Norman Frauenheim
Norman A. Vilsack Frauenheim, (October 29, 1897 – November 18, 1989), was an American pianist and music teacher. For many decades he was acclaimed for his performances in America and Europe. He is also remembered by his many students for imparting the style of his own famous teachers and for outstanding guidance with their repertoires. Family Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 29, 1897, Norman Frauenheim was the fifth of the seven children of Edward J. and Antoinette Marie “Nettie” Vilsack Frauenheim, whose parents were the co-founders of the Pittsburgh Brewing Company. Their families were prominent in early Pittsburgh society through their involvement in industry, banking and philanthropies. Musical training and career Norman Frauenheim attended the prestigious Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh and Fordham University. He served briefly in the United States Navy in World War I. He studied music in Paris in the 1920s and subsequently studied with Ignacy Jan Paderewski. He was also a student for many years of Zygmunt Stojowski. Frauenheim made concert tours in France, Spain and Great Britain, including command performances for royalty. His American debut was in 1926 at Town Hall New York City. Across the next five years he performed often in several