Welcome to my website! Thanks for visiting.
As you can see and hear I am a pianist.
I love all types of music. It seems I always have music going through my head that I am arranging!
I have enjoyed a diverse career as a pianist, a music educator, and a composer and arranger of music.
My early years were spent in Brazil where my parents, Rev. Josh and Judy Nelson were Lutheran Missionaries. Later our family which includes my siblings Susan, David and Jim, moved to North Dakota. We lived in Alexander, Watford City and Bismarck where I graduated from high school.
After high school I attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota and graduated in 1979 receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in music education and religion. I sang in the Concert Choir under the direction of
Dr. Paul J.Christiansen, and toured the United States and Norway.
I married Doug Rokke in 1980. He is a Lutheran Pastor and we have served congregations in Driscoll, Mott, and Williston North Dakota. Currently we are at American Lutheran Church in La Porte City, Iowa.
We have 3 children Marti, Nelson and Kirsten.
Over the years I have been involved in my church as a pianist, choir director and music coordinator. I taught in the public school system for several years, and have given private voice and piano instruction to students for over 35 years. Currently I teach 40 students.
I love sharing my piano skills at Weddings and Funerals. I feel privileged to be able to share my musical gifts as a ministry for people during their times of ‘greatest joys and deepest sorrows.’
I spend my free time with my family and friends. I also do some photography and I love to scrapbook.
My first album, ‘Tell the Story’, is a tribute to my family members. All the songs were arranged for a particular event or person. The album contains 17 hymn arrangements done on solo piano.
My second album, 'JOY', is a collection of 13 Christmas hymns. These are inspirational arrangements done on solo piano.
My future projects are a praise and worship album, gospel favorites and a collection of wedding favorites. Stay tuned!!