Music started as something Mary Bronaugh-Davis shared with her parents. Both could play piano, and when Ms. Bronaugh-Davis was a child, her mother got a duet book so they could play together. Ms. Bronaugh-Davis discovered she had a natural talent for the instrument, and decided that she wanted to pursue it further. She proceeded to earn a Bachelor of Arts from William Jewell College in 1959, after which she went on tour in Canada for the summer. When she returned, she received a letter asking if she wanted to teach piano, and the rest is history. She worked as a piano teacher at the Leshosky Music Store from 1959 to 1961, as a minister, musician, and organist at the Barry Christian Church beginning in 1960, and as an independent piano and organ teacher beginning in 1962. She also garnered experience as an organist at President Hotel in Missouri between 1965 and 1967 and as piano teacher at Metropolitan Community College-Maple Woods between 1972 and 1981.
To enhance her professional standing and knowledge, Ms. Bronaugh-Davis obtained a Master of Arts in conservatory music from the University of Missouri in 1974 and a service playing certification from the American Guild of Organists in 2006. She also became involved in leadership roles with prominent organizations like the Music Teachers National Association, the Kansas City Music Teachers Association, MMTA, and Kansas City Federated Music Teachers. She has been the handbell chair of the Missouri Federation of Music Clubs since 1999 and a trustee of the Missouri 4-H Foundation since 2004.
Over the years, Ms. Bronaugh has received a number of accolades for her talent and passion. She was honored with the Outstanding Service Award from MMTA in 2004 and the Church Musician of the Year Award from the Missouri Federation of Music Clubs between 1998 and 1999. Additionally, she was featured in numerous editions of Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who in American Education, and Who’s Who in the World.
When Ms. Bronaugh-Davis isn’t working, she enjoys gardening.