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Thomas Schumacher Obituary
Tom's career as performer and teacher spanned five decades. He appeared extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia in recitals and with major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Washington DC National Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Warsaw Philharmonic and Tokyo Philharmonic. Venues in which he has played include New York's Town Hall, Avery Fischer Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, Chicago's Orchestra Hall, Washington DC's Constitution Hall, the National Gallery of Art, the Kennedy Center, Tokyo's Bunka Kaikan Hall, and in performing arts centers in Beijing and Shanghai. He performed the world premiere of David Diamond's Piano Concerto with the New York Philharmonic in 1967.
Born in Butte, Montana, Tom's musical talent was evident at a very early age. He received his first piano training in Butte from music teacher Fisher Thompson. He continued his studies in New York with Robert Goldsand at Manhattan School of Music and at The Juilliard School, under Beveridge Webster and Adele Marcus. He received the highest performance and academic awards at both schools.
Tom was professor emeritus (retired) at Eastman School of Music, whose faculty he joined in 1995. Prior to Eastman, he taught (1969-95) and served as Chair of Piano (1993-95) at the University of Maryland. Upon retirement, he moved to La Jolla, California as a resident of Casa de Manana.
Tom is survived by his two brothers Jim and Albert (AJ) Schumacher, his sister-in-laws, Joanna Schumacher and Peg Stadler, brother-in-law, Leroy Hughes, and countless nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. His remains are being cremated and he will be buried in the family plot in Holy Cross Cemetery in Butte this summer.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Schumacher
Maris Brody-Greenwald
February 17, 2025
Dearest Tom-Tom - We've known each other for 65 great years, starting from being students at Juilliard, until forever - You are a dearest and special friend - A great great pianist and an even greater friend - You are incredible in so many ways - Your kindness and humor - My memories are incredible and keep you alive! I feel so much love for you - May you rest in peace until I follow you - and THEN ...
Iejin Rhee
July 12, 2024
Mr. Schumacher
Without you, I cannot think of my self being as a musician. I regret so much not calling you this year.. you always sent me birthday emails every year and sweet cards. Feel like it is end of the era. You will be missed forever and will always be my best teacher ever. Thank you so much for your support and it will be remembered forever. Hope I can be an inspiring teacher like you
Love
Iejin
Monica Lee
June 11, 2024
What a profound loss to all of us. I was one of Mr. Schumacher's students at the University of Maryland. Students from around the world came to study under him, many of whom were already well-established pianists in their own countries. Working under Mr. Schumacher, I learned that if I could survive his rigorous training, I could handle almost anything. Thank you, Mr. Schumacher, for preparing me for the real world and for your unwavering support long after my time at Maryland. Your performance at Fullerton College is still talked about and remembered fondly. You will be deeply missed, but forever cherished in our hearts.
Mike Schaefer
June 6, 2024
I dined almost daily with Tom, on the ocean here at Casa de Manana in La Jolla. He so cherished his friends here, and films we shared, and he'd perform in our main lounge at least annually. He was loved by all he knew, in our 200 elder lively residence. He was a giant in the profession, and sorely missed.
Minako Horimura
June 5, 2024
Dear Mr. Schumacher,
I still feel like I could call you or visit you, sharing delicious Mexican food at your favorite restaurant in La Jolla. I was so happy when you moved to California, close to where I live. I consider myself very lucky to have seen you over the past couple of years.
You were an amazing teacher at Eastman, guiding me through my struggles in a new country and helping me grow.
Thank you for everything. May you rest in peace.
MZ
June 5, 2024
Thank you! Mr. Thomas Schumacher
Always always with love
MZ
Jose Caceres Danielsen
June 4, 2024
About Thomas Schumacher...
There was absolutely NO ONE like him. To say it was an honor and privilege to have studied with this master teacher/performing artist of the highest caliber is the understatement of the century. He knew all the secrets about the piano... He brought out the best of all his students, without interfering with their individuality. On the contrary, he fostered that individuality and THAT is why we all sounded differently, but with the same end in our minds, souls, and ears: absolute and total beauty. I am sure he is now sharing his pianistic expertise and exquisite taste with higher powers, and I hope to have the privilege to meet and see him again on that higher plane. Sincerity, beauty, honesty, and perfection... and a gentleman of the highest order. Bravississimo, Maestro!!!
Your humble student, José Cáceres Danielsen.
Carlos Fagundo
June 4, 2024
What a loss! There were so many things I was grateful to have experienced during my time as Mr. Schumacher´s student in the late eighties. Among them, I´d begin with his phenomenal technique and glorious pedaling, his laser discipline, his invitations to talk about the score after having played it for him, his hearty, explosive laugh, his encouragement in my moments of doubt, so many colorful anecdotes and myriad of interesting pets of which Lulu, his tarantula, remains the most exotic, his ready smile, and his invitation, long ago, to finally call him by his first name... His influence upon me, as no doubt upon his legion of other students scattered throughout the world, will last forever. Thank you, Tom! My condolences to his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing this great American pianist.
Yi-Pou Chen
June 3, 2024
Dear Mr. Schumacher,
I am truly grateful for everything you have taught me and helped me. I feel very honored to have studied with you. Thank you for all your inspiration and support, I will always cherish those memories of you during my three years studying at Eastman. That was an unforgettable time for me. May you rest in peace.
Kenneth Fang Zhang
June 3, 2024
Dear Tom, Mr. Schumacher,It was a great honor to have known you for the past 20 years. You brought so much joy, inspiration, and kindness into my life. Looking back on my years studying in America, from a strict teacher to a dear friend, your dedication to music has always left a profound imprint on my heart. Sharing so many funny moments with you, I cherish those memories deeply. Rest in peace. Your beautiful memory lives on with your students and friends forever. Kenneth Fang Zhang
Kenji Takeda
June 3, 2024
Mr. Schumacher was my piano professor at Eastman from 1999 to 2003. Lessons with him were truly inspiring. I feel privileged to have studied with Mr. Schumacher, who was also an amazing human being. May you rest in peace.
Caroline Ryu
June 2, 2024
Dear Mr. Schumacher, I am so happy and proud to have been your student and will always cherish the many memories of you I have from Eastman. May you rest in peace.
Irene Sewell Monaco Janson
June 2, 2024
-Go way back with Tom to St John's grade school & Central High school. Part of a group of wonderful friends. Class reunions found Tom and many from that group gathered. Condolences to his family & friends.
Tom henderson
June 2, 2024
What a major loss to the world
Kiely Parker `64
June 2, 2024
I was a member of Boys´ Central High School Class of 1964. One afternoon of one of those years the student body was assembled in the lunch room/study hall and introduced to Thomas Schumacher who immediately had our rapt attention when he jumped up on the stage and sat at the piano while playing one key; it was dead and he had graduated at least 8 years earlier! How could he have recalled that about this piano? He was Tommy Schumacher, that is how!
Michael Duffy
June 2, 2024
Tom did both Butte and Montana proud. He was an extraordinarily artist. It was a pleasure to see him perform in D.C. when we lived there.
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