Thanks to the generosity of supporters around the world, The Marvin Blickenstaff Teaching Excellence Fund is advancing high-quality teacher education and raising the standard of piano instruction. We invite you to join this meaningful effort by making a contribution to help complete this tribute in time for his milestone birthday. Gifts can be made online at pianoinspires.com/marvin-blickenstaff.
From Kairy Koshoeva:
Celebrating Marvelous Marvin: A Heartfelt Tribute to a National Treasure
Happy 90th Birthday, Marvin! What a truly remarkable milestone this is! His birthday is a beautiful reminder for all of us to honor and celebrate him every day. He is undeniably a national treasure, and we are so blessed to have him in our lives.
As I reflect on the unforgettable adventures Marvin and I have embarked on together—from the stunning Grand Canyon to the breathtaking Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and out in Idaho—I am filled with profound gratitude. Being part of the ‘Fabulous 4’ with dear friends Charl and Reyes has been a wonderful gift. The memories we’ve created are indelibly etched in my heart, and the time spent with him is among my most cherished experiences. His remarkable presence has shaped my life in ways I can hardly express.
He has graciously welcomed me into his home during the holidays year after year. His warmth and hospitality have added a special touch to my Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, making me feel like part of a true family. He has become my chosen family in the US, and that bond is one I will forever hold dear.
His unwavering support at every recital and concert has an immeasurable impact on me. Whether during the Goldberg Variations, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, or our joyful four-hand duet performances at family gatherings, his presence always filled the room with love and happiness.
I am profoundly thankful for the wisdom and guidance he’s generously shared with me over the years. His kindness in mentoring my students has created a ripple effect that has touched us all, and the lessons he’s imparted will resonate for many years. His book is an invaluable resource for piano teachers, and I couldn’t be prouder of him as I eagerly look forward to hearing him perform at Carnegie Hall!
With my admiration and heartfelt gratitude, I want Marvin to know how deeply he is valued and loved.
Kairy
From Kate Logan:
Wishing Marvin a very happy 90th birthday—and belated congratulations on the establishment of the Marvin Blickenstaff Teaching Excellence Fund! I feel so privileged to have been one of his many piano students over the years. I look back with immense gratitude toward the role that piano played in my otherwise chaotic life at that time, especially in high school, and how his patience and gift for teaching helped me to understand my own potential for making music. I’m awed by how his generosity and selflessness has touched so many, and am so glad to have the opportunity to celebrate him!
All the best,
Kathryn (Kate) Logan
From Deborah Rodgers:
Marvin’s deep passion for his craft has truly inspired not just me and my students, but thousands of others as well. I’m so happy that during my time as president, PMTA had the honor of recognizing him with their highest Teacher of the Year award. There’s no one more deserving. Thank you, Marvin, for all the years of guidance you’ve given to my students—it’s made a lasting impact.
Deborah Rodgers
From Mary Kelly:
Marvin, congratulations on your return to Carnegie Hall! My husband Richard and I are so pleased to be able to attend your concert. I was fortunate to know Louise Goss and Frances Clark from a very early age. They both held Marvin in the highest esteem and I often heard his name over the years. But it was only when I joined the Board of The Frances Clark Center in 2006 that I came to know him personally. I remember watching several of the Master classes he gave at various conferences. His courtesy, generosity, passion and ability to connect with his students was not only instructive but extremely moving. But over the years at our Board meetings and retreats I realized that in fact, this was simply the way he lived his life; that he exercised those essential qualities of humanity and compassion in everything he did. What a legacy to have so many students learn from him and so many friends and colleagues experience his unfailing kindness. It was a great honor to serve on the Board with Marvin along with Sam, Louise, Leslie, and all those who created the New School for Music Study and The Frances Clark Center. Congratulations again! He is truly ageless and I wish him all the very best now and always.
Mary Kelly
From Mary Louise Hooley-Carlisle:
Marvin has poured his whole being into a lifetime of self-giving for the good of others so that we can become the persons we are meant to be. I have known Marvin since 1978, when I was a freshman and he was a new professor at Goshen College. During these nearly fifty years since, he has been for me my most nurturing and formative piano teacher, an inspirational performer, the greatest of all time pedagogy professor, my wise and beloved mentor, and a generous colleague. Through it all, he has been a faithful friend. He’s celebrated with me at my best and forgiven me at my worst, but always cheering for my well-being and success. On this occasion of his 90th birthday, I heartily congratulate him on all his achievements and thank you for modeling excellence, most especially for your life-shaping goodness. My prayer for him is that the blessing he’s been to others may return to him a thousand-fold, and may he be filled with love, joy, and peace, today and always. I cherish his presence in my life. ~ Mary Louise
From Nina Austria:
About fourteen years ago when I was just nine years old, I had the incredible fortune of beginning piano lessons with Marvin. What I didn’t realize then was that this would become one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I studied with Marvin all through high school, and thanks to him, I eagerly looked forward to every Tuesday evening. His captivating anecdotes and stories about the composers and the music we studied made each lesson so special. Through my time with Marvin, I quickly came to understand that being able to learn and make music is a privilege and a gift.
He always knew exactly what to say to help me improve, grow, and stay inspired. Marvin inspires a deep and natural respect from his students, as we all feel motivated to meet the standard of dedication and love for music that he so generously shares with us. Beyond being an extraordinary teacher, he is an incredible human being who educates the whole person. He has touched the lives of so many, and I consider it one of my life’s greatest blessings to be able to call Marvin Blickenstaff my mentor and my friend. To this day, we have remained close, and I carry with me a love for music and the piano that would not exist without Marvin.
Warm regards,
Nina Austria
From Pete Jutras:
It has been a true honor and privilege to know and work with Marvin for over twenty-five years. I will always treasure our time working together on articles for Keyboard Companion and Clavier Companion, and many committees relating to NCKP. The chance to work with him on the editing of Inspired Piano Teaching is a highlight of my life, and something for which I will forever be proud. Most of all, however, I cherish our friendship, and the warmth and love he selflessly distributes to everyone around him. The world is such a better place from his teaching, his presence, and his humanity.
Pete Jutras
From Kristin Cahill:
The first time I saw Marvin teach was at the Goshen College Piano Camp when I was Robert Vandall’s student. I was a sophomore in high school, and Bob and Karen drove me to Goshen from Ohio so I could participate. Mr. Vandall was the featured composer that year, and I also remember meeting Beverly Lapp and Marilyn Neely.
I was in awe watching Marvin give lectures and master classes, and I remember playing Bach’s Invention No. 13 in A Minor for him. While there, I also met Mary Rose Jordan, and thought about how lucky she was to have him as her teacher. To this day, I have fond memories of that week in Goshen.
Fast forward sixteen years, and I was looking to relocate somewhere in the United States after living in Barcelona. My teaching needed a lot of guidance, and when searching, I came across the New School for Music Study. After being hired, I couldn’t believe I would have the chance to work with Mr. Blickenstaff!
Observing his PEPS classes during my first year at NSMS was the highlight of my week. I loved watching how he connected with students and brought out the best in their playing. Over the years, I had the privilege of seeing him give numerous talks, workshops, performances, and lessons.
Not only is he a phenomenal musician, he also opens his home and heart to so many people. It is very special to have met Sara Faye’s family at holiday gatherings. His house is full of music, warmth, pianos, orchids, and mugs as we gather there.
Thank you, Marvin, for being a visionary, mentor, and friend. Happy 90th birthday! Can’t wait to celebrate 100 with him!
Kristin Cahill
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