Jan REICH Obituary

Jan Peter, ich wollte Dich besuchen in NZ. Wir haben zusammen so viel Musik gemacht, Paganini Sonaten, Geige, Guitarre, in Düsseldorf und vor allem in Sienna, Florenz, ein wunderbarer Sommer ca 1980. Jetzt bist Du tod, wie traurig, habe ich erst heute erfahren. Du bleibst in meiner besten Erinnerung!

Jan was a wonderful musician and a dear friend. I first met him through the Classic Guitar Society of Auckland. As time went by we became friends and he was my observer and referee for joining the Institute of Registered Music Teachers. We often compared notes and shared teaching resources. He rediscovered his Christian faith through the church I attended at the time and had wonderful experiences of God's presence in those years. I took him to the airport for his journey back to Germany prior to his passing, knowing it would likely be the last time I saw him. I am sure is enjoying great music and music-making in heaven.

Jan Peter, Du fehlst.Bleibst ein Vorbild, tapfer, stark, sensibel, gütig, menschlich. Danke für Deine letzten Tage und Stunden mit (auch) mir.Pit, 24.10.15

So sorry to learn of the passing of Jan Peter Reich, who was my daughter, Sara's, classical guitar teacher while we were in Auckland (2005-2007).
I looked him up because I wanted him to know about Sara's recent success in the guitar as he was so instrumental in her development as a guitarist. He was such an inspirational and encouraging teacher as well as a lovely human being. My daughter, Sara, was less than 10 years old when she started having lessons with Jan. She is now 18 and about to go to The Royal Northern College of Music/Manchester University to do the Joint Music Degree Course there with the Classical Guitar as her principal study. Jan believed in her from the beginning and passed on his passion for the guitar to her. She sat her first 2 guitar exams while having lessons from Jan which she passed with distinction and nearly full marks. She also performed at one of his Christmas concerts which we still have the CD of recorded by Jan. He was such a complete guitar tutor - passionate about the guitar, dedicated as a teacher and caring towards his students. Although we left Auckland in 2007 and Sara has had a number of different guitar teachers since then we have never forgotten Jan and still reminisce about him.
We are completely shocked to hear of his passing. May comfort come from the knowledge that he is thought of fondly and that his passion for the guitar lives on in Sara.

It was an absolute blessing to have meet Jan, he was so friendly and welcoming. He was my first teacher after years of self learning the guitar, I remember the the first time I met Jan I was so anxious to start learning. I tried to impress Jan with a flashy piece I had been learning by Barrios Mangore, Jan proceeded to give me advice that would make me completely rethink the way I was learning. From that first meeting I knew we were going to get along well. His teachings have always stayed with me and I would try to implement everything Jan would tell me, often I could tell he would be getting frustrated when I was slipping up, but you would know that it is because he wants you to improve, I'm sure he must of said "ok again" many times over and over. I felt his teaching style was old school and I loved it because he told it like it was. Jan taught me for about three years and I'm forever great full for everything he did for me. The longer I knew Jan the more I thought of him as and friend more than mentor, there was a few times when I would help him out when he needed and have a coffee with him, and just talk about things besides guitar which was hard because he loved talking about guitar:) I use to love helping him set up the Onehunga hall for the end of year recital, where his younger students would play Christmas carols for their parents. I wish I could have been there for Jan when he getting ill and my heart goes out to his family and friends.
I will always think about Jan, and will never forget that he helped me evolve into a better person and musician.

Thank you Jan
Scott

In deep grief and commiseration

Thomas, Düsseldorf

Three weeks full of little things and smiles...
It's been a good time and I'll always remember you.
Jutta

Him!
Pit, Düsseldorf