Eleanor Hancock

Co-Founder, The Dorothy Taubman Seminar

     January 12, 1929 - December 12, 2006

Eleanor Hancock was on the faculty of the Taubman Institute since its inception. She studied with Dorothy Taubman for many years. Prior to that she was a graduate of the Juilliard School and New York University. In teaching the Taubman technique, she worked a great deal with injured musicians, both classical and jazz, enabling them to return to the concert stage. Her students perform around the world; they have soloed in the major New York concert halls, including Carnegie and Avery Fisher Halls.

She taught privately in New York City, also taught as adjunct faculty at SUNY Purchase, New York; Columbia University Teachers’ College, and at the New School (both in New York City.).

Ms. Hancock has given master classes in a number of cities, including a three-day series of lectures and master classes at the University of Minnesota

Those who have studied with Ms. Hancock include Bill Charlap, jazz pianist: “...speed, fluency, constant variation, wit.” (New York Times, September 4, 2003); Michael Wolff: “...What Wolff is able to pull off, rhythmically and melodically, propel him into the brave future of not just piano, but music itself,” (Keyboard Magazine, April 2003); and Timothy Andres, winner of many awards including Presidential Scholar in the Arts (while still in high school), soloist with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops at Caramoor and Carnegie.

As a performing pianist, Eleanor Hancock has specialized primarily in chamber music. She and Caroline Norwood formed a one-piano four-hands partnership, as pioneers in the renaissance of this medium. She also performed with a number of other chamber combinations, most often with violinists.

“Splendid, precise, well-integrated performances. Caroline Norwood and Eleanor Hancock have played together often and well, and their rapport results in some admirable clarification of texture. . .”

Schubert music for four hands
High Fidelity

"Unlike Heifitz’s accompanists, Ms. Hancock brings a positive front line approach to her contribution - they brew up quite a storm... "

Strauss, Respighi on the Nonesuch label
American String Teacher

“ Eleanor Hancock’s accompaniment was a strong factor in these glowing renditions. ”

Town Hall Concert
Village Voice

“ A sympathetic accompaniment - top drawer category. ”

New York Times