First in the series is Dr. Rollo Dilworth, vice dean and professor at the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University.
Background & Career: Dr. Dilworth has a bachelor’s in music education, master’s in secondary education, and DMA in conducting performance. He taught at North Park University in Chicago for many years, and then was recruited to come to Temple University in 2009. He is now in his 14th year in teaching and administration at Temple.
Music Involvement: He learned and became passionate about music through experiences in elementary school with a nurturing yet demanding teacher. After showing a level of enthusiasm in class, he began taking piano lessons at age 9 and sang in the children’s choir at school. As he gained increased proficiency, he began teaching music, arranging music, and accompanying others.
Through his teacher’s influence, his mother began to organize times for him to play at churches, weddings, and other events. The experience as a gig musician by the age of 12 helped him learn about and become encultured in the music business at an early age.
By the time he reached college, he knew he wanted to teach music. After completing his undergraduate degree, he began teaching at a middle school before earning a master’s degree and DMA.
Dr. Rollo Dilworth introducing his piece “Weather”
Inspiration for Career: The elementary school music teacher had a doctorate and informed him at an early age that he “had to exceed her in what he earned and accomplished.” After completing his doctorate at Northwestern, he took a copy of his diploma certificate and gave it to her. She then hung it in her hallway.
How did he learn about The Presser Foundation?: He knew about the Foundation initially because of the sheet music he had that was published by the Theodore Presser Company. As he has taught at Temple and become involved with a number of music nonprofits in Philadelphia over the years, he has witnessed the “amazing work” of the Foundation.
Board Member Since: 2021
Role at the Foundation: Trustee: DEI Committee, Scholar Award Committee
Favorite Memory of being on the Board: He has loved “every moment” of serving on the Board, having fun doing the work and collaborating with other members.
He has enjoyed seeing how the Foundation, with a mission and dedication to be more inclusive, has given grants to a nonprofit that he serves on the Board. “Both this organization and the Foundation are thinking differently about the work that they do, finding ways to think outside of the box and be relevant and responsive to the communities that they serve.”
Impact of the Foundation: “The Foundation has undertaken the challenge to expand, grow, and develop its work, and that will benefit music organizations and their stakeholders in the region. These organizations need to have the tools and funds necessary to carry out their missions, and the Foundation’s work to provide those resources in effective and powerful ways will have long-term impact.”
What does he do in his free time?: He works out with a trainer, reads poetry, and is a diehard Scrabble player. He previously had Scrabble boards in his office, car, and at home, but has transitioned to having multiple Words with Friends games on his phone.
