Marjorie Liss (1943-2026)

Former Preparatory student, Conservatory alumnus, and longtime faculty artist and educator Marjorie Liss (Teaching Certificate ’64; BM ’66, Piano) passed away in January at 82. 

The Baltimore native first enrolled at the Preparatory before studying piano with Konrad Wolf. While still in her teens she won a national talent search headed by Joan Crawford and sponsored by Coca-Cola, claiming both classical piano and jazz voice categories—which led to radio and television appearances and a European tour, prior to which she was coached by Aaron Copland and Benjamin Britten to perform their music.

Liss joined the Preparatory faculty in 1963, launching her storied career as an artist-educator. She received one of the first federal grants to perform concerts for inner-city youth, performing 50 a season for three years up and down the East Coast.

Liss taught piano for 40 years at the Preparatory, where she became one of the more beloved instructors for adults. In 1995 a Baltimore Sun writer visited her adult class and students for a story. “What we’re talking about is music, yes, and notes, yes, but there’s also something else,” she told the reporter. “I think it has to do with maybe a kind of therapy that comes from working out to your limits in an area that’s completely different from what you do every day for a living. And this seems to be something that gives adults a tremendous sense of personal satisfaction and fulfillment.”

“Adults are so much more fragile than children,” she added. “They have such different needs and they require a different approach to teaching. That’s my life work.”

Marjorie Liss is survived by her husband, Edwin Schneider. Contributions in her memory may be sent to BARCS, 2490 Giles Road, Baltimore, MD 21225.