Dr. Joel Berman

I am sorry to hear of Joel Berman´s passing..He was my private violin teacher during my high school years. It´s because of him that I learned how to practice, the art of being disciplined and with his encouragement, ultimately became a professional violinist..

I have a lifetime (71 years) of memories. I remember at the age of three listening at the feet of my father practicing violin and playing the most cheerful and beautiful music. Those cherished memories will always be with me, a true gift.

He was my graduate professor at U of Maryland in the 70s. He gave me the skills and confidence to pursue a performing career in a major orchestra. After doing well in auditions, I was hired by Michael Tilson Thomas to be a member of the Buffalo Philharmonic. I treasure my music experience with Joel. A truly special person and musician!

The days go by, and then the weeks, but the memories don´t fade. My favorite are of Joel playing with Illana when she was about five years old, crawling onto his lap in the Bennington cafeteria. She was all over him, and while he sat there patiently, filled with pride and joy, the interaction was pure reciprocal love. He took that squiggly creature into his arms and hugged her until she squealed with delight. I smile now thinking about it. And of course there was the yellow scooter. What...

May God's promise found in John 6:40, of the hope to see our loved ones again, comfort your heart and give you peace, strength, and hope in the days ahead.

To my knowledge, Joel Berman was the only person at the CMC to coach a quartet from the inside. I always signed up. Not only did he have an encyclopedic knowledge of Beethoven and Bartok, but his enthusiasm was infectious. I loved seeing him zip around the Bennington campus on his yellow scooter. He was the world's oldest teenager, the epitome of joie de vivre. I send my deepest condolences to Alice and his whole family. May we honor him by living his life lessons as well as his musical...

Sincere condolences to the entire family on the loss of such a special person in our DC music community.