Ruth Slenczynska, 1926-2026; Professor Emerita and World-renowned Pianist

Ruth Slenczynska, 1926-2026; Professor Emerita and World-renowned Pianist

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville music professor emerita and world-renowned pianist, Ruth Slenczynska, died on Wednesday, April 23, 2026. She was101. Slenczynska was the last surviving pupil of composer-pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff.

Slenczynska began her SIUE career 61 years ago in 1964 when she accepted a full-time position as Artist-in-Residence. In 1967 Slenczynska married James Kerr, PhD, an SIUE professor of political science. She retained the title of Artist-in-Residence until 1987 and continued teaching SIUE piano students part-time until 2001. Her presence at SIUE spanned multiple generations of students, faculty, and institutional change, making her one of the most enduring figures in the university's musical history.

"During her time at SIUE, Ruth Slenczynska inspired generations of students and colleagues through her artistry and dedication to musical excellence. Her presence profoundly enriched our department, and her influence will continue to shape the lives and careers of those she mentored for years to come." Marc Schapman, DMA, chair and professor in the Department of Music.

Born in Sacramento, Calif. in 1925, Slenczynska's father, Josef Slenczynski, a violinist, imposed a rigorous and disciplinary practice routine beginning at age three. She gave her first recital at age four and through the years took lessons from notable pianists such as Arthur Schnabel, Egon Petri, Alfred Cortot, Joseph Hofmann and Sergei Rachmaninoff.

Throughout her extraordinary life, Slenczynska maintained a performing career spanning more than nine decades, with public appearances beginning in early childhood and continuing well into her 90s. Her longevity as a performing artist placed her among a rare group of musicians whose career bridged nearly the entire modern era of recorded classical performance.

Slenczynska published a book of memoirs, "Forbidden Childhood," which deals with life as a child prodigy, and a book on piano technique, "Music at Your Fingertips: Aspects of Pianoforte Technique."

The pianist returned to SIUE on Sept. 24, 2010, when she performed on the Music Department's new Steinway concert grand, which is dedicated to her husband's memory. She gave her last public concert at SIUE on Jan. 9, 2018.

In May 2025, SIUE hosted a three-day Ruth Slenczynska Centennial Celebration consisting of a series of presentations about the renowned pianist's life, a piano master class and a celebration concert at Dunham Hall Theater, attended by several of her former students. Slenczynska attended the concert via live-streamed video.

Emerita Associate Professor Therese Zoski Dickman, who curated the centennial celebration had this appreciation: "Ruth Slenczynska was a remarkable concert pianist, teacher, and author whose extensive, productive musical life and generosity of time, talent, and career-related resources have impacted and inspired generations of pianists and lives throughout the world, and at SIUE. Her musical career is documented through the Ruth Slenczynska Collection in Lovejoy Library. I am thankful to have known Ruth Slenczynska in my role as Fine Arts Librarian as an SIUE colleague and friend for nearly forty years! May Ruth's legacy live on through her recorded music performances and all those who knew and studied with or about her!"

Prior to her death, Slenczynska supported the preservation and accessibility of her personal papers, which are held at SIUE's University Archives and Special Collections. The Ruth Slenczynska Papers span nearly 150 cubic feet and document her life, career, and legacy. The collection is available for public research.

PHOTOS: Slenczynska, photo by Steve Crouch (circa 1953); Slenczynska at SIUE public performance in 2018, photo by Howard Ash