Pianist Solomon Mikowsky has Died, Aged 88

The Cuban-Polish pianist taught at the Manhattan School of Music for over half a century

Pianist and renowned pedagogue Solomon Mikowsky, who taught at the Manhattan School of Music (MSM) for 55 years, has passed away at the age of 88.

Born in Cuba to Polish parents in 1936, Mikowsky studied initially with César Pérez Sentenat. He was then awarded scholarships by the Cuban government, which enabled him to continue on to The Juilliard School — where he studied with Sascha Gorodnitzki.

He joined the MSM Precollege faculty in 1969 and the College faculty in 1974, meaning that his 55-year service to the institution comprised more than half of MSM's history. Mikowsky was included in Benjamin Saver’s The Most Wanted Piano Teachers in the USA and cited by Clavier as “one of the world’s most sought-after artist teachers."

Alongside his work at MSM, Mikowsky gave lessons and masterclasses at many other leading conservatories, as well as serving on juries at international competitions. Mikowsky's work was later honored with the MSM President’s Medal for Distinguished Service.

"I met Solomon in 1985 when I first started working at MSM," said James Gandre, the President of the MSM. "I was immediately struck by his extraordinary intellect and passion for art and literature. He taught his students with as much or more passion and dedication than I have ever seen in a professor anywhere. He was dedicated to the success of our institution which is demonstrated by the gifts he gave, but also through his endless notes and emails to me and others about how to promote the School widely."

"I cannot fully express what a loss I believe his death is to our Community," he continued. "We will no longer be able to partake of his intensity, his passion, his wit, his pedagogical brilliance, his fervor and commitment to the art form, and also his wry humor. But, even though this is no longer possible, we are all the better for the impact he made on so many of us over the years, primarily his beloved students."