Honoring Marvin Blickenstaff

Today would have been Marvin Blickenstaff’s 91st birthday. Last year, to celebrate his 90th birthday, Marvin realized a lifelong goal of performing at Carnegie Hall, sharing music with his friends and family in the spirit of generosity that shaped his life.

At The Frances Clark Center, we continue to feel Marvin’s influence through his teaching and the example he set. He shaped generations of musicians and educators, always approaching his work with a deep respect for those he taught.

Marvin’s connection to the Center was both personal and purposeful. He believed that piano teachers shape lives and deserve meaningful support in their ongoing growth and development. Through that vision, he established the Marvin Blickenstaff Teaching Excellence Fund, which supports teaching programs, education, and resources that cultivate beauty, expression, and artistry in piano teaching and learning.

Marvin often referenced the quote, “I touch the future, I teach.” He believed passionately that he led the best possible life in service to music and piano teaching. As he once shared, “If I had my life to live over, I would do exactly what I have done for these 60 years, and that is to teach piano.”

We invite you to join us in honoring Marvin’s life and legacy by supporting the Marvin Blickenstaff Teaching Excellence Fund at pianoinspires.com/marvin-blickenstaff/.

On this special day, we express our deepest gratitude for having known Marvin and for the profound impact he had on so many. He changed lives, advanced the profession, and built communities around the world. The outpouring of love for Marvin is a testament to the love he poured into all of us.