Rising Stars: Meet Debra Ramsey Dickensheets of Alpharetta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Ramsey Dickensheets.

Hi Debra Ramsey, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have been playing the piano as long as I can remember. We had a piano in our living room when I was growing up in Beaufort, South Carolina, and of course, I wanted to play it. At first I would pick out little tunes on my own, songs I had heard and was familiar with; hymns from church, classical music on vinyl records, pop and country music on the radio. Music lessons began with the children’s choir director at the Baptist Church that I joined when I entered the 1st grade. Formal piano lessons with our church organist began around age 8 and continued through high school, with organ being added when in middle school.
My first professional job as a musician was at Parris Island Marine Recruit Training depot. When I turned 15 and received my South Carolina “restricted” drivers license. I was then able to drive myself in my grandmothers old car to the chapel and play the Hammond organ for the protestant service for 3 rd Battalion. (1000 men who were mostly being sent to Viet Nam after 6 weeks of boot camp.) Included in this position was leading the choir of about 80 men in a rehearsal prior to the service.
It was decided I would major in music when I went to college. After 2 years at North Greenville College, and 2 years at Converse College, I received AM and BM in organ performance with a minor in piano. My first experience with teaching piano was in the precollege department at Converse while taking piano pedagogy classes. My education was continued at Florida State University, receiving a MM in organ performance and minor in harpsichord. After pedagogy classes there, I began teaching organ lessons as well. I have loved teaching private lessons and choirs ever since. I am also a lifetime learner.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a smooth road. My skills have always been in demand and I love what I am doing.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Earning “Teacher of the Year” in 2022 from Georgia Music Teachers Association was a very proud moment in my career. A vote of confidence from my colleagues is reassuring and I appreciate the recognition.
Versatility sets me apart from other musicians. In addition to teaching, I have always loved performing. My organ concerts at Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston and others along the east coast have been fun. I have done lots of accompanying and directing choral groups, playing chamber music. I received an award from Muse Score for writing a composition “Jubilation” I wrote for a small handbell choir during Covid. Modern technology makes it a lot easier to compose and produce music. I hope to do more of that in the future.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is singing in the choir.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.alpharettapiano.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-dickensheets-88a18628
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@debraramseydickensheets and https://youtube.com/@debraramseydickensheetsmus4249