John Perry was an extraordinary teacher and friend—brilliant, compassionate, and effortlessly witty. A beloved faculty member of The Glenn Gould School and one of the world’s most respected pianists and pedagogues, John passed away on May 22 at the age of 90, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as a performer, educator, and mentor.
A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees under the tutelage of Cecile Genhart, John spent the summers of his youth studying with Frank Mannheimer. A Fulbright Scholarship took him to Europe, where he studied with Wladyslaw Kedra and Carlo Zecchi, two renowned musical figures who profoundly shaped his artistic voice.
A laureate of the Busoni, Viotti, and Marguerite Long international piano competitions, John performed extensively throughout Europe and North America to great acclaim. He became a professor of piano at the age of 34, a testament to the respect he commanded as both artist and educator. He served on the faculties of the USC Thornton School of Music (where he was Professor Emeritus), California State University Northridge, and the Colburn School.
He was also Artistic Director of the Southern California Music Institute and held summer teaching residencies at renowned festivals including the Lake Como International Piano Academy, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Orford Music Academy, Sarasota Music Festival, the Aspen Music Festival and School, and the Sydney International Piano Masterclass Festival. Shortly after GGS was established in 1997, Peter Simon, the then President of The Royal Conservatory, brought John into the fold.
John Perry was a pianist and pedagogue of extraordinary depth and integrity. His presence brought global prestige to The Glenn Gould School and nurtured a culture of excellence that continues to define our institution today. His legacy is etched not only in his recordings and accolades, but in the generations of pianists he inspired with his wisdom, warmth, and uncompromising musical standards. He will be deeply missed by all of us.
Dr. Peter Simon
President Emeritus, The Royal Conservatory
It was an ongoing inspiration to have John on our GGS piano faculty, not just for his uniquely insightful studio teaching but also for his extraordinary master classes, which he conducted for GGS students at least twice a year. He was not just a great soloist, but an exceptional and highly experienced chamber music player, so he would often hear chamber music groups in his master classes, thus enabling GGS students from all disciplines to benefit from his insights.
Throughout his career, he maintained a singular focus: to enhance a student’s musical personality, expand their strengths, and improve their weaknesses. I often left his master classes in awe of his seemingly limitless creative capacity. The better the students played, the more insightful were his ideas. Indeed, some of the most memorable moments were after a stunning student performance when John, after some thought, would offer one or two small comments that raised an already stunning performance to a new level of brilliance.
I attended his 90th birthday celebration in New Jersey in February, attended by many of his devoted former students and colleagues from around the world, and in a toast to him I commented that we all were continually inspired by his unique musical insights and his deep compassion. I also couldn't resist adding that he just didn't know how NOT to be funny!
John’s teaching impacted countless students across generations and continents. He presented master classes around the globe and was a frequent juror at major international piano competitions.
John Perry represented the highest ideals of music-making and education. His commitment to cultivating the individual voice of every student elevated the artistry of all who had the privilege of working with him. The Royal Conservatory is proud to have been one of his artistic homes, and we will carry his legacy forward with immense gratitude.
Alexander Brose
Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO
The Royal Conservatory
Among his many accomplished students are David Louie, who assisted John in his teaching at The Glenn Gould School; Kara Huber, now Head of Piano at Interlochen Center for the Arts; and Axel Gremmelspacher, Professor of Piano and Vice President at the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Frankfurt.
Over the years his students have earned first prizes at the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition, Naumburg, National Chopin, Cleveland, and Beethoven Foundation competitions, and have been finalists in the Van Cliburn, Queen Elisabeth, Leeds, Busoni, and Chopin international competitions.
Pianist Lala Lee, who studied under John for six years at GGS, remembers him fondly:
Mr. Perry was an extraordinary teacher who always demanded the most of his students. He would teach extra lessons without hesitation, lend an ear before a recital, and would always have a joke up his sleeve. When you walked into a lesson, the only expectation was that every musical thought was original and intentional. He encouraged you to find inspiration within yourself and lead a life outside of the practice room, because he believed that to become your best artist you needed to see the world first.
His legacy lives on through his solo and chamber music recordings on the Telefunken, Musical Heritage Society, CBC, ACA, and Fox labels. Perhaps more enduringly, his spirit echoes through the artistry of the countless students and colleagues who embody his dedication to expressive, thoughtful, and virtuosic piano playing.
Pictured from left to right: Alexander Brose, Peter Simon, John Perry and Lala Lee
He was truly unique, and his legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of who we are. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and students. We will miss him greatly.
James Anagnoson is the Dean of The Glenn Gould School and a longtime friend of John Perry.