| Testimonials & Bio's |
About the Authors:
Debbie J. Rowe
Dr. Rulon Christiansen
| DEBBIE J. ROWE graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and holds a Secondary Teaching Certificate and Special Education Endorsement from Weber State University. She also obtained a Music Endorsement from the Utah State Office of Education for the Day Treatment Program. She has taught in the public and private sector for more than twenty years, working with special needs and troubled youth. She served as the Education Coordinator for the McKay-Dee Behavioral Health Institute for seven years, taught in the Youth Day Treatment program for nine years, and currently teaches for Archway Youth Services. She has also worked as a sportswriter and in collegiate athletic public relations, having written articles for several area newspapers. She is a published author. When she's not teaching, Debbie enjoys writing and loves to sing, play the piano and guitar. She has been a member of several choral groups, performing locally with a trio and as a soloist, and has studied piano privately for several years. A single parent, Debbie most enjoys her time spent at home with her three children. |
| DR. RULON CHRISTIANSEN was born and raised in Utah. He studied piano for several years with Frederic Dixon, a pupil of Rafael Joseffy, the distinguished pianist, editor, and pupil of Franz Liszt. He also studied the organ with Tabernacle organists, Dr. Alexander Schreiner and Dr. Robert Cundick. Dr. Christiansen attended Brigham Young University where he earned B.A. and M.M. degrees in organ as a pupil of J.J. Keeler. He later earned a Doctor Musical Arts degree and the Performer's Certificate in Organ as a pupil of Russell Saunders at the Eastern School of Music in Rochester, New York. He won first place in the National Federation of Music Clubs Competition, was finalist in the MTNA Competition, and semifinalist in the NCOI Improvisation Competition. He has studied in France with Gaston Litaize and Andre and has performed in concert throughout the United States under the auspices of Artist Recitals Concert Management in Los Angeles. A published composer, he has studied composition with Dr. Robert P. Manookin, Dr. Merrill Bradshaw, and Dr. Samuel Adler, and studied improvisation with Allen Hobbs. His works appear in the catalogues of Shawnee Press, AOL Time Warner, and Jackman Press. His organ compositions have been performed in recital during a national AGO convention, on National Public Radio, and also performed on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast. He has held numerous professional church positions as organist and choir director in Protestant churches in New York and Utah. Rulon has also performed many recitals as guest organist at the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. Dr. Christiansen has given numerous seminars and six-week courses on organ technique and organ registration, creating hymn preludes from the hymnbook, and many other topics to churches throughout the country. He is adjunct professor of organ and piano at Weber State University and teaches privately. He is married and has two daughters. |
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Testimonials
| "I know that I can concentrate better...the songs actually have melodies, and they get stuck in your head, so you're walking around singing them." --Ryan Q, student, 13 |
| "The concert was the best! ...effort paid off for now and in the future of the students' lives." --Jane R., school counselor |
| "This program is absolutely awesome! Not only did our students have a lot of fun in the process, they boosted their skills tremendously. As they were learning, the request to listen to classical music while they did their other studies was constant. This program worked its way into their minds and taught them all a love of the classics and a strong ability to discuss the artists and their lives in vivid detail. I would strongly recommend this program for all learning environments." --Patty S., paraprofessional |
| "Classical music has really helped me to work on things in my life. It helps me concentrate, and it calms you down when you are feeling angry. The music has made me realize that the world isn't bad unless you make it bad." --Bryce D., student, 17 |
| "I scored zero on the first test. After learning it (this)...way, I scored 78 percent. It helps you remember, and I think classical music is something that should be taught in all of the schools. It's just good for you." --Skyler H., student, 15 |
| "I witnessed this program as it was taught to both regular and Special education students as they learned the names, lives, and music of classical artists and were able to retain that information. These students' test scores in other subjects improved and their reading skills showed advanced abilities that can be attributed to this musical program. "Classical Cool" should be included in all music/English curiculums, as the benefits are significantly measured and enjoyed by those who have access to this program." --Raelene C., educator |
| "The program involved the students in learning the words, music and interesting facts about the composers--not an easy task. What a wonderful musical program!" --Lana D., administrator |
| "The music we (usually) listen to is mostly screaming, and a lot of it is dirty, too. Classical music represents something. It puts you in a good mood. I really like Vivaldi, Bach and Beethoven the best." --Christian W., student, 14 |
