Harold Protsman Memorial Tribute

Please join us for the memorial tribute to Harold Protsman, Professor Emeritus of the F. Ludwig Diehn School of Music. A reception will follow.

Harold Jesse Protsman, 84, died peacefully in the presence of loved ones on August 22, 2017. Left to treasure his memory are his brother, Tom (Holly) Protsman, sister-in-law, Jamie Protsman, granddaughter, Dana Erin Protsman, great grandson, Mason H. Sadler, a host loving relatives across the United States. Harold is predeceased by beloved daughter, Michelle Conus Protsman Trower, and brother, Daniel N. Protsman.

A native of Lima, OH, Harold was born March 30, 1933 to the late Harold J. and Hattie E. (Lanker) Protsman. He was a graduate of Shawnee High School, class of 1950. His love of piano began in the fourth grade and he went on to study with his mentor and friend Mme Olga Conus where his love of piano and performance only flourished. Harold received his Bachelor's degree from the College of Music in Cincinnati, OH in 1954 and moved on to receive his Master's from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, OH in 1956.

Harold's lifelong career at Old Dominion University began in 1957 as an adjunct professor of piano and music history. He taught full time from 1970 until his retirement in 1995. During that time Harold was Chair of the F. Ludwig Diehn School of Music from 1977-1986 where he led the department into its first National Association of Schools of Music membership. As a Professor Emeritus Harold continued to teach piano on an adjunct basis after his 1995 retirement until his final retirement in 2015. He was once quoted as saying it is the "special relationship that a piano teacher has with a piano student," that motivated him. His passion for piano, performance, and teaching made a lasting impact on countless lives.

Harold performed many concerts as chamber musician and as an accompanist at ODU at various locations around Norfolk and at other college campuses. Harold's most notable performance was presented at Carnegie Recital Hall, New York, NY. He was also pianist with the Norfolk Chamber Consort and a frequent guest with the Feldman Quartet. Harold directed the Annual Classical Period Piano Competition for 18 years when in 2007, in recognition of his service and professionalism, it was named in his honor. Harold went on to direct the competition until 2012 when he stepped down as Director but remained active in the planning and judging each year.

His love of the arts did not stop at music as he was an officer or served as a board member for various societies including the Council of Arts Administrators in Virginia, the Virginia Opera Association (founding board and office), the Norfolk Civic Ballet (founding board), the Norfolk Society of Arts, and the William and Mary concert series in Norfolk (President). Harold was also a very active member of his community. He served as a board member for the Norfolk Rotary Club and the Goodwill Industries of Tidewater. He was also a founding board member and officer of the Freemason Street Area Association along with the Pagoda and Oriental Garden Foundation.

While much of his life was spent as a notable musician, dedicated teacher, and active member of the community it is also important to note his extreme love and compassion for all animals. The relationships he held with most of the members of his community most often included their canine companions, if not beginning with his need to introduce himself to every dog he saw. For some it is hard to remember him without his beloved canines in tow, as he hated to leave them behind. It was without fail that he visited the elephants every year when the circus was in town. Harold also avidly donated and volunteered with the Norfolk SPCA and was a regular visitor of the animals there, providing comfort and friendship.

The family asks that memorial donations be made to the Norfolk SPCA in his honor; (757) 622-3319. Donations can also be made to the F. Ludwig Diehn School of Music; (757) 683-4949.