Music Notes: August 3, 2025

Chad’s Blog

I am especially excited for the highlighting of women in the Bible that we are doing this month. There is certainly a lot to learn, and I know that I will personally feel more connected to my faith after further exploring these devoted and courageous figures. 

All of my heroes and most inspirational mentors are women. The people I look up to most are women. And most of my very best friends are women. 

Linda Hasseler

Director of Choral Music, Capital University, Columbus, OH

My grandmother - my first hero and music teacher - is an accomplished musician. I spent most of my childhood with her while my parents worked. I recall rigorous music lessons, starting at age three - she is an Eastman School of Music graduate - followed by delicious home-cooked meals and comfy sleepovers at her house. My student teaching mentor - Sally - for whom I took over at a northeast Ohio arts school when she retired, opened my eyes to a world of relatable teaching that transformed my ability to reach non-professional musicians. She was like a mom to me and remains the best teacher I have ever met. Finally, my greatest music inspiration - Lynda Hasseler of Capital University (a Lutheran college in Columbus, Ohio) - is a tremendous gift to the world of choral music. A world-renowned conductor, her Chapel Choir is recognized as one of the most accomplished choirs on the globe. It is a truly stunning musical group to experience. I am also honored to call Lynda a close friend. I will never forget the day that she, in front of hundreds of people at a special conference performance, affirmed my choir as "the best high school ensemble" she had ever heard and that she "has many things that she could learn from Chad Pittman." We have enjoyed many years of mutual admiration, musical collaborations, and close friendship. Lynda will never know how much the opportunity to experience her incredible music and her authentic words of affirmation have impacted me.

To all women in our own LCF church community and beyond: thank you for being the most amazing and special people most of us will ever know. I know that I will spend my whole life grateful and indebted to all amazing women who are strong, loving, balanced and forces for the very best the world has to offer. Please don't ever doubt your impact, greatness, and light!