Ithaca College

Mary Ann (Hunter) Covert, 81, passed away on September 11, 2018.

Mary Ann received the Bachelor of Music degree in Piano/Theory from Oklahoma Baptist University and the Master of Arts degree from Memphis State University in Piano Performance.  Prior to coming to Ithaca College, she taught in the public schools in Memphis, TN and New York state.

A long-time piano faculty member at the College, (1967-1995), Mary Ann served primarily as teacher of studio piano.  An active recitalist and collaborative pianist from an early age, she continued her performances on campus and around the world with many international artists.  She also participated in recordings, including one with her husband, John Covert, horn, and one with James Ode, trumpet.  In addition, she appeared on multiple recordings with saxophonist Steve Mauk, and with Gail Williams, former Associate Principal Horn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. At the request of the composer, Mary Ann also recorded the keyboard works of Karel Husa. 

Widely recognized as an outstanding pedagogue, many of her students realized successful careers as piano performers and teachers. Ithaca College recognized Mary Ann twice through the awarding of a Dana Teaching Fellow.  During her 29-year tenure she contributed extensively to curriculum development, helping to institute the accompanying program, and piano ensemble for piano majors, as well as choral arranging in the academic area.  She also served two separate terms as Chair of the Performance Studies Department.

After retirement, Mary Ann and Jack returned to the Memphis area where she remained active in coaching, adjudication, master classes, and select private lessons.

Mrs. Covert was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Hunter. She is survived by her husband, John M. Covert; her children, Bobby and Donna Lewis, Mark Lewis, Tracye and Harry Griffin, Jeff Lewis, and Todd Covert; her sister, Carole Smith; five grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.