United States Air Force last year and am now the Director of the Maryland National Guard Honor Guard, a 80 member organization that provides Military Honors for our Maryland veterans. We represent the Governor, the State of Maryland and the United States at over 3,500 military funerals in the state each year and provide ceremonial support to the National Guard.
 
I direct the Johns Hopkins University Band, the UMBC Pep Band and am commander/conductor of the Maryland Defense Force Band.I also am the music director for the the National Association For Civil War Brass Music.
 
I try to give every time I'm asked. Peabody provided a strong musical foundation for me on which to build my musical career which included 23 years with the US Air Force Band in Washington DC and my career as an arranger and trumpeter. I give because I hope students will do so in the future. 

John Stover (BM '78, Guitar) As I have recurring problems with my left hand, I don't perform much anymore-have had 2 surgeries which while reducing pain, have had limited success in restoring my ability to play well. I gave to Peabody because it deserves it, and is in my will. also.