Howard B. Waltz papers

Howard Bryant Waltz was born on March 29, 1913, in Arcadia, Indiana, the son of Peter D. Waltz and Ora Bryant. He was the youngest of five children. Mr. Waltz grew up in a small Midwestern town in the twenties that he has said was idyllic and timeless. He began his love for music at an early age. He played trombone, piano and pump-organ in a town band, Methodist church, school chorus and orchestra. His best friend was his first cousin, Ramona Wilson (later Keummich) who also shared his joy of music.

He graduated from DePauw University and University of Wisconsin, Madison with a Masters in Music. He also studied at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and Ecole des Beaux Arts, Fontainebleau, France. He studied piano with Robert Casadesus and took classes with Nadia Boulanger and Paul Bazelaire.

Mr. Waltz taught at the Pillsbury Academy in Owatonna, Minnesota, from 1937-1938; DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana, 1939-1942; University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, 1942-1975. At the University of Colorado he was an inspired teacher of piano, helped develop the music library, collaborated on the development of the music history department, graduate courses and doctoral programs.

He composed songs, sonatas, orchestrations, and also major scores for the dance department under the leadership of his colleague and friend, Charlotte Irey. He performed a wide range of keyboard and chamber literature. After his cousin, Ramona Keummich moved to Boulder in 1946, the two explored the large and varied repertoire for one piano, four hands. He was also a very active and influential member of the Colorado State Music Teachers Association. He also wrote many music reviews for the CSMTA Newsletter and the Boulder Daily Camera.

Howard Waltz died a beloved teacher, colleague, and mentor, on April 2, 2000, in Boulder, Colorado.