Obituary: Cellist Gordon Epperson was rare educator
by Paul L. Allen on May. 11, 2006, under Education, Local, Nation/World
Gordon Epperson treasured his cello so much that when he traveled, he paid full airline fare for a second seat for the instrument.
Gordon Epperson, professor emeritus of cello at the University of Arizona, died Tuesday after a long illness. He was 85.
A master cellist who had performed throughout the United States, Europe and other parts of the world, Mr. Epperson served not only as a teacher but also as a beloved mentor to countless students well beyond his retirement in 1988.
He began his affiliation with UA in 1967.
Paula Fan, regents’ professor of music, UA’s coordinator of keyboard studies and piano accompanist for some of Mr. Epperson’s recitals, said, “He was a rare educator in that he believed that there are no limits and that everyone has a contribution to make in the musical world.”
Rex Woods, UA professor of music in the piano program and vice director of the School of Music, said, “Gordon was a beloved professor by generations of students. His master classes were always the subject of great interest among students, not just cellists, because he had such a rich background as a performer.”
Mr. Epperson was born Jan. 18, 1921, in Williston, Fla., son of a professional baseball player. He began playing piano at 7 and cello at 9, becoming accomplished with both instruments.
He earned a bachelor of music degree at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in 1941, a master’s degree in music at Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester in New York in 1949 and a doctor of musical arts degree at Boston University in 1960.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from December 1943 to March 1946.
He was a concert cellist and teacher with symphony orchestras in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Seattle, Rochester, a Town Hall debut in New York City in 1956 and a Carnegie Hall recital in 1963.
Mr. Epperson served as a faculty member at the University of Puget Sound 1946-1952, Louisiana State University 1952-1961 and Ohio State University 1961-1967 before coming to UA.
Among his proud possessions when he came here was a 1665-vintage Amati cello, a rare Italian instrument. He prized it so highly that when he traveled, he paid full airline fare for a second seat for the instrument.
He was a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, American String Teachers Association, American Society for Aesthetics, American Musicological Society, Music Teachers National Association, College Music Society and Violincello Society.
In addition to charming audiences and students alike with the warmth and passion of his musicianship at UA, he made time to write books and numerous articles on music and the theory and practice of the arts.
His books include “The Art of Cello Teaching,” “The Musical Symbol,” a biography, “The Mind of Edmund Gurney,” a volume of poetry, “Sonnets From India,” and a novel, “The Guru of Malad.”
During his career, he performed under legendary conductors such as Sir Thomas Beecham. His critically acclaimed recording of solo cello works was reissued on CD last year.
In 1973, he was named an Outstanding Music Educator in America. Four years later, he was given the UA Foundation Creative Teaching Award,and in 1981 was recipient of a Fulbright grant to teach and perform in New Zealand.
Generations of former students came together last year and established an endowment in his name to celebrate his life.
Graduates of his studio are found in the nation’s great orchestras, perform as chamber musicians, teach in school music programs and universities and perform in studios around the world.
He is credited with bringing international attention to the UA School of Music and the state of Arizona.
Funeral services are pending.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Pearson Epperson; a daughter, Florence Marie Lemke of Milwaukee, Wis.; a sister, Anne Koscielny of Shelburne Falls, Mass.; a sister-in-law, Jeanne Pearson of Tacoma, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews. A daughter, Kristin Epperson, preceded him in death.
