James Feldman Tribute

To remember Dr. Feldman and raise awareness of ALS

Dr. Feldman at Kulas Conservatory, 2007

About Dr. Feldman

James Feldman was born and raised in Rochester, NY. After taking piano lessons as a child, he learned his true passion was music. He earned his MA from  the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester.

At that time he met his wife Charlotte while playing piano at their synagogue in Rochester. They were married in 1967 and shortly after he took his first job teaching Music Theory at Pensacola Junior College in Pensacola, FL. Their first son, Benjamin, was born in 1970 followed by their younger son, Joel, in 1975. That same year Jim accepted a teaching position at the Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music in Berea.

He went on to earn his PhD in Music Theory & Composition  from Kent State University and became a full professor at BW. His career at BW spanned 32 years molding young talent in music theory, composition, and  performance as well as coaching, mentoring, and encouraging students in every aspect of life.  He dedicated his life’s work to his students and family.

Dr. Feldman was diagnosed with ALS in Fall of 2007. He braved a difficult teaching semester and went on disability in 2008.

His wishes were to stay at home and he received home hospice care in the final months of his life. Even in his final weeks on earth, he expressed “I fear my incapacity will leave me unable to coach my students” as he felt obligated to finish recommendation letters and grading student work.