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Donald J. Isaak, 68, associate professor of performance studies at the School of Music, died July 25 [1996] at Hoffman Estates Medical Center after a long illness.
"Don was one of that rare band of teachers who dispense confidence, courage and kindness along with the technical and interpretive skills which belong to their job," said Bernard J. Dobroski, dean of the School of Music.
Mr. Isaak, who taught piano at Northwestern for 25 years, appeared frequently throughout the United States and in Europe as a solo recitalist, chamber player and vocal accompanist. He was a concerto soloist with the Phoenix Symphony, Arizona State University Orchestra, Phoenix College Symphony, University of South Dakota Symphony, Waukegan Symphony and the Binghamton, New York Philhar-monic.
Mr. Isaak, a member of the Illinois State Music Teachers Association for 25 years, was the first recipient of the School of Music's Exemplar in Teaching Award in 1988. In June, he was honored at a concert in Pick- Staiger Concert Hall concert at which several former students performed at a celebration of his work and his plans to retire in August.
Mr. Isaak, who studied at the Juilliard School of Music, was a member of the faculty at the University of South Dakota and the Bristow Hardin School of Music and Arizona State University before joining Northwestern in 1971. While at Northwestern, he earned a master of music degree and a doctor of music degree with a double major in harpsichord and piano.
A funeral mass was held in Alice Millar Chapel.
Survivors include his wife, Bea; two daughters, Katie Ginsburg and Meg Rees; two grandchildren; and a sister.
