A full orchestra performance at age seven launched the professional trajectory of Ruth Slenczynska, who eventually became the final living student of Sergei Rachmaninoff. Beyond her early work as a child performer, she maintained an extensive career as a university educator and writer, eventually recording new music as late as 2022 during her tenth decade.
Early Training and International Debut
Born in Sacramento in 1925, she was the daughter of Polish violinist Joseph Slenczynski. Her father managed a rigorous training regimen beginning at age three. After relocating to Europe, she reached professional milestones rapidly, including a Berlin recital at age six and her aforementioned orchestral debut at seven. She received instruction from masters such as Artur Schnabel, Egon Petri, Alfred Cortot, and Josef Hofmann. She famously engaged with Sergei Rachmaninoff after replacing him for a concert appearance in 1934.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Withdrawal and Academic Transition
The psychological strain of constant performance prompted a total hiatus from music at age 15. During this departure from the concert circuit, she enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, to study psychology. In 1944, she married student George Born, though this marriage concluded in 1953. Her return to professional music commenced in 1951, marked by her participation in the Carmel Bach Festival.
Academic Tenure and Writing
In 1964, she accepted a position as artist-in-residence at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, maintaining this role until 1987. During this time, she contributed scholarly articles to publications including Keyboard, Piano Quarterly, and Clavier. She also authored textbooks and memoirs, including the 1957 title Forbidden Childhood and her technical guide, Music at Your Fingertips. Her personal papers and recordings are currently held within a Special Collection at the university's Lovejoy Library.
Later Years and Final Recordings
In the 1960s, she married political scientist James Kerr, who remained her spouse until his death in 2000. Her recording history spanned decades, notably including sessions with Decca Classics from 1959 to 1963. Demonstrating continued activity, she released the album My Life in Music in 2022 at age 97 and received an honorary doctorate from the Curtis Institute of Music. She turned 100 in January 2025 and died in Cupertino, California, in April 2026.
Fast facts
- Born: 1925, Sacramento
- Died: 2026, Cupertino
- Final album release: 2022
- Academic degree: doctorate
- Languages: English, French
- Teaching tenure: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (1964-1987)
- Notable honor: Gold Cross of Merit
Questions readers ask
Who were her most influential instructors?
She studied under Sergei Rachmaninoff, Artur Schnabel, Egon Petri, Alfred Cortot, and Josef Hofmann.
Did she teach while maintaining her career?
Yes, she served as an artist-in-residence at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for 23 years, from 1964 to 1987.
Achievements
- Performed publicly before age five; European debut at six
- Studied with Rachmaninoff, Schnabel, Cortot, and Hofmann
- Authored the memoir 'Forbidden Childhood' (1957)
- Performed and recorded past age 100
