Robert Dumm was born on May 21 1928 near Pittsburg PA and died on October 19 2012 (84) in Deland FL. He was a gifted pianist teacher critic and columnist with a way of making music come alive in words. He pioneered class and ensemble piano at his own school in Ann Arbor MI where he earned degrees at the University of MI. His school enrolled 500 with 5 teachers when Robert was named Dean of the Boston Conservatory at age 25 the youngest in the school's history. He also became a critic for the Christian Science Monitor a year later. During his 12 years in Boston he wrote reviews for the Monitor Globe and national magazines. He published "In Black and White" with Boston Music Company where he served as editor. In the late 50's he began his workshops for other piano teachers which continued over some three decades over the United Stated Canada and England. In 1968 he moved to Washington DC where he served 15 years as head of graduate Piano Pedagogy a popular doctoral program at Catholic University of America. His "Pumping Ivory" (1969) was published by Ekay Music NY and went into 5 printings. His FM Radio program "The Pulse on Music" originated in Boston was broadcast over New England to New York City and began his regular interviews with famous pianist which grew to near 500 taped talks he made over 50 years. These interviews were later donated to Stetson University in Deland and are available through the Stetson website. Robert's rare combination of imagination with practial technical solutions fascinated piano teachers some of whom returned year after year for the inspiration he provided them. His writing developed into regular columns for 3 national magazines and lasted 35 years until 2008 when he retired after 60 years of teaching. He remained close to music after moving to Florida as an artistic advisor to the Daytona Beach Symphony Society. Some of Robert's many alkaloids were being listed for many years in "Who's Who". He also was named to Phi Beta Kappa at the University of MI in his freshman year a rarity noted by then President Harlan Hatcher. Mr. Dumm was also awarded the highest certification -Master Teacher- by the Music Teachers National Association. He settled his library of over 38 000 books and media to over five colleges of which the last and fullest deposit was made into the Stetson University's main library. Robert will be sadly missed by his companion John Milton Snapp of 34 years and by all who knew him. Robert's final resting place will be Mt. Hebron Cemetery in Winchester VA. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Deland.