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Walter Cosand was a renowned classical pianist and music educator who dedicated his life to the art of music. Born on August 22, 1945, in Phoenix, Arizona, Cosand showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. He was a prodigious talent and quickly developed a deep love for classical music. Cosand's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue his passion for music. He began taking piano lessons with local teachers and quickly progressed to more advanced studies. In 1963, he graduated from Phoenix Union High School and went on to attend Arizona State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance. After completing his undergraduate studies, Cosand continued his education at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance. He then went on to study with renowned pianist and teacher, Rosina Lhevinne, at the Juilliard School in New York City. Cosand's talent as a pianist quickly became evident, and he began performing in concerts and recitals across the United States. He was known for his technical skill and his ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music he played. He was particularly drawn to the works of the Romantic composers, such as Chopin, Liszt, and Schumann. In addition to his performing career, Cosand was also a dedicated music educator. He began teaching piano at Arizona State University in 1970 and remained on the faculty for over 40 years. He was known for his rigorous teaching style and his ability to inspire his students to reach their full potential. Many of his students went on to successful careers as performers and educators themselves. Throughout his career, Cosand received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1985, he was awarded the Arizona Governor's Arts Award for his outstanding achievements in music education. He was also a recipient of the Arizona State University Distinguished Teaching Award, the highest honor given to faculty members at the university. One of the highlights of Cosand's performing career was his appearance as a soloist with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra in 1990. He performed Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, one of the most challenging and beloved works in the piano repertoire. The performance was a great success, and Cosand received a standing ovation from the audience. Cosand was also a dedicated chamber musician and collaborated with many other musicians throughout his career. He was a founding member of the Arizona Piano Trio, which performed together for over 20 years. The trio was known for their dynamic performances and their ability to bring out the best in each other's playing. In addition to his performing and teaching career, Cosand was also a respected scholar of music. He published numerous articles and essays on the works of Chopin, Liszt, and other Romantic composers. He was particularly interested in the history and interpretation of piano music and was known for his insightful and thought-provoking analyses. Cosand's legacy as a musician and educator continues to inspire generations of musicians. He passed away on December 28, 2019, at the age of 74, but his contributions to the world of classical music will never be forgotten.

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