I began lessons with Dorothy as a 14 year old greatly in need of guidance-both in music and in life. If it weren’t for her I would never have learned the classical repertoire that got me into college, or the perspective and resilience that has kept me pursuing my passion long after I graduated from her studio.
-Oskar, former student
Music has been instrumental (pun intended) in bring meaning and purpose into my life. I have been playing piano for over 20 years. I am grateful for the three piano teachers that have been an integral part of my training. Dorothy Travis was my third and final piano teacher. When I started taking lessons with Dorothy Travis, during high school, I felt honored and excited. Dorothy introduced me to the thrills and intricacies of jazz and rock music, while fostering my commitment to classical music. My love for music flourished by working with Dorothy. She inspired me to think critically about the composition of music- which improved my theory and improvisation skills-, and provided me opportunities to broaden my repertoire. Dorothy encouraged me to compete in piano competitions and was the backbone in the success of my senior recital. Dorothy is educated, talented, creative, kind, and dedicated wholeheartedly to her students and her teaching. I am honored to know her as a woman, a piano teacher, and a mentor.
-Anastasia Tramontozzi Guardian ad Litem, Guilford County
Ms. Dorothy Travis is one of the most attentive and encouraging piano teachers I have ever had the opportunity to learn from. I studied with her from Elementary school through High School and she supported me in every respect. That support continues to this day. She guided me through recitals and auditions from childhood to adulthood. Her students are artists, musicians, scientists and athletes. Not only did our piano work together make me a better musician and individual performer but it has made a great difference in my ability to learn and share repertoire, this is something that distinguishes me from others and makes it possible to focus more on meaning and interpretation of music. With her mastery of music I grew as a woman, student, pianist, and singer. Finally, Dorothy finds her students where they are, sees what resonates with them, and lets music become their language. I am deeply grateful to my teacher, champion and mentor Dorothy Travis. If you are very very lucky you may have the benefit and the rare a special gift to be a student of hers.
-Maria Tramontozzi, former student, Manhattan School of Music Senior
Dorothy is like a therapist in the disguise of a piano teacher. She plays both parts. (No pun intended). I always leave her place smiling and feeling relaxed and confident in the progress and process of learning the material. -Laura Tramontozzi, Clark University Class of 2018 B.A. in Psychology and Music
Of the three daughters whom she taught; one followed her music to conservatory at the Manhattan School of Music musical theater, another double majored in psychology and music at Clark University with an interest in integrating music human development and science and psychology, the third, an attorney, continues to actively play the piano, sing and participate in local jazz with the trumpet. The one common denominator In our three daughters was their passion and integrity. Their learning styles, primary interest in music, what moved and charmed them were completely different. Dorothy Travis always found the heartbeat of what they need to express. Martina and John Tramontozzi, parents
"When I had my first lesson with Dorothy, I was in my mid-fifties. I had had no piano or other musical training at all. (Middle C, what’s that?)We started with finger builder exercises, scales, Bass Clef, G Clef, and simple chords. Today it’s works by Chopin, Clementi, Einaudi and others. It’s also the Blues, folk music, rock and roll. We go wherever I want to take it. One of the very first things Dorothy taught me was that “music is a discipline”. While extremely enjoyable, rewarding and good for me in many ways, learning piano is also hard work. So don’t it expect it to be easy, but do expect to learn to play piano.” Brian McNelis, adult student