James Lyke

In loving memory

James Lyke

James Lyke, age 90, of Rhinebeck, NY, passed away peacefully after several months of declining health.

James was born on September 30, 1932 to James S. and Dorothy Lyke in Syracuse, NY. After attending New York public schools he earned his B.S. degree from SUNY college at Fredonia, NY, an M.A. degree from Columbia University and the EdD. from University of Northern Colorado. He served on the faculty at the University of Illinois from 1959 to 1993 as chairman of the Group Piano and Piano Pedagogy Division and retired from that position in 1993 as Professor of Music Emeritus.

In 1993, Dr. Lyke accepted a professorship at Georgia State University in Atlanta as coordinator of the piano pedagogy program, also serving as Director of Graduate Studies for the School of Music. Dr. Lyke retired from Georgia State University in December of 1999 and moved to Manhattan where he enjoyed all that New York City had to offer, while continuing to write and publish piano arrangements for young music students with various publishers. During this time he continued to contribute to new editions of several texts for group instruction in piano at the college level.

In 1959, James married Muriel Allgood, also a music instructor, and they had their only child, Kevin Lyke in 1963. They collaborated as vocalist and pianist to perform several recitals featuring early 20th century American popular songs.

Dr. Lyke was co-director (with Richard Chronister) of the National Conference on Piano Pedagogy from 1979-1995. He served as president of the Illinois State Music Association (two terms) from 1978-1982. He was appointed by the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) as the first Group Piano Chairman and served two terms from 1971-1975. The MTNA appointed him a Foundation Fellow in 2001. In 2002 he received the Frances Clark Award for Keyboard Pedagogy, an MTNA Honor.

In 2012, James moved to the peaceful town of Rhinebeck, located in the Hudson Valley area of New York State where he continued to publish piano arrangements while entertaining friends and out of town guests regularly. His son, Kevin, lived with and cared for him during his final years.

James is survived by his son, Kevin, nephew James Haines, niece Wendy Haskell, niece Elisabet Haines, niece Sue Cole, nephew Jerry Haines, niece Jean Homan, niece Cindy Walsh, niece Melissa Burt, and nephew David Bridge.