Mentors/Musicians
Dr. Judith Siegel, NCTM
When his mother brought him to my studio, he was just 13. The moment he played for me, I knew he was destined for greatness. Scott studied with me for years. When he went to Peabody, my first grand piano went with him. We never lost touch. He created the Siegel Hoffman Concerto Competition in part in my honor. His doctorate on Leschetizky was based on my teachings and my find of Leschetizky’s Concerto Symphonique, Opus 9. When we left Richmond in 2004, I proudly turned over the Leschetizky copyright to Dr. Beard. Again, his mother was in the audience. On his first CD he called me “his musical mother.” He came to visit a year ago and loved playing my newest piano. For my 80th birthday this past June, he played for me again on a very special video, ending, of course, with Leschetizky. His gift of music and life will live on.
Just watched the wonderful Slide Show you prepared, and knew instantly that was Scott playing the Chopin Nocturne! How? I taught it to him! We must remember his music – and his kind heart – always!
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Sheri Siegel
My mom was Scott’s piano teacher from when he was a teen in Richmond, VA. He was like a son to her, and he referred to her as his “musical mother.” They have stayed in touch regularly throughout the years. A few months ago when my mom was turning 80, Scott agreed to contribute to her video birthday card we were putting together. In his usual style, he made an unforgettable video of singing, playing the piano (Happy Birthday and from Leshitisky which my mom gave to him and he turned into his dissertation), full of heart and charisma, as he always did. He also went out of his way last year when in Atlanta for a conference to take a subway and uber to visit my mom in her home. We all loved him and were so proud of him. Our hearts go out to the entire community and especially to his beloved Alan.
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Elizabeth Etnoyer
Dr. Scott Beard was one of the first people to affirm my place in the music world at the young age of 18. We had connections through other music teachers of mine and family friends who he taught. He was always there at my competitions to encourage me. He had the warmest smile and laugh. He treated you like he knew you forever. Scott didn’t know a stranger. His life was sincere just like his music. His message carried with him in every part of his life whether it was at the piano, in the teacher’s seat, as an adjudicator, a cook, a host, mentor…. he made you feel accepted and loved. His music was glorious but what I’ll miss most is him. Gone too soon. What a gift he was and I will miss him dearly.
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Gary Mullenax
I first met Scott Beard in August of 1998. My wife and I were looking relocate back to our native West Virginia. It was an uncertain time for us, as we had to find stable employment in our new environs, especially with two young children in diapers. I was taking post-graduate studies at Catholic University where Dr. Barbara English Maris was my advisor. Scott had taken classes under Dr. Maris at Peabody and hired me on the adjunct piano faculty largely because of his respect for Dr. Maris.
As a member of both Piano Guild and Music Teachers National Association, I sought out the nearest chapters, only to discover that there were none in the Eastern Panhandle. I approached Scott about the possibility of organizing a local group, so together we hatched an idea to form a local association of MTNA. Using a list of area music teachers that had been compiled at Shepherd, I called area music teachers and determined that there was enough interest to start a group. Scott did the paperwork required through the state and national organizations, and in 2001 District VI/Eastern Panhandle Music Teachers Association became a reality.
I envisioned EPMTA as a forum for which our students could obtain valuable performance experience. Never in my wildest dreams did I foresee the high quality of playing I would hear in the coming years, much of it coming from Scott’s students. I certainly never dreamed that students from our local chapter would win national competitions and be accepted into some of the nation’s most prestigious music schools.
One of Scott’s crowning achievement may have been his procurement of Leon Fleisher as featured clinician for the WVMTA Convention. As I walked through the doors of the Frank Center that morning, it hit me as to how fortunate I was to witness a piano masterclass by the most sought after piano teacher on the planet. And Mr. Fleisher was there due to the efforts of Scott Beard.
As a piano teacher, I probably learned as much from Scott Beard as I did from the fine teachers that I studied with. I was amazed how Scott could craft a young pianist into a young artist in four years’ time. I feel so blessed to have been able to work with Scott at Shepherd and through MTNA.
Great teachers “touch the future.” Scott is no longer physically present here on Earth, but his legacy will continue on in his students and the many lives he touched. I urge his students to pass that torch on to future generations through the gift of music that he crafted in them.
To say that Scott Beard lived a full life is such an understatement. RIP Scott.
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Charles Timbrell
Has it been already more than 25 years since Scott was the star student in my Doctoral Piano Literature course at the University of Maryland? And what a pleasure it has been to be his friend and colleague ever since. I am saddened almost beyond words by his sudden passing. He was always so full of life, engaged 100% in the moment, generously giving to everyone, cheerful, spontaneous, witty, and wise. Although we saw one another infrequently as he became busier at the university and he came into DC less often, each time was special for me. I had tremendous respect for him as a warm and communicative musician, and he will be sorely missed as a friend. My sincerest condolences go to Alan and to his family and friends far and wide.