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Thomas Alan Brown

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DePaul University

Thomas Brown Obituary

Brown, Thomas Alan Of Evanston, IL, died Friday, March 2, 2007, at St. Francis Hospital, Evanston, at the age of 73. At the time of his death, he was Professor Emeritus of Music at DePaul University, where he taught for 34 years. Prof. Brown was an accomplished pianist, lecturer on a wide range of subjects, and lover of the arts. He is survived by two sons, Jonathan William Brown of Barcelona, Spain, and Jeffrey Nicholas Brown of Los Angeles, CA, and by his sister, Dr. Marion Lois Brown of Lewisburg, PA. A memorial service will be held at the Recital Hall of the DePaul University School of Music, 804 W. Belden, Chicago, IL 60674 on Friday, March 9, at 6 PM, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the DePaul University School of Music, 804 W. Belden, Chicago, IL 60674. Donations should be designated for the Thomas Alan Brown Scholarship Fund. Info Donnellan Family Funeral Services (847)675-1990 or www.donnellanfuneral.com

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Mar. 6 to Mar. 9, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Brown

Sponsored by with love from one of his students.

14 Entries

Tony Kopera

March 2, 2025

I enjoyed his sense of humor.

Richard Damien Fusco

March 1, 2025

One of the most brilliant musicians of the last century; I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to study with him.

Tony Kopera

February 28, 2022

I remember him often. We had many good times together.

Rich Fusco

March 2, 2008

...I returned to Chicago, confident that Sophmore year would roll along at the same pace. Or so I thought. I registered for Fall Quarter and received my class schedule, and there it was--COURSE-MHL 345 INSTRUCTOR-BROWN RM 518 LC.
I thought nothing of it--and that was the understatement of the century...
(for a complete transcript of the tribute to this magnificent man, click on the contact me button, and I'll be glad to send to the appropriate email address)

Jeffrey Rice

March 25, 2007

What a gem ! Truly a brilliant man and with such a wonderful sense of humor. DePaul and the entire music community will miss him dearly. And who could forget his whimsical sense of fashion ? Thank you again Dr. Brown, for your guidance and for the joy!

Michelle Culbertson

March 13, 2007

I have many fond memories of Dr. Brown from my days at DePaul University. Dr. Brown is the reason I own so many books. He once told our class "If you can afford the book, buy the book because one never knows when one will need it or want to read it again." Whelp, I now own a ton of books. Dr. Brown is a great spirit that will be carried with us always.

Wendy Martinez-McKee

March 10, 2007

Dr. Brown was one of my absolute favorite teachers at DePaul. I learned so much in his History of Opera and Vocal Literature classes. I am very sad to learn of his passing.

Rachel Perkal

March 10, 2007

Taking piano lessons with Tom Brown at his apartment in Evanston, is a strong chapter in the memories of my young adulthood. My sister and I would take turns - who would take the first lesson. Dr. Brown was a vibrant character and a wonderful teacher. I remember him fondly.

Linda Maffiola

March 9, 2007

In 1974, Dr. Brown's Music History Class transported an ignorant sophomore girl into worlds she never knew existed. I remember frantically writing, and writing ....and writing in his class. And so grateful that I had studied shorthand in highschool! He had such an amazing wealth of knowledge to share with us in such a short time frame. I now teach K-3 music and love sharing music history with my young students, and laying a foundation for them. Your father was a wonderful teacher.

Tony Kopera

March 9, 2007

Always a teacher, always fun.
I miss him.

Richard Schwegel

March 7, 2007

From taking his classes at DePaul thirty-years ago to assisting him with his research needs through the years, Tom was always a delight. I shall miss him.

Rebecca Hoffman

March 7, 2007

Tom was my piano teacher when I was a teenager -- I studied with him from roughly 1985 to 1990. He was a fine teacher and man and I learned a great deal from him. I would like to continue taking piano lessons now because of him and the influence he had on me when I was much younger. He always used to say to me "don't play the mozart in a mamby-pamby way" and I still, to this day, say "mamby pamby" and think of him when I do.

I am sorry to learn of his passing and I know this is a loss not only to his family but to the larger academic and music community.

Tom Stinchcomb

March 6, 2007

Tom Brown was so outgoing and cordial with his colleagues at DePaul University, even in departments far afield from music such as physics. So we came to know each other quite well. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Marguerite Bratsakis-Matthews

March 6, 2007

Dr. Brown, Everyone who attended his musicology lectures at DePaul Jackson Blvd. campus from 1969-1973 knew him as most knowledgable and gave incredible listening assignments for tests. We audiotaped his lectures which was "high tech" for the times. I enjoyed every moment, and remember his accompanying Dr. Frank Little, Tenor, and vocal coach recitals. Nothing but good memories and respect were given to him. My sympathy to his sons and family. You had a gem of a Dad!!!

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