Tao Song

Professor Tao Song, cellist, author and composer, surrounded by her loving family, peacefully passed away in her sleep in the morning hours on June 17, 2021, at her daughter's home in Littleton, MA. She was 88.

Professor Song entered the Central Conservatory of Music of China, Beijing, in 1952 and graduated in 1957; she was selected and completed a two-year master class with Professor Vadim Sergeevich Chervov (1930-2000) of the Kyiv Conservatory of Ukraine, 1956-1958. Upon graduation, she was employed by the Central Conservatory of Music and taught there for her entire life.

Professor Song is the editor of Central Conservatory Handbook for Teaching Cello, Viola, and Violin as well as Central Conservatory Certification Handbook for Cello, and Anthology of Cello.

Professor Song's cello students have won numerous awards at national and international competitions. They are the leading force in the Chinese cello community, holding top positions in performance and teaching. Professor Song will be missed by generations of cellists both in China and abroad.

Professor Song collaborated with her husband Professor Liantao Tian in the creation of three compositions for cello and piano: Children of the Red River, Song of Loess Plateau and Capriccio Himalaya. These were published by the Central Conservatory of Music Press.

Professor Tao Song is survived by her daughter Ning Tien, her daughter's husband Leonard van der Kuijp, and her grandson Andrew Scialla.

Arrangements under the care of Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St., Littleton MA, 01460 978-486-3709 www.badgerfuneral.com