Though taught and directed through the years by a variety of esteemed instructors and mentors in the areas of piano, percussion and composition, it was through the direction and tutelage of the late Mrs. Carolyn Rankin, a licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music in London, who had the most profound impact.

 

As a piano instructor and mentor, it was her philosophy and style of teaching which influenced, guided and directed Mr. Berkson on his musical course. Above, you will see the musical genealogy which connects Mr. Berkson to the unique pianistic tradition of the past through Mrs. Rankin.

It should be noted that Mrs. Rankin had five world class instructors in her lifetime. Three of these instructors were students themselves of the legendary Artur Schnabel. However, the other two instructors, with whom she was most closely aligned with in teaching philosophy and style, were Lyell Barbour and Reginald Stewart. It is their musical genealogical lines which are represented here.

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Of interest to those familiar with the various schools of pianism, Lyell Barbour’s genealogical line is representative of the English School. Reginald Stewart’s lines, through Isidor Philipp and Nadia Boulanger, represent the French School and the lines through Mark Hambourg and Arthur Friedheim represent the German school.