Douglas Beardsley

Eleven- remembering your husband Doug as the anniversary of his passing is near. My gosh, rereading all the memories written here by his former students, friends and " music mates" is testament to what an awesome gift his talent and teaching was to this community and others. Please know I am thinking of you Ellen and your children as you remember your Doug. God Bless you Ellen and Gid Bless Doug.
Carol Demtrak-Moore

Doug and I go back 50 years to when I was an undergraduate and he was a graduate student at SUNY-Binghamton. We participated in Al Hamme´s Harpur Jazz Ensemble, spent several summers as assistants in Al´s Jazz At Harpur programs and played many gigs together over the years. I always enjoyed his takes on politics and we shared a mutual interest in the movies. I moved my teaching studio to McNeil Music earlier this year, and we would get together and play on Thursdays. His creativity was always a pleasure to hear and respond to. I´ll miss him.

Was so glad to see you two last year! I'll always treasure the times I spent across the piano from Doug. once told him I wished i had his talent, he said i could be good, I said If I couldn't be as good as him, what was the point? He replied" guys who listen are important too. You put dough in our tip jars!"

Dear Ellen and family,

Without Doug Beardsley in my earlier days I do not know if I would be playing music today! His profound wisdom, insatiable appetite for good music, and joy for teaching rubbed off on me and countless others. I have so many cassette tapes of recordings we made through the years. Video tape of the gigs at the Amsterdam when Rick DePofi, Matt Keeler, Steve Davis and Tony Kadleck played. I remember Doug put out his own real book of chord changes back in the early 90s. I had him ship me 50 and they were gone in a week! He inspired so many and just adored Ellen. My heart is heavy for this loss. I was so fortunate to have him in my life.
Sincerely,
Mark Buselli

Dear Ellen, Beardsley Family & Friends... sending our deepest condolences & sympathies during this difficult time. Doug´s profound musical influence will forever be remembered & cherished. His inspired piano playing, whether performing at The Music Box, Tawni´s, The Amsterdam, or teaching at home and at McNeil Music, shall continue to inspire us all. With Love, Steve & Abena Koomson-Davis, The Davis Family

Ellen & family- I am so sorry to hear of your husbands passing. How very talented he was and shared his love of music with everyone in our community and beyond. I remember him playing with my former neighbor Al Hamme
who recently passed away. I am sure they both will be busy in heaven sharing their talents with all the angels. May he rest in peace. Take care Ellen, my best to your and Doug´s children.

I remember Doug fondly from lessons at McNeil Music when I was in high school. He inspired a love of jazz for me, not only playing but listening and figuring out the theory behind the patterns of chords. In his long career he was an inspiration to many. My best to his family.