Dr. Linda Apple Monson is an International Steinway Artist and a recent honoree of the 2014 Influential Women of Virginia award. Named a Distinguished Service Professor at George Mason University, Monson serves as Managing Director of the School of Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. In addition, she serves as Director of Keyboard Studies at Mason. Monson is the honored recipient of the George Mason University 2012 Distinguished Faculty Member of the Year award and the George Mason University 2009 Teaching Excellence Award “for exemplary dedication to student learning and commitment to educational excellence.” She has been a professor in Mason’s School of Music since 1999. She also serves as Director of Music at Springfield United Methodist Church.