IN MEMORIAM
Dr. Rosalina Sackstein, long time member of the Miami Music Teachers Association passed away on February 14, 2017 at the age of 93.
How appropriate on Valentine’s Day to meet her beloved husband, Harold, who passed away approximately 7 years prior. Rosalina and Harold attended many, if not all, the MMTA events, meetings, and concerts for so many years. If you have ever taken piano lessons you may have seen them.
Dr. Sackstein was Professor Emeritus in the field of Piano at the University of Miami. She received B.S. and B.A. degrees and a Performer’s Certificate in piano, violin, theory, and solfege from the Conservatory of Music, Camaguey, Cuba. She was a student of Claudio Arrau, Isabelle Vegerova, and Rafael DeSilva. As pianist performing with orchestra, soloist, conducting master classes, judging, and piano workshops.
Twice, she was President of MMTA. She was tireless, authentic, and a source of information. She was also President of the Miami Civic Music Association, and promoted her students to actively jump start their music careers. The list of musicians she assisted is long and to know her was to be grateful for her dedication and drive for perfection in her students.
She leaves behind a large family and as large a gallery of music students, colleagues and friends. She was highly respected and in demand leaving a long trace of University of Miami graduates, as well as private students. If you were involved in music between the years 1960 and 2009 at some point you probably met.
Writing about Rosalina could never capture her essence of the wonderful person and musician she was, but will remain forever in our hearts.
IN MEMORIAM
Walter Lewis Goodman
12/15/1924 – 05/23/2019, age 94.
Walter was a longtime member of Miami Music Teachers Association and was editor of the association newsletter.
Walter, born and raised in Miami, attended Miami Senior High School and was a member of the Miami Senior High School band, lead by legendary director Dr. Al G. Wright.
After graduating high school, Walter began studies at the University of Miami, which were interrupted for service in the US Army during World War II. During Walter’s service in the Army he played saxophone in his spare time while stationed in France.
After World War II, Walter resumed his studies at the University of Miami and graduated with a degree in Music.
Walter also performed with the University of Miami Symphony Orchestra.
Walter was an active teacher from 1950-2012, only retiring due to poor eyesight, though he continued to teach his grandniece and grandnephews piano.
He had up to 100 students in his studio. Walter was also an active performer for parties and other events. His repertoire was not limited to the classics. It also included a host of Broadway musicals.
An avid traveler, Walter received the Million Miles Award from American Airlines.
Walter’s grand-nephews inherited his love for music. They both graduated from New World School of the Arts High School in Miami. His eldest is currently pursuing a doctorate in Music.
IN MEMORIAM
Patricia (Pat) Simpson
(b 1929, d 2019)
Patricia (Pat) Simpson (b 1929, d 2019) was a longtime member of Miami Music Teachers Association. Later she also joined the local associations of Broward and Palm Beach. She was a teacher of piano and also a cellist. The backbone of every organization, her activities were boundless. Never one to pursue a title or board position, her input was nevertheless invaluable. To fill a need she became Miami MTA’s treasurer and was soon snapped up in 3 counties, after which she promptly became District Treasurer. She hosted Holiday parties and meetings for many years at her home in Miami. She judged and graded written theory for Student Day. In one county that involved over 300 theory papers per year. Pat went beyond the job description: Her home printer churned out countless programs, Student Day certificates, yearbooks and tests. She typed up all the Student Activity Handbook Piano Skill revisions in 2000 and was the FSMTA Conference Treasurer, Registrar and Secretary in 2002.
One of her recital programs (comprising 10 pages) yielded the following: 15 Gold Cup winners and 37 Superior ratings for FFMC; 1 High School diploma and 35 ten-piece programs for the National Guild; 8 All Honors, 14 Honors in 2 events and 1 perfect score in all 3 events for Student Day; 27 participants in a four-piano recital; 1 First Prize, 1 Second Prize and 2 Intermediate Prizes for a local competition; 1 First, 1 Third, 2 Elementary, 1 Intermediate and 1 Honorable Mention prize for another local competition; 3rd place for even another local competition, prizes for a studio “Music Memory” contest; 4 participants in an informal recital, 4 participants in a Jazz Piano Festival; 1st prize in a talent show.
Pat’s non-teaching skills were numerous too. She was an avid traveler and became a flight attendant in order to achieve that. She spoke English, Spanish, German and French and used to work at the American Embassy in Switzerland. In college she did synchronized swimming and also taught swimming. Her tributes were far reaching, including those earned when working at a prestigious law firm in Miami.
On her 90th birthday her colleagues in the Miami MTA established an award in her name, for “Selfless Service”. She was still teaching.
A Pat Simpson Concerto Competition has been created to honor her memory.
IN MEMORIAM
Rieko Nakashima, long-time member of the Miami Music Teachers Association, passed peacefully on December 26, 2022 in Miami, surrounded by close friends and devoted piano students. She had just celebrated her 74th birthday eight days prior to her passing.
Rieko was born in Japan to Dr. Tadayoshi Nakashima and Mrs. Fukuko Kondo. Her father was a biochemist and researcher, and his work and fellowships led the family to reside in Europe, Hawaii, and eventually Miami, Florida where they settled in their Palmetto Bay home. For nearly 25 years, Dr. Nakashima was a research professor of Molecular and Cellular Evolution at the University of Miami. For multiple years, he was recognized as an accomplished scientist in the Marquis Who’s Who In America. Rieko’s mother, Fukuko, tutored privately Japanese and other subjects to primary students. Though they left Japan and did not return, the Nakashima family were amply proud of their heritage and culture. Rieko’s meticulous teaching style reflected the deep influence of her parents and Japanese background.
Rieko earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the North Carolina School of the Arts, and Master of Music in Piano Performance from the Juilliard School. After graduation, she became an adjunct professor and private piano instructor at Miami Dade College, Miami Christian College, and Trinity International University. From 1978-1995, she was the pianist and music director for services at the Unity Center for Christian Living.
Rieko was a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs and Miami Music Teachers Association for over thirty years. Her students consistently received superior or excellent ratings at the Junior Festival and won at competitive events. As a teacher, she will be remembered for her discipline, attention to detail, scholarship, and gentle but strict manner. Marilyn Gore, student and friend of Rieko for 15 years, shared that “Ms. Nakashima was a gentle giant. Her calm personality and soft-spoken demeanor provided a great balance to her meticulous and firm demand for the lesson’s perfection.”
Rieko was reserved and private, though she appreciated anyone who could make her laugh. Keeping loyal to her Japanese heritage and traditions, Rieko demonstrated the utmost care and hospitality to her friends. Furthermore, her love and friendship extended to furry creatures. Rieko loved all animals and was known to feed the stray cats at Miami Dade College. She will be dearly missed by all of her students and friends.