The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University

My teacher was Julio Esteban—charismatic, charming, but a stickler for the right execution, of baroque ornamentation in particular. I always felt confident when I performed Bach that I was doing it the right way. He wanted us to play sonatas other than the standard ones and was interested in new music. He had a huge cabinet with glass doors, full of piano music. There were about 24 of us in his studio, and we all supported each other. Every summer there were workshops and master classes where you could play for pianists such as Leon Fleisher, Fernando Laires, Lillian Freundlich, and David Burge.

Julio was a real pedagogue. He diagnosed your problems and prescribed the medicine you needed. He didn't constantly stop you. He only gave out as much as he thought you could handle at one time. And he was devoted to his students. I can't imagine how many free lessons he gave us. My own teaching style is partly modeled on his. I don't mind getting students who don't yet "have it all" and helping them to listen better, assigning different repertoire, grooming them for their senior recitals.
-Mellasenah Morris, BM '68, MM '71, DMA '80

 
From the very first lesson that I had with Julio Esteban, his kindness and generosity of spirit supported my growth as a musician.  He was first and foremost, a mentor to me...a pedagogue who always showed me new ways "to do" and yet never was overbearing or insistent in my following his lead.  He had faith in me and we worked together.  The last time I had the pleasure of speaking to him was over a lunch at the Jockey Club in Baltimore in 1987.  He is sorely missed but never forgotten.
-Ann Zalkind, BM '69, MM '73