European Suzuki Association - Teachers Newsletter Vol 44 2024

21 remained in close personal contact with many of her students, and continued to play and teach piano every week, despite losing her eyesight in her 80s, until late into her 90s. Lola’s impact extended far beyond the confines of her classroom. She tirelessly advocated for the Suzuki method, conducting workshops and seminars worldwide, sharing her knowledge and inspiring countless educators to embrace this transformative approach. Her dedication to training the next generation of Suzuki teachers and young students ensured that her legacy would continue to resonate through the lives of countless students for years to come. Throughout her remarkable career, Lola never compromised on her standards, holding herself and her students to the highest levels of excellence. Her passion for music and education was palpable, and her influence extended far beyond the realm of the piano, touching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Lola passed away on May 9th 2024, soon after her 100th birthday on March 30th. Her influence extends beyond her lifetime, with her recordings and interpretations continuing to inspire musicians and audiences alike. She remains a celebrated figure in the history of Israeli music, remembered for her artistry, dedication, and pioneering spirit. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary individual, we celebrate her life's work and the indelible mark she has left on the world of music and education. Lola Tavor’s legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those she inspired, and her memory will continue to resonate through the melodies of generations to come. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Adar and Daphna Tavor, her three grandchildren, Roi, Eyal and Li Tavor, and her 6 greatgrandchildren, Zev, Sophia, Ari, Alma, Adam and Romi. were celebrated for their technical precision, emotional depth, and insightful understanding of modern musical idioms. Throughout her career, Tavor maintained close collaborations with several Israeli composers, including Joseph Tal. She frequently performed Tal's works, showcasing his innovative compositions to broader audiences. Her dedication to contemporary Israeli music helped bring national and international recognition to many of her compatriots' works. Dissatisfied with traditional methods of teaching piano, she discovered Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s unique method of teaching young children in 1982, through Anne Turner, the only SUZUKI Piano teacher in Europe at that time. This method emphasizes learning music in a manner similar to language acquisition: through listening, repetition, and parental involvement. She went to Japan on her own to study with Dr, Suzuki and Dr, Harouko Kataoka. There her passion turned to pedagogy. She received a Talent Education Research Institute Diploma and was one of the first European pianists to fully embrace the philosophy of the Suzuki method and started teaching students and the first generation of Suzuki piano teachers in Europe and Israel. She later went on to co-found the Swiss Suzuki association and was very active in the European Suzuki Association, teaching students from the ages of 3 and older and other piano teachers to teach children of all ages. Recognizing the transformative power of the Suzuki philosophy, Lola dedicated herself wholeheartedly to its principles, becoming a beacon of inspiration for young students and their families and a new generation of piano teachers. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Lola established herself as a revered Suzuki teacher and trainer, imparting not only musical skills but also instilling in her students a deep appreciation for the art form. Her studio was a sanctuary where the joy of music intertwined with the values of discipline, perseverance, and respect. She also In Memoriam The world of music and education mourns the passing last month of Lola Tavor, a virtuoso pianist, dedicated educator, and ardent champion of the Suzuki method. Her life was a harmonious symphony of passion, discipline, and unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians. Born in Israel, Lola’s musical journey began at the age of 6. Her early talent for the piano was evident, and she received support from her family to pursue a formal musical education. She initially studied at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, where she was trained by prominent teachers, including Ilona Vincze-Kraus, who was instrumental in shaping her technical and artistic development. At the tender age of 13 she played her debut with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (a Schumann piano concerto). Her performances were marked by a rare combination of technical brilliance and emotional depth. A classically-trained pianist who received a traditional musical education, Lola first taught at the Conservatoire Populaire de Genève in 1946 and then at the Conservatoire de Paris with the Austrian pianist and pedagogue Lazare-Lévy. She returned to Geneva in 1952 to study with Wilhelm Kempf (whose lineage of piano teachers could be traced back to Ludwig van Beethoven). She went on to play as a soloist for the Orchestre Suisse Romande and performed worldwide. She also became known for her performances of works by Israeli composers, playing a crucial role in premiering and popularizing their compositions. Tavor's interpretations Lola Tavor (1924 - 2024) Switzerland by Dan Dery

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4MzY=