Dean Melissa Rose creates harmony while advancing the Blair School of Music [Video]

Leadership often appears to be a solo act—one person composing bold ideas, with others in the wings. But at its finest, leadership is harmoniously guiding people, ideas and innovations to create powerful and transformative experiences. Melissa Rose has dedicated almost three decades to cultivating this rhythm of collaboration at the Vanderbilt Blair School of Music—through performance, teaching, mentoring students and faculty, and now leading the school as its dean.

“I think the skills that collaborative pianists have are very helpful for administration because working with people of different styles and personalities is at our core,” Rose said. “Blair is a music school that combines a supportive family atmosphere with an entrepreneurial approach to education, and I am excited to lead the school in this season.”

INSPIRED FUTURE

Rose has been investing in students for decades. She was a tenured associate professor of piano at Truman State …