Meet Mrs. Mikesell

Developing Talent in Central Pennsylvania for 30+ Years

Qualifications

Over 30 Years Experience
B.S. in Music Education, West Chester State University
Pennsylvania Teaching Certification
FBI Based Background Clearance

"Mrs. Mikesell is an excellent teacher of her music students. She balances a meaningful and appropriate level of challenge with her students' desire to experience success on their instrument. Playing a musical instrument can require a great deal of diligence on the part of the student and their family depending on what the student wants to achieve; and I know from studying with her as well as from completing an externship as a student teacher in her studio that Mrs. Mikesell's students are lucky to have her as their teacher on this great musical journey!"

Byron Mikesell
Former Student
Graduate of Pennsylvania Governor's School for Music
B. Music in Music Education, Susquehanna University
High School Band Director and Music Depart. head, Carlisle Area School District
Pianist, Church of the Cross, Carlisle, PA

Marian Mikesell began taking piano lessons at age ten. Three years later, as an eighth grader, her skill had developed to the point she was capable of playing the organ and directing the choir at her church. After studying music and completing her Bachelor's of Science in Music Education from West Chester State University, she taught elementary music from 1970-1979 in the Southern York School District of Pennsylvania.

Marian has taught private lessons on piano, flute, and organ and was the Choir Director and organist at their church for many years. She has been responsible for special programs such as Christmas Cantatas, Easter choir programs, instrumental programs, and annual recitals for students.

With over more than two decades of teaching, Marian has seen a substantial number of her students move on to study music at the collegiate level, a few of which have become professional musicians and music teachers. Others have simply become accomplished pianists capable of entertaining their families and guests.

Above all else she takes greatest pride in being a working mother of two sons, grandmother of three and a devoted wife. In 1980, Marian and her husband moved to Carlisle, PA so Dan could pastor the Wesleyan Church of the Cross. In 2021, after 40 years as pastor and 50 years in ministry, Dan decided to retire and they have built a new home in the Dillsburg area to move closer to their family. Her eldest son Byron, studied music with his mother during his school years, graduated from Susquehanna University as a music education major, and has also taught music for more than a decade. He currently serves as the high school band director and head of the music department in the Carlisle Area School District. Byron is married to his high school sweetheart and has two children. Marian and Dan's youngest son, Greg, graduated from Shippensburg University and later accepted his Commission in the Marine Corps. He served 8 years on active duty as an Infantry Officer with two combat tours to Iraq and Africa. Greg currently resides in Austin, Texas with his wife and their daughter.