Wednesday, July 10, 2024
I am incredibly sorry to hear of Jeff's passing, coincidentally on the 1-year anniversary. I send my deepest condolences to Lee and to Jeff's family, friends, and fellow students.
I studied with Jeff from the time I was eight years old until the time I was eighteen. He is the man who provided me with the foundations of my musicianship, and carefully instilled a deep passion and love for the piano that forms an integral part of my being.
He was an unorthodox teacher, fit for a very unorthodox student such as myself. He constantly found ways to teach "outside the box" and introduce the nuance of rhythm, dynamics, and expression in a manner that was deeply engaging and readily accessible. All of this and more was executed with a wry sense of humor and sense of fun uniquely his own. Jeff was not only a piano teacher; he was a cultivator of artists.
I last saw Jeff at his new home in the summer of 2022. It had been several years since we had last seen each other, and it was a joy to reconnect with him for a day. He was confidently himself, absolutely nothing had changed. I played some jazz (which he very graciously tolerated) and some of my compositions for him. I will forever treasure this day.
This evening, I will indulge in a glass of Limoncello and listen to the works of Schumann, and contemplate wonderful memories of my teacher. Fair winds, my friend. Thank you for everything you taught me. We will meet again.
1500 Old York Road, Abington, PA
