Gary Amano

I regret that I lost contact with Gary over the years. I was an organ student in the 70's and had several piano lessons with Gary. His parents would visit Liam at least a few times each year, taking me and others to dinner and ALWAYS picking up the tab and refusing to negotiate otherwise. I had the utmost admission for Gary's talent and dedication. Rest in peace, my friend. Ray Chandler L. Bösendorfer Klavierfabrik GmbH (retired)

I had a more complex relationship with Gary as his student. I really cared about him, and I believe he cared about me. I think I'm one of the few people that bridge the gap between those that had polarizing experiences with him, so I've decided to post here. I knew his mother Smiley, I'll never forget her kindness, how Gary took care of her towards the end of her life, and I'll never forget hugging him at Smiley's funeral. After a 7 year period trying to get my bachelor's degree at...

I just heard of Gary Amano's passing with disbelief and sorrow. I was teaching piano at U of U in the 1980's and I would go to Gary when I needed coaching. The drive to Logan through snow and sleet was always worth it. He was truly a master teacher and could diagnose & solve technical problems like a brain surgeon of the musical world. He was a consummate musician who always got right to the heart of the matter with the perfect balance of grace mixed with highest expectation. He truly...

I am thankful everyday for having studied with Gary Amano. He changed my life. I´m sure he´s busy improving the quality of music on the other side.

Thank you, Mr. Amano, from the teenager you taught so remarkably well (and patiently), and from the adult I have now become, whose life was immeasurably enriched by music with your guidance.

My heart is so heavy as I struggle to grasp the passing of Professor Amano. He had a more profound influence on my life than anyone else, save my family. He took a young 15-year-old boy with a passion for the piano who was looking for a personal identity and a place in the world and taught me the detail and precision required to become confident in my music and as a person. I am the musician I am today because of him, and although I teach choral music as my profession, the piano is integral...

My heart is so heavy as I struggle to grasp the passing of Professor Amano. He had a more profound influence on my life than anyone else, save my family. He took a young 15-year-old boy with a passion for the piano who was looking for a personal identity and a place in the world and taught me the detail and precision required to become confident in my music and as a person. I am the musician I am today because of him, and although I teach choral music as my profession, the piano is integral...

Prof. Amano was a great human being. He was one of America's great piano pedagogues, and will be sorely missed. It was an honor to have studied with him as an undergrad, and I am so grateful to have been able to call him a life-long friend.

Oh, Dear Gary! You are one of the most important and influential people in my life! I'm sorry you're gone so soon! What an incredible teacher you have been!!!!!!!! I remember you opening the door of my practice room and saying, "I told you to fix that fingering!" I could not imagine how you could hear wrong fingering through that thick practice room door! Your incredible teaching made me who I am. It opened so many doors in my life, and in my soul. Thank you for pushing, and for...