Tom Hazleton was a renowned classical music artist who was born on August 17, 1946, in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a family that was passionate about music. Hazleton's love for music began at a young age, and he started playing the piano when he was just four years old. Hazleton's talent for music was evident from an early age, and he quickly became a prodigy. He was a natural performer and had a unique ability to connect with his audience. Hazleton's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Hazleton attended the Carnegie Mellon University School of Music, where he studied under the renowned pianist and teacher, Earl Wild. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Piano Performance in 1968. Hazleton continued his studies at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance in 1970. Hazleton's career as a classical music artist began in the early 1970s when he started performing in concerts and recitals across the United States. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented and dynamic performer, and his concerts were always well-received by audiences. One of Hazleton's most significant performances was at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in 1976. He performed a solo recital that was broadcast live on National Public Radio. The performance was a huge success, and it helped to establish Hazleton as one of the leading classical music artists of his time. Hazleton's career continued to flourish throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He performed in concerts and recitals across the United States and Europe, and he also recorded several albums. Hazleton was known for his virtuosity and his ability to interpret complex classical music pieces with ease. In 1992, Hazleton was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant. The grant is awarded annually to outstanding classical music artists who have the potential for a major career. Hazleton was the first pianist to receive the award since its inception in 1974. Hazleton's career continued to thrive in the 2000s, and he remained an active performer and recording artist. He also became a respected teacher and mentor to young classical music artists. Hazleton was known for his generosity and his willingness to share his knowledge and experience with others. In 2010, Hazleton was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Despite his illness, he continued to perform and record music. He also became an advocate for pancreatic cancer research and raised awareness about the disease. Hazleton passed away on December 13, 2011, at the age of 65. His death was a great loss to the classical music community, and he was mourned by his fans and colleagues around the world. In conclusion, Tom Hazleton was a talented and dynamic classical music artist who had a significant impact on the world of music. His virtuosity and his ability to interpret complex classical music pieces with ease made him one of the leading pianists of his time. Hazleton's performances and recordings continue to inspire and delight classical music fans around the world.

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