Beverly Lapp

Associate Professor of Music

BA, Goshen College, 1991
M Mus, Westminster Choir College, 1993

What’s exciting about your job or this field?

I feel so fortunate to find myself in college teaching where I have piano and piano pedagogy as my center but can also branch out into other areas such as the Humanities and SST leadership. I learn to know wonderful students in both the private lesson setting and classroom setting. I am in a situation where I truly learn as much from my students as they do from me, and I find that to be invigorating.

What has been a struggle in your career journey?

It was a struggle to decide whether or not to pursue a doctoral degree at a time when both professional life and family life feel very full and satisfying. I am now in the midst of a doctoral program and am relieved that most of the time the balance feels right. While doubts about where to focus one’s energies seem to continue throughout life, I have no doubt that my teaching abilities and musicianship are being strengthened by my current studies.

What great advice have you been given?

A few years ago more than one person told me to stop apologizing, or to save apologies for truly important matters. This was very useful advice and I now try to stop myself when I feel the urge to apologize for something that I really should feel no compunction to be sorry about. It was a small piece of advice but gets to core of confidence in what we do and of authenticity about who we are.

What are you really proud of? (in a Mennonite, humble sort of way, of course)

I’m proud of my ability to thrive in the midst of numerous responsibilities. I am energized by being busy and challenged but also aware of the incredible importance of rest, exercise, and attention to family and friends

What advice would you give to a young person just starting out?

Learn life skills that will benefit you in a variety of settings. We can’t know the future but we do know the skills, habits and dispositions that prepare us to be successful in an always-changing world. A liberal arts setting like Goshen College is an ideal place to nurture this type of learning.

What would you do differently?

I would have worked harder at the Spanish language when I was younger. I can be conversational and friendly in Spanish but I’d love to be able to communicate with my Spanish-speaking neighbors more fluently and on a deeper level. Sometimes I wish I had completed by doctorate when I was younger, but on the other hand I’m glad for the experiences I’m bringing to my current studies.