In Memoriam: John Perry
John Perry, former USC Thornton Professor Emeritus of Piano, has died at age 90. A distinguished artist and teacher, Perry taught at the USC Thornton School of Music for 37 years.
Perry enjoyed an illustrious career as a pianist, performing extensively throughout Europe and North America to great critical acclaim. He was also a respected chamber musician who collaborated with some of the finest instrumentalists in the world.
Perry earned an international reputation as a teacher beloved by his students. He held several faculty appointments, taught masterclasses around the world, and was a jury member for many of the most prestigious international piano competitions.
In a remembrance published today, USC Thornton alumna Lori Kaufman (’89) expressed gratitude for her piano teacher:
“His exuberance was what made us all want to be better pianists. He was able to jump into the music like no other, he luxuriated in it, he took a bath in it,” Kaufman wrote. “JP, you will be missed, but your words and your spirit and your laughter hovers over my piano every day, and I love sharing what I learned from you with my own students.”
***
Photo courtesy of the USC Thornton School of Music