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In Memoriam: Seth David Himmelhoch
Written by MaryLou Roberts & David Madsen
Seth David Himmelhoch, musician, composer, and teacher of Teaneck, New Jersey, passed away July 10, 2026, at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck.
Seth was born August 12, 1959, in Detroit Michigan to his parents Ralph and Joan (Zinck) Himmelhoch. He spent most of his childhood in the Washington, D.C. area until his career as a classical guitarist brought him to New York. He obtained Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Fine Arts at the Manhattan School of Music, studying under the renowned guitarist Carlos Barbosa-Lima. He was recognized for his performances as a soloist and as a member of the award-winning Duo Cavatina, which made its Carnegie Hall debut after winning the Artists International Auditions. He has appeared at major venues including Alice Tully Hall, the 92nd Street Y, and on broadcasts for WNYC and WQED, as well as at other venues across the country.
Seth was also dedicated to bringing the gift of music to future artists and their audiences as a teacher and became a proponent of the Suzuki method of instruction. He directed the classical guitar program at William Paterson University and founded the Suzuki guitar program at the JCC/Thurnauer School of Music.
In 2012, Seth was diagnosed with Parkinson’s but did not let that stop him from continuing his physically demanding career in music. He bore the disease with grace and a commitment to living his life to the fullest and meeting each new physical challenge with determination and optimism.
Seth served on the SAA Guitar Committee from the very beginning and had a major influence on the creation of the whole Suzuki guitar repertoire. He was always willing to give advice and work on numerous projects. His care for the sequential development of guitar students is a gift for all teachers and students. He was involved in the SAA through being Conference Coordinator, and presenting sessions on the technical developments through the repertoire which was well thought out and widely accepted. He presented a session on accompanying students and helped edit the new Book 1 accompaniments.Seth was always encouraging of other people and making sense out of everyone’s views. The guitar community will cherish and value the results of his work for many years to come. Thank you, Seth for all of your contributions.
