Today we’d like to introduce you to Doris Mattingly.
Doris, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began piano lessons @3, as my mother was a piano teacher, and spent my early years studying piano and voice. In high school I played for my school choirs and singers, and taught piano in my New Jersey town. As a piano major at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., I studied with fine teachers: the President’s Pianist, George Manos and Emerson Meyers. Immediately following graduation, I began my career as an accompanist and conductor, leading choirs and playing in major venues in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Additionally, I founded the opera program for the Duke Ellington School, co-founded the Opera Theater of Washington, and was organist for both Temple Rodef Shalom, Va. and St. Thomas Apostle Church, D.C. Throughout my musical career, I maintained a large studio, teaching hundreds of students. Currently residing in Kansas where I live with my husband and dog Duke, I continue to teach online and in person, Chair the Holiday Program at the Kemper Museum for the KCMTA (Kansas City Music Teachers Association) and also Chair the Leawood Welcomers Book Club.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have not had a particularly rough road, but there were not many female conductors in my younger years to serve as role models. I gained valuable experience working with Richard Weilenmann as assistant conductor for the Washington Civic Opera and hosted the holiday concert operas at the Arlington Opera Theatre. I had a few crossroads and decided against a career that included months away from my family and studio accompanying or conducting in NYC and Sarasota, Fla. I have had a very active musical career.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I enjoy teaching. It causes me to think about process and how to integrate music and art in the lives of my students. I’ve learned to listen better and to enjoy discovery of the small details that make a difference in creativity. Recently I’ve studied art which demands a different kind of detail – visual, but the process of patience, practice and courage are all the same.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Margaret Erdmann, my high school English and drama teacher was my first mentor, helping me to discover qualities unknown and instilling confidence important to my career and in working with others. My husband and children have been incredibly supportive and encouraging along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.mattinglystudio.com
