Simon Kovar facts for kids

Simon Kovar was a very important musician and teacher. He played the bassoon, a large woodwind instrument. Many people consider him one of the best bassoon teachers of the 1900s. He lived from 1890 to 1970.

Who Was Simon Kovar?

Simon Kovar was born Simon Kovarski in Vilnius, which was part of the Russian Empire at the time. This happened in 1890. When he was young, he first learned to play the violin.

But at age 20, he decided to switch instruments. He started playing the bassoon instead. This was a big change for him.

Moving to America

In June 1922, Kovar moved to the United States. He settled in New York City. There, he joined the famous New York Philharmonic orchestra.

He started as the second bassoonist. Later, he became the main bassoonist for many years. He was known for his amazing playing.

A Great Music Teacher

Simon Kovar was not just a great player; he was also an amazing teacher. He was in charge of the bassoon department at the Juilliard School of Music for 28 years. This is one of the most famous music schools in the world.

He also taught at other top schools. These included Teachers College at Columbia University and the Curtis Institute of Music. He taught at the Manhattan School of Music and Mannes College of Music too. He even taught in Canada at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal.

His Famous Students

Many of Kovar's students became very successful musicians. Some became top bassoonists in orchestras. These included Sol Schoenbach and Bernard Garfield.

He also taught jazz musicians. Famous saxophonists like Stan Getz and Ray Pizzi learned from him. This shows how good he was at teaching different styles of music.

His Important Book

In the late 1950s, Simon Kovar wrote a special book. It was called 24 Daily Studies for Bassoon. This book is still used today.

It has many exercises that help bassoon players practice. Musicians around the world think these exercises are excellent for improving their skills.

Later Years

In the 1950s, Kovar moved to Encino, California. Even there, he kept teaching music. He taught almost until he passed away in 1970.

He was 79 years old when he died. He was survived by his wife, Rose Kovar. He also had two daughters, Eleanor Imber and Leah Herzberg. Eleanor also became a professional bassoonist, just like her father.