Rosilee Russell, classical pianist, holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Baylor University, a Master of Music degree and also a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. While at Baylor, she was the recipient of the Van Cliburn Piano Scholarship and the Alpha Chi National Music Scholarship for graduate study. At UMKC she was awarded a piano teaching assistantship.

As a solo artist, Russell has performed extensively throughout Arkansas as a member of the Arts on Tour Program, sponsored by the Arkansas Arts Council, and has played nationally as a touring member for the Mid-America Arts Alliance. She has appeared as a recitalist at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, guest pianist at the White House, and was nominated for a performance at the Kennedy Center. She has recorded a CD to accompany a music theory textbook for Oxford University Press, and has also been involved in writing a college-level group piano textbook. Rosilee can be heard on her CD Live at Eastman recorded in the famous Kilbourn Hall at the Eastman School of Music in New York, as well as her CD Cool Classics, which is a collection of classical masterpieces recorded live.

In the fall of 2006, Russell founded and developed the UAFS Academy of the Arts, a preparatory program which provided instruction in the visual and performing arts to children and youth. In the spring of 2008, she was awarded the Mayor’s Honors for her achievements in the Academy of the Arts. Rosilee is active as an arts columnist for the Times Record and is active in the media as a voice for the arts.

In summer of 2016 she founded the Community School of the Arts Fort Smith, providing arts and entertainment for students of all ages.