Theodore Johnson

I've been thinking a lot recently about the influence Ted Johnson has had on my life. He was my teacher amidst a flurry of what could have been destabilizing faculty changes in undergraduate, during a year off when my first grad school experience fell short of my expectations, and through grad school at CIM. His kindness, honesty, steady guidance and wisdom on all matters of life were more akin to that of a father figure than a teacher. He helped form the person I am today in myriad ways, and...

I remember Mr. Johnson saying ," when I retire all I want to do is put on my boots and be in the pond." I´m not sure if this ever happened? But funny, we had that in common. What a great teacher and friend .

He was my clarinet teacher from 5th grade all the way through high school, but he was like an extra grandfather to me, too. I liked clarinet, but I loved Mr. Johnson. He told the best stories, taught me old slang and words from other languages. Played Till Eulenspiegel for me and then finally let me play it, even though it was too hard for me. We had the best time. I never wanted to lose touch, but sadly I only called him a couple times after I graduated high school in 2006. I never stopped...

I remember Ted from my first years in the orchestra. He played so beautifully and was so kind to me as a young player. RIP.

I knew Ted from my good friend Louis Gangale who studied with him at the Cleveland Institute of Music in the 1970s. I then worked with Ted when I accompanied Lou on piano for his Master of Music recital and we played Victor Babin's Hillandale Waltzes for Clarinet and Piano. He was very pleasant and soft spoken to work with and had many fine insights into the music. He knew exactly what he wanted and how to get there so to speak. He was hired by George Szell of the Cleveland Orchestra and...

Such sad ,sad news. He was a wonderful teacher and so fun to be around! He taught my teacher from ESM as well. I know he touched so many .

Ted was a mentor, a friend and a truly wonderful human being. My lessons with him were memorable and always informative. Whether it was solving a clarinet question or a story from the past (and there were many), I always came away with an answer and a smile. I am very grateful to have all those memories and lucky that I may pass his knowledge onto my students. His legacy will continue. Miss you. RIP Ted.

I studied with many big name teachers (Robert Marcellus, Larry Combs, Russ Dagon), but it was Ted who believed in me, gave me confidence, helped me win my full time job and taught me longevity in orchestra life. His passion for music and awareness to detail in all aspects of life continue to inspire me daily. I am so grateful to have known the wonderful man. It was especially beautiful to have been close to him this past year. I miss him dearly.

It's been a long while since I've seen Ted or Sheila. She was my teacher and Ted became my friend. I am so sorry to learn of his passing. He was pretty terrific!