Like so many of those in the Utah piano world, I grieve the death of my piano student Zac Adamson. It is an unfathomable loss. I ache for his parents, Rob and Sharyl, and his sister Sarah, and wish them the best during this time of crushing grief. Zac drowned just a few days ago in an accident while in Georgia. I’ve known Zac since he started at BYU over a dozen years ago. He returned for his master’s at BYU and graduated just 6 weeks ago. He just turned 31. He was my long-time student, for both degrees, but it would be limiting to refer to him as just a brilliant pianist and musician, although that was undeniable. (When he was at his best, he was an incredible and natural pianist, one of the brightest of my career. His recent MM recital was astonishing.) He was so much more than that. He was deeply thoughtful, without guile or pretense, an accepting friend to all. He was an original. It was in his music-making, in his thinking, and how he lived his life. He was wise and humble. He was an old soul – but a quirky old soul. He brought light everywhere he went, even when he was feeling down. He had great empathy. I cannot remember him ever speaking badly of anyone, it just was not in his nature. There was a part of him that was not quite of this world. He was an artist in his core in a way that could never be taught, it was in his soul. His brain was fascinating and brilliant. He was an anchoring friend to so many and a fixture in the school of music. He was adored by all. He had profound faith. We had so many meaningful conversations over the years beyond music; Zac was a combination of a younger colleague, my academic/musical son, and most of all, a trusted friend. The last thing we did together was go out to lunch to celebrate his graduation. I have the greatest respect for him. I was thinking of him the very day he died and could have never imagined this future. While we all profoundly grieve, I hope we can celebrate our friendship with Zac and learn and live from the example he gave to all of us. I am so grateful I was able to work so closely with this incredible young man who has been taken far too soon. We weep for his loss, and smile with his memory.
With permission from his family, we have organized a fundraiser account, to help cover the expenses for his funeral. All proceeds will go towards these expenses. If you are able to make any contribution, I know it will be greatly appreciated. Please share this link if you would like.
