Nancy Linder grew up in the small town of Wadena, MN. She began piano lessons at the age of five. First inspired by her mother’s occasional hymn-playing and her father’s records of Scott Joplin’s ragtime music, Nancy soon discovered she loved the challenge of learning to play new music. She especially enjoyed making music with others, and by the time she was eleven she was accompanying children’s choirs at both church and school. After two inspiring summers making music with other teens in the Lutheran Summer Music Program, she had decided to pursue her love of music in college.

Nancy received her Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, where she studied with Ted Reuter. During her time at Wartburg, Nancy also enjoyed singing with the Castle Singers and Wartburg Choir. She went on to study with Carroll Chilton at UW-Madison, earning her Master of Music degree in piano performance. While at UW, she held an accompanying assistantship with Martha Fischer, affording her numerous opportunities to work with amazingly talented students, staff, and guest artists.

Upon graduation from UW, Nancy continued to accompany soloists and various musical groups, performing in many concerts and recitals. She specialized in tuba and euphonium literature for many years, while also working as rehearsal accompanist with the UW Opera department and providing music for several productions with the UW Theater department.

In the summer of 1999, Nancy received a call from Midvale asking if she might be interested in a pianist position. She was happy to explore this new direction, and the rest is history! She currently plays two weekends per month at MCLC, in addition to accompanying the Chancel Choir.

Nancy is a busy mom of five, and loves spending time with her children and encouraging their interests. Many evenings and weekends are spent watching them dance, act, sing, and play various sports. Nancy’s hobbies include baking and gardening. She continues to enjoy opportunities to make music with others, and currently teaches piano lessons out of her home. Nancy lives with her husband and children in Verona.