Dr. Michael McRee Landrum

Dr. Michael McRee Landrum, an internationally acclaimed concert pianist, distinguished educator, and lifelong champion of classical music, passed away on June 26, 2026, in London, England, following a brief illness. He was 76 years old. Born on September 17, 1949, in Augusta, Georgia, Michael devoted his life to the pursuit of musical excellence. He earned degrees from Oberlin College, the California Institute of the Arts, and Temple University, where he received his Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance. Michael enjoyed a distinguished career as both a performer and professor. He served as Professor of Music and Film Studies at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York, and performed throughout the United States as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral pianist. In 1976, he won First Prize in the J.S. Bach International Competition for Pianists in Washington, D.C. His acclaimed recording, Nocturne, released in 2012, received national recognition and reflected the artistry, technical mastery, and expressive depth that defined his career. Though his accomplishments were many, Michael will be remembered most for his extraordinary musical gifts, his love of teaching, his quiet intellect, and the profound influence he had on generations of students, colleagues, family, and friends. His life was marked by excellence, humility, and an unwavering devotion to beauty through music. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Whitfield and Faye Landrum, and his brother, Larry Wayne Landrum. Michael is lovingly remembered by his nephew, Lawson Drew Landrum, Drew’s wife, Sarah, and their children, Summit, Forrest, Sheppard, and Magnolia; his niece, Ashley White, and her children, Lena and Lucas; his beloved aunts, cousins, and extended family in the Augusta area; dear family friends in Jacksonville, Florida; and many cherished friends, colleagues, and former students in Rochester, New York, London, England, and around the world. A memorial service celebrating Michael’s life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Posey Funeral Directors, 1307 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, South Carolina 29841. The service will be live streamed at http://www.poseyfuneraldirectors.com/obituaries/permalink/12123177/LTWebcast Though the final note has been played, Michael’s music and the life he devoted to sharing it will continue to echo for generations to come. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Memory Cafe @ Christ Church Highbury, London at the link below. Please include "Michael Landrum" in memo line when making a contribution. https://app.securegive.com/StevensCreek/augusta-campus/donate/category?cats=16446&amts=false&recurring=false

Dr. Michael McRee Landrum

September 17, 1949 - June 26, 2026