KATJA ANDY

It is hard to believe that so many years have elapsed since Katja's death. I don't think a day goes by that I don't think of her. She was a profound influence on my development. She is missed.

It is good to be reminded of this dear soul -- Katja Andy and the remarkable life and career she navigated. Although I studied four years with her at the Boston Conservatory of Music, I never knew her unique story: how she fled Germany and journeyed to the United States, later becoming a citizen. I am amazed that I was so unaware of this courageous and inspiring biography, when I was closeup and personal with her.
She will always be apart of me, my music making, and my music...

Thank you for bringing this anniversary to light in my mind. Ironically, I thought of Miss Andy today as I listened
to the brilliant performance of Alfred Brendel and a Cleveland Quartet (plus one) play the "Trout Quintet" by
Schubert. Brendel is in her orbit of distinguished artists who bring magic to music, as did Miss Andy. Her smile
and survivalism will be forever etched in our memories.

I studied with Katja Andy at the New England Conservatory as a graduate student in 1976 and for a few years after graduating. I was always grateful to her for the respect and kindness she showed me at a time when I needed it.
She had already retired as an active pianist when I met her, but on the rare occasions when she demonstrated, she demonstrated a firm command of the instrument. "I deweloped my hand", she said, holding out a formidable (albeit small) talon that could have...

Katja Andy was a soft-spoken, gentle soul who humbly modeled and verbally articulated the "secrets" to pianistic performance styles and practices. She was genuine, kind, humorous and dedicated to her art and to the transmission of it in its highest form to her students. She will forever live through the musicmaking and the memories of her students and prodigies. How fortunate we are to have known her; to have studied with her; and to have loved her. May her spirit be felt through the...

What can one write about such a unique teacher and artist? She was immensely wise, and honest in her guidance without being unkind. Great musical mentor and person of amazing wit. I miss her very much and regret that the opportunity did not present itself to see her in her last ailing years. Her presence will most likely stay with all those whose lives she touched.

Katja Andy was not only an incredible teacher, but a genuinely kind and nurturing individual who treated her students with love and an incredible dedication to produce the most well-rounded and knowledgeable musician and pianist possible. Those who were fortunate enough to be her students were truly blessed. She will be immensely missed!!

A wonderful person, memories of the past 50 years will continue to fill my life and inspire.
Connie

I have many fond memories of Miss Andy and her wonderful words of wisdom. She was more than a teacher to many of her students. All her friends and students certainly honored her by staying in contact with her for many years. I was grateful to have met her again at age 103. Though she came to the US alone, her family was always growing. Enid