Profile for Mary Tollefson

Brief biography

Dr. Mary J. Tollefson is Associate Professor of Piano at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, she completed both an MM and DMA at The University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Tollefson began teaching at UW-La Crosse in 1994, and has developed an extensive teaching and performing career, including several solo and chamber music recitals at UWL and throughout the country. She has also been a soloist with the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Tollefson regularly presents pedagogy topics at state and local piano teachers meetings throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Dr. T. is an active member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), where she holds the Permanent Professional Faculty Certificate as part of the NCTM (National Certification of Teachers of Music) Program. She most recently served as chair the MTNA Performance Competitions for the state of Wisconsin from 2007-2014. Previous service has included the WMTA Executive Board, WMTA Administrative Council, Chair of the WMTA High School Virtuoso Competition, WMTA Newsletter Editor and East Central Division Certification Chair. Dr. Tollefson has reviewed several repertoire publications for the American Music Teacher Journal (published by MTNA). She has also collaborated with the La Crosse Area Music Teachers Association (LAMTA) to help create PianoFest, a celebration of young pianists performing at UWL and receiving a medal while providing an opportunity for current college music students to judge performances. She was awarded WMTA Local Association Member of the Year in 2009 and in 2014.