The current piano faculty of The University of South Carolina School of Music would like to express our sorrow over the passing of longtime faculty member W. John Williams. John joined the faculty in 1968 and retired in 2006. During his long tenure he taught piano, piano literature, coached chamber music, and also taught bassoon and periodically assisted in teaching aural skills. John helped guide the piano area through many changes during a vital period of growth for the School of Music. Along with his late colleague John Kenneth Adams, he assisted in the selection, purchase and placement of the many new instruments for the School of Music when it moved to its new location adjacent to the Koger Center for the Arts.

John’s activity was vital to the operation of the School, and in the success of his students. Always supportive of his colleagues, John always played a part in their success whether as a performing partner, a co-educator of students, or as a friendly and warm colleague and mentor. John is remembered for his many performances as a soloist, duo partner, and chamber music performer both on the piano and the bassoon. As a teacher, his many students have remined active in the profession at the local, regional, and national levels.

John will be fondly remembered for his many contributions to the School of Music and the community, and for his clever witty remarks and his unfailingly positive and friendly demeanor.

God speed, John.

Phillip Bush | Sara Ernst | Charles Fugo | Scott Price