Ardyth Alton

I loved Ardyth dearly, and her effect on my life and my cello playing when I was her student at the Manhattan School of Music defies calculation. Ardyth was in one way 'my cello mother', and in another way the greatest mom anyone could have had next to their birth mom, since Ardyth not only treated every student as part of her family, but she made each of us feel treasured and special as individuals. She knew how to bring out the best in everyone. Under Ardyth's tutelage I played a successful...

Dear Paul,
We had the pleasure of meeting you and your Mother when you vacationed in Florida. She was a warm, kind, very gracious woman. Her love of music and her students was so evident in all the stories she told.
Peter and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Dear Ann,

I have no words to express my sadness. I just spoke to your brother Paul and I was very moved with all he said to me. If there was a person who changed my life and was like a mother to me in America, that person was Mrs. Alton. I love her profoundly and I'm sure she will live forever in our hearts. I feel so bad I couldn't be at the concert on saturday but Paul told me it was quiet something! I'd like to extend to you and your family my deepest condolences.

Ardyth...

Dear Ann,
Madeleine let me know about this. I am really sorry for your loss. Mrs. Alton is a constant inspiration to my playing and teaching; just as you are! I know the memorial concert will be splendid! I really wish I could come.
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Elaine Anderson

I first started taking lessons with Mrs. Alton at the age of 12. She was my first real cello teacher. She stuck with me for 5 years while I proved to be an unruly student. Although I don't really play the cello as much anymore she has influenced my life so much. Her patience, incredible kindness, and her passion for life and music still inspire me. It has been 4 years since I left Juilliard and I have missed her very much. But I feel confident in saying Mrs. Alton has lived a life full...

Ardyth Alton was not only my teacher, but the teacher of many of my students who went on to discover the joys of learning from "Mrs. A". Her nurturing warmth and genuine love of teaching made her the most remarkable teacher. I will never forget her gift of making everyone feel valued.
My sympathies to you, Ann, and to all of us who will miss our dear teacher.

I remember my first lesson with Ardyth way back when at the Killington Music Festival. Upon first meeting, I felt a glow and magical magneticism towards Ardyth. Love at first sight, it was. Her sense of passion and dedication towards teaching shone through both her words and hand. She was my cello mother in the most truthful sense. I will never forget the moments she would yell at the top of her lungs, "SING, SING!". The power and love for her students packaged in this petite woman is...

Ardyth Alton was the epitome of grace, as a musician, teacher and human being. I cannot even once remember her without the warmest of smiles and kindest words of encouragement. Her manner bespoke a wholesale love of, and dedication to, the art of music itself. How privileged her cello students were; and how fortunate I was too, to witness and share in that experience from the accompanist's bench.

She will never be forgotten by her large musical family, who proudly carry on her...