Buford Music Mentor, 97, Named Teacher of the Year

Story written by Julie Smith

On Wednesday, May 14th, 2014, Buford piano teacher Marge Engle was presented with the Teacher of the Year Award by Gwinnett County Music Teachers Association.

She was recognized for her contributions to the organization and the teaching profession. An active member of GCMTA since the 1980’s, Mrs. Engle served as chair of the annual Ensemble Piano Festival for many years.

At the age of 97, Marge continues to give private piano lessons. Dr. Blake Tyson, a professor of music at the University of Central Arkansas and former student of Mrs. Engle, recalls the positive influence of her teaching on his life:

“She [Marge Engle] took me to my first orchestra concert, she came to my band concerts, and she accompanied me when I played at solo and ensemble festivals. She was always excited about music and about sharing it with me. Her passion was inspiring. When people ask me why I decided to build my life around music, the answer is simple. Marge Engle. 

I wasn't a great student when she met me. I didn't want to do my finger exercises and I didn't want to play Bach Inventions. I liked popular music and I wanted to play songs by Journey, and Prince, and The Police, and Michael Jackson. And it wasn't long before she ‘gave up’ and let me play them.

At least I thought she gave up. What she was actually doing was meeting me where I was.

From Bach to Bartok, and on to the Beatles and Michael Jackson, she taught me how all music is related, and she showed me it was okay to love it all.

The most important thing I learned from Mrs. Engle is that you shouldn't always expect a student to meet you where you are. Sometimes you have to meet them where they are to help them discover the endlessly amazing possibilities of music. Mrs. Engle could have given up on me, or worse, she could have forced Bach and Mozart on me and made me resent their music forever. Instead, she made learning fun. In fact, for a long time I didn't even realize I was learning anything.

These days most of my music is made on percussion instruments, but the book of Mozart piano sonatas Mrs. Engle gave me is always on my piano at home. I sit down at the keyboard almost every day and play some of the same sonatas she taught me over twenty-five years ago. 

I've told Mrs. Engle many times how much she did for me, how much she taught me, and how much I owe her. She always refuses to take any credit at all. I hope she is just being modest, because I would be very sad if she really doesn't understand what she did for me. Every time I teach or perform, she is there with me. And for as long as I teach and for as long as I perform, she will always be there with me. And I can't thank her enough for being there.”

GCMTA presents this award to teachers who demonstrate excellence and innovation in their teaching as well as their leadership roles in the association. GCMTA is proud and honored to have such an influential teacher as Marge Engle in its midst.