Nicholas E. Tawa

I would sincerely like to wish my condolences to the family and friends of Professor Tawa. I was a student of his at UMass Boston around 1982. He always said that music here in America did not start after the Classical music period in Europe and that American music had its own distinct character and identity which needed to be acknowledged, praised and remembered...

I've always remembered Nick Tawa with fondness. I feel lucky to have taken courses with him. I learned alot from him...many pieces and composers I still listen to today. But I also remember how his enthusiasm was contagious, he imparted such joy and deep understanding of music, and that has always stayed with me.

I attended UMass Boston from '66-'70. I took History of Am Music and History of Jazz from him and never forgot him. He was a wonderful teacher. A friend sent me the notice of his passing. Terri Gilman Kaplan (Wilmington, De)

I met Nick Tawa when I was a music student at the University of Mass at Boston.
I remember him as a gentle, kind and intelligent man.
He took great joy in telling us his favorite stories about American music. I received a wonderful education at
U Mass Boston and Nick helped to shape that experience.

I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife and family at this sad time.

Mark Rosen
Boston, MA

Nick and family: We are very sorry to hear of your father's passing. May your fond memories of the times with him last forever.

I remember Nick Tawa's joy of teaching what he knew and loved as clearly today as I did 35 years ago when I sat in his class. I can still humbly say thank you for bringing a love for his piece of the musical universe permanently into my life.

Nick was one of the finest men I have even had the pleasure of knowing. He was kind, fair-minded, highly respected as an academic and honest to a fault. He was a brilliant and dedicated teacher. He was my first boss at UMass Boston and, until he retired, I cherished the time I was able to spend with him both as a boss and dear friend. During our time working together, I hit a rough patch in my life and asked him if I could take a couple of weeks off. Nick knew all about what I was going...

I had the pleasure of taking Nick's adult ed course on American composers last year at FUSN. It was wonderful. Nick was a very accomplished man, and I feel honored to have known him even just a little.