Music professor Edward Kaizer will bid farewell to the Hilltop this year after his retirement.
Kaizer worked at Bradley for 45 years teaching music history, piano pedagogy, piano literature and music appreciation. He also served as the coordinator and director of keyboard studies.
“Bradley was a friendly and supportive institution,” Kaizer said. “I always felt the institution had the potential and the faculty to continue to grow and conquer the many challenges of the various facets of education. I also felt that Bradley would become a leader of mid-sized colleges in developing and graduating the future leaders and well educated members of our future society.”
During his time at Bradley, Kaizer and his wife, Janet, performed at chamber music recitals, jazz concerts, lecture recitals, solo recitals, orchestra concerts and radio shows. The on-campus performances have taken place across Bradley’s campus.
“Dr. Kaizer was my piano instructor when I took lessons with him … He also was my music history teacher as well as my academic advisor,” senior elementary education and music double major Josh Friedenberg said. “I learned a lot from Dr. Kaizer. He was one of the most influential professors that I’ve had in college.”
Before Bradley, Kaizer taught for four years at St. Norbert College in Green Bay, Wisconsin. His teacher from the University of Indiana recommended him for this position, and he was accepted.
“I am sure that Dr. Kaizer will continue to practice and perform even in retirement, since that is what he loves to do,” John Jost, professor of music and director of choral activities, said. “One of Dr. Kaizer’s best qualities is his absolute love of music and his willingness to perform for any audience no matter how big or small, from European concert halls to Peoria nursing homes.”
Bradley’s faculty and students said they were sad to see Dr. Kaizer leave, and they admired his teaching abilities and willingness to help or answer questions.
“In terms of [Kaizer’s] life at Bradley, I think his most important quality is his boundless passion for music, for the way that music moves people’s hearts and minds and spirits,” Robert Prescott, associate professor of English and assistant dean of undergraduate studies for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, said. “I will miss his music at [Bradley] events, and I’ll miss the way he would always light up when we ran into each other on campus. But I still know how to reach him when I need him, and he will no doubt continue to perform in the community.”
As for retirement plans, Kaizer said he looks forward to continued piano practice and jazz studies. He also plans to spend time with his wife and family as well as play some golf.
“[It was about] the joy and satisfaction of working with students to assist them to develop their potential and abilities in their piano performance,” Kaizer said. “The guiding of students to prepare for their graduate entrance exams and knowing that some would go on to earn terminal degrees and share with others the concepts and techniques they learned here was fulfilling and rewards.”
A retirement reception for Kaizer will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the Founder’s Room.
