Jeanette Ross

Jeanette Ross

Born: February 8, 1923; Dixon

Died: December 21, 2020; Madison, Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – Jeanette Ross, Professor, Emeritus Status, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music died December 21, 2020, at her residence in Madison.

The daughter of Clyde W. and Catherine Beal Ross, she was born in Dixon, Illinois, on February 8, 1923.

She began early grades there, finishing in Springfield, Illinois, and graduating from Springfield High School.

As a piano major, she graduated from Northwestern University School of Music in 1945 with a B. Music degree, and from the American Conservatory of Music, Chicago, in 1946 with an M. Music degree.

Piano study was with Kurt Wanieck, theory with Stella Roberts. Further study: The Norfolk School of Yale, summer piano study with Bruce Simonds; piano with Rudolph Ganz and Mollie Margolies, Chicago; Pauline Lindsey, Evanston.

Following graduate study in 1946, she became a member of the music faculty at Monticello College, Godfrey, Illinois. At Northwestern School of Music, beginning in 1952, she taught piano in the Preparatory Piano Department, as well as students at more advanced levels in the College Division. In September 1957, she came to the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music to redevelop the Class Piano Program as well as to teach more advanced students. The position involved the teaching of piano, class piano, and piano methodology. It also involved programs for piano teachers in Madison as well as other areas of the state, advising teaching assistants, and judging piano competitions. Her teaching included piano performance (in previous positions as well as in Madison).

Memberships include Pi Kappa Lambda, Sigma Alpha Iota, and Chi Omega (all at Northwestern). In Madison, memberships were P.E.O. – Chapter BW, and Sigma Alpha Iota Alumnae.

Earlier memberships: Wisconsin Music Teachers Association Area Piano Teachers. Nationally – participation in National Conference in Piano Pedagogy.

She is survived by her brother, John R. Ross of Madison. A private burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon, Illinois.

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