Ellen Koskoff

Professor Ethnomusicology, Emerita

Once, at an annual SEM meeting a long time ago, you called me a "mensch." You meant it--and I took it--as a compliment. It was at that moment that I first came to see you as a real person, a sort of loving uncle, with a quirky sense of humor and a charming humility.

Until then, I had thought of you as one of the original ethno-Gods. Although I was never your student, or moved in your circle, I'd read almost everything you had written and I wanted to be just like you--compassionate, open-minded, and tolerant (not to mention, prolific!). You were my hero.

Over the years, as I came to know you and your family better, I never lost my love and respect for you or my admiration for your commitment to ethnomusicology. One of the last times we spoke I asked you if you were going to retire. You laughed and said, "No, why would I do that? I can't do anything else!"

I will truly miss you.

Love,
Ellen