Leadership often appears to be a solo act—one person composing bold ideas, with others in the wings. But at its finest, leadership is harmoniously guiding people, ideas and innovations to create powerful and transformative experiences. Melissa Rose has dedicated almost three decades to cultivating this rhythm of collaboration at the Vanderbilt Blair School of Music—through performance, teaching, mentoring students and faculty, and now leading the school as its dean.
“I think the skills that collaborative pianists have are very helpful for administration because working with people of different styles and personalities is at our core,” Rose said. “Blair is a music school that combines a supportive family atmosphere with an entrepreneurial approach to education, and I am excited to lead the school in this season.”
INSPIRED FUTURE
Rose has been investing in students for decades. She was a tenured associate professor of piano at Truman State University in Missouri before moving to Nashville with her husband in 1996. Her experience at Blair began as an adjunct associate professor teaching collaborative piano, and she was appointed full time to the faculty in 1999. Since then, she has been a professor, assistant dean of academic affairs and associate dean, shepherding the school as it has evolved and grown.
“We have a greater diversity and strength of students overall now, which is very exciting,” Rose said.
The dynamics of the student body go hand-in-hand with key pillars Rose sees as crucial for the future of the school.
“Our key aspects of growth for these students are cultivating a greater emphasis on musicians’ wellness; building business and entrepreneurship skills; incorporating technology in thoughtful ways; and engagement in the Nashville music community as well as nationally and internationally,” Rose said.
Rose also highlights the expansion of jazz and global music studies, alongside the traditional classical core, as powerhouse building blocks for the uniquely all-undergraduate school.
MUSICAL SPARK
Rose started playing piano at age 6 after peeking in on her older sister’s lessons. The piano came naturally to her and her sister, and both pursued professional music careers—Rose as a concert pianist and her sister as an organist.
“My mother was a little bit worried when I went into grad school at Yale with a focus on performance,” Rose said, laughing. “Also, collaborative piano was mostly male-dominated, so I feel like a little bit of a path breaker. My career has worked out quite well.”
Rose has performed nationally and internationally and has recorded for six record labels. In 2017, she recorded and edited a viola/piano arrangement of one of Enrique Granados’ Tonadillas that was included in the Grammy-nominated film The Music of Strangers.
She’s collaborated in numerous premieres and residencies with leading American composers and spent many years as a member of ALIAS Chamber Ensemble in Nashville. She’s also a longtime performer with the Summerfest Chamber Music Series in Kansas City, Missouri.
SPECIAL COLLABORATIONS
While in her associate and assistant dean roles, Rose spent years advising students, and she loves when her leadership and teaching roles come together. Recently she performed at a Dare to Grow alumni event in Miami with Bridget Conley, BMus’21. Conley is now a fellow with the New World Orchestra in Miami.
She also collaborated with opera singer Technical Sgt. Ben Edquist, BMus’13, at an alumni event in Washington, D.C., in September.
“My goal has always been to nurture and educate students with compassion, but also guide them and help them be in charge of their own path,” Rose said. “I am continually inspired by their talent, enthusiasm and desire to explore.”
BEYOND THE MUSIC…
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?
“I love to travel. I’ve been to some exotic places abroad—for example, Morocco, Turkey, Central Asia and Russia. My husband is fluent in Russian. And I also love exploring the U.S.”
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?
“I love Georgian cuisine. My all-time favorite restaurant in the world is in Moscow! However, here in Nashville I really enjoy Turkish food and all the international cuisines we have.”
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?
“It’s very difficult to choose my favorite book, but I can name my favorite author: Tony Horwitz, who unfortunately passed away early in his career. I also really enjoy local author Margaret Renkl and have read her recent books, Late Migrations and The Comfort of Crows.”
WHAT’S SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE PEOPLE?
“Even though I’m a musician, I don’t like to dance!”
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SKILL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING WITH IT TODAY?
“I’d really like to learn to play chess well. Hopefully I’ll have time someday!”
- Learn more about the Vanderbilt Blair School of Music
- Attend a concert at Blair
- Read stories about Blair students
