Dr. William Dean Magers, 77, passed away on November 5, 2011. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister. He is survived by two brothers, a nephew, two nieces and his companion dogs. William graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara and received his Doctorate in Musical Arts with a major in viola from the University of Southern California. He was a Professor Emeritus of Viola at ASU. Before joining the faculty at ASU, he taught at the University of Illinois, the University of Southern Illinois and at New College. He performed with the Santa Rosa Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, New College Quartet and the Walden String Quartet. He studied with Paul Rolland, John Garvey and Milton Thomas and others and lectured and performed worldwide for the Rolland International String Workshops and was a member of the string faculty at the Meadowmount School of Music for five years. He had been an active freelance violist in New York City and had performed with the solo winds of the New York Philharmonic. He also recorded and was the recipient of many musical awards especially related to the teaching of music. His students have consistently won awards in local, state and national competitions and many are performing and teaching throughout the United States. After retiring from ASU he maintained a private teaching studio at the Mesa Violin Studios with Patricia Cosand and Cathy Worcester, and he continued to give music lessons at his assisted living residence almost until the time of his passing.