Audun J. Ravnan

I am writing to convey my sincerest condolences at the passing of Mr. Ravnan. I was a student in his studio from 1985 through 1988. Although my professional life took me in a different direction, I have always considered my time learning from him the richest part of my education.

I will always remember his ability to make subtle changes in my playing which resulted in huge leaps in expression and musicality. His ability to help the student feel the music and let if flow through...

I sent this over-long letter to the Lincoln Journal Star, but haven't seen it among the letters to the editor. I hope it conveys a bit of the experience of being one of the hundreds of students who had the good fortune to be taught by this unique and dear man. Dear Editor:

Piano professor Audun Ravnan’s passing marks a loss to our community of a wealth of understanding—both musical and in broader terms. I express my condolences to his family and to all those whose lives he touched....

Barbara and family,
My condolences to all of you at this difficult time in your lives. Dr. Ravnan was a piano professor at the time I started UNL in 1967. He was a very respected,likable and humorous man with the ability & skills to play piano among the very, very best!
I attended many of his recitals and he was a superb performer as well as excellent teacher of piano.
Please accept my sympathy to you all in the loss of such a wonderful, accomplished musician - a gift to us...

I was/am not a pianist. I marveled at Audun Ravan's talent when I attended his recitals. He judged my incompetency at the keyboard when I took my piano class examination. He had the graciousness to let me "pass". He leaves a tremendous legacy and will be missed by all.

Dear Barbara, Kari, Ellen, and Julie,

I was saddened to learn of your loss of Audun. Audun was the bedrock of the Nebraska School of Music piano department. His rich legacy as an artist and a fine pedagogue will never be forgotten. I can think of many, many wonderful concerts I heard him play over the course of years. Always in display was his charming and rollicking dry humor to entertain the audience. Audun must have taught hundreds of pianists and this is another remarkable...

The Legacy will greatly miss Audun. He was such a caring man. I will miss a lot about him but mostly his wit and humor, he always seemed to make me laugh even when I was having a bad day.

I could always count on Audun to have a twinkle in his eye along with an amusing remark. I was saddened to hear of his death, for I considered him a good friend and fine musician. My sympathies to to Barbara and the family at this difficult time. They must have wonderful memories.
Bob Murray

What a genius Audun Ravnan was, and how lucky we were to have known him. He played for our wedding at the Lutheran Student Center on Thanksgiving of 1967. Such talent, and such a sweet, caring man. Blessings on all of you.

Dear Barbara and all of the Ravnan family, I was very sad to read the notice today that my brother sent me. It seems like I considered you all to be my family for a few years, when I was a high school student and thru my college years. We had many gatherings at your home and felt so familial with you all. I have incredible gratitude and respect for everything that Mr. Ravnan taught me, particularly his artistry. Many good things that I learned from him I am trying to teach my students now. I...