Former Students
Twanda (Taylor) Gould
Dr. Beard was my advisor during my graduate studies. He was so inspiration and encouraging while I was trying to get through those graduate classes. Dr. Beard will be missed dearly.
He was such a joy to be around. This is such a shock to the soul.
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Phillip Geiman
I first knew Scott as my piano teacher of many years. His talent and kindness was so formative in my musical education that I can’t imagine any other person being able to fill that role. He remains such an exemplar to me to this day.
It truly saddens me to hear of Scott’s passing. My condolences go to Alan and to all the many people who have been supported by this wonderful mentor. I consider myself luckily to have known him.
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Theron Masters
I first met Scott when I was ten years old; I was looking for a new piano teacher after moving on from my previous one and after meeting him and playing for him he decided to take me into his studio. He was my teacher and mentor for almost nine years, and was an incredible friend for the thirteen years that I had known him. He introduced me to my first competition. He showed me the wider world of the piano. But, most importantly, he was always there to help and encourage me to do better – to be a better pianist and person.
I remember one lesson I had with him back when my mother still drove me to lessons: I had just fought with her about something and we were angry at each other throughout the entire drive. I was still angry with her even after we had reached Scott’s house and whilst waiting for my turn for a lesson. I was distracted throughout that lesson, and after making one too many mistakes and Scott pointing them out I got angry at him. I stood up and just walked away from the piano. Instead of telling us to leave, he got up and walked towards me; he asked me what was wrong and I told him about my fight with my mom. Afterwards, he helped to calm me down and assured me that I could talk to him about things on my mind – he would be there to listen to and help me if anything else came up. He was my teacher, but, most importantly, he was my friend and I shouldn’t hesitate to ask for help and advice.
Scott would be there for me when I had troubles at school, when I traveled out of state for competitions, and during my senior recital before leaving for college. The two of us played Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue – I the solo part and him a transcribed part of the orchestra. When I first approached him about learning this piece for a concert with my high school orchestra, he immediately supported and green lit the idea. He also suggested that the two of us should do it for my senior recital; one last great duo for the both of us. I never would have been able to accomplish such a task without his guidance and his teachings, and whenever I hear Rhapsody in Blue I will always remember the two of us performing that piece nearly five years ago.
I will always treasure the moments that I shared with Scott; the lessons that he imparted on me and the times where we could just talk about life. Thank you for everything that you have done for me.
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Matthew Polonchak
Scott, or as I knew him, Dr. Beard, was my piano teacher from around age 9-11. What I remember most about my lessons was his patience, and his kind, gentle approach to a young child who rarely practiced. He understood graciously that it was a second instrument, but still supported and encouraged me to participate in masterclasses and recitals and step far out of my comfort zone. 20+ years later, I still play a few of the pieces from my lessons with him by heart. Years later, he gave me my first job at Ridgefield Orchard. I remember when he made a special trip, as a surprise to me, to give me a paycheck early, because he wanted to make sure I had spending money before leaving for vacation. Though I knew him mostly from when I was a young child and teenager, I appreciate most that he never treated me like a child. I am grateful to have known him.