C.W. Post names W.H. pianist salutatorian

    Music education major and gifted pianist John Tittmann, of West Hempstead, was named salutatorian of the class of 2010 by the C.W. Post campus of Long Island University, and recognized at the school's May 7 commencement.
    Tittmann, who plans become a college professor and teach music independently, maintained an exemplary academic record throughout his undergraduate career, and even before attending C.W. Post: Tittmann was valedictorian at West Hempstead High School, where he earned 43 college credits in AP classes.
    There he also worked closely with Eric Carlsen, who was the high school band director. Tittmann maintained communication with his former teacher, even playing with Carlsen in the C.W. Post band while the teacher was there completing post-graduate work. During his junior year in college, Tittman did some teaching observation with Carlsen at West Hempstead High School and, in return, Carlsen attended Tittmann's senior recital at C.W. Post in November 2009.  
    While at the university, Tittmann jammed with the C.W. Post Jazz Ensemble at the famed Iridium Jazz Club in New York City and played Chopin in a concert hall in Poland — a hall in which Chopin had himself performed.
    Getting an early start to his potential teaching career, Tittmann also taught private music lessons throughout his college career. He even held an annual recital for his students and their families. Tittmann's love of teaching was evident in an essay he wrote on the value of education. "I have seen the look on children's faces when they figure out something new, and the feeling of pride and accomplishment that accompanies new discoveries," he wrote. "Creative, compassionate and knowledgeable educators can release children to discover their potential to understand themselves and transform their environment."

    Maintaining his status as an active community member, the pianist also served as accompanist for Sunday night Mass at C.W. Post's Newman Catholic Parish. The director of religious life at the university, the Rev. Edward Brown, commended and complimented Tittmann on his strength of character. "He is honest, kind and hard working," Brown said. "In a world where values are hard to find, John has values and works from them."
    Tittmann's parents, Thomas and Eileen, who reside in West Hempstead, said they are proud of their son's achievements. "Having no background in music, I used to think that music or the arts in general were nice to have, but were more like 'filler,'" Thomas Tittmann said. "As I've watched John and other musicians mature, I've come to  different view of these artistic expressions. I now see that the ability to perform music and the ability to enjoy it are both integral parts of God's design of creation. And I thank Him for placing this gift within John and other artists."
    The talented salutatorian has decided to pursue a Master's Degree in piano performance at the State University of New York at Purchase. But before he begins his studies, he will accompany C.W. Post's Jazz Ensemble to France in July. There they will participate in the 50th anniversary of the world-famous Jazz a Juan Festival on the French Riviera.