With one foot here and the other firmly planted in Eternity, Ed Lisk the Man left us at 5:30 AM on 14 October 2025. But Ed’s teachings, wisdom, insight, and faith in Music as a vehicle of Love and connection will forever endure.
Years ago, Ed and I ran a class of 40 Music Educators at Villanova. Closing the course, impromptu words addressed those present as Ed’s “non-biological children.”
What did I mean by that? I often referred to Ed Lisk as the “Lao-tzu” of our time. “Ed!” I’d say. “The Tao that can be named is not the eternal Tao, so the intangibles of Music are not tangible. So then how the heck did you write The Intangibles of Music and make Music tangible?!”
The simple answer is deeply profound—and it’s why I often quoted Chinese wisdom when speaking with Ed during long phone conversations. The Chinese say, “A caged man cannot teach you to fly.” And therein resides the truth of Edward S. Lisk. Ed knew Music. What and why it was and is. He swam inside of it, walked on its waters, and flew above it and within it.
And because he knew Music, he loved it. That Love is what makes his teachings and work a Moment into Eternity. In this world, he was a prophet with the voice of a bass clarinet, a sage with the wisdom and compassion of a dedicated grandfather. He was a Man of long history and, most important of all, Love. He loved all he taught, helped all those he could, and gave without restraint. He turned those of us who would listen into his “non-biological children,” into runners with a musical Sword Excalibur. And if we heeded his words, embraced his Love, we too could fly in Music and pass it on to others.
That was his dream. His “secret.” That was his life—here. Now, those of us who take up his Mission can give to all the generations to follow.
Beethoven said upon leaving us, “I shall hear in Heaven.” I believe Beethoven speaks to us now and says, “I hear now in Heaven!”
So too do I hear Ed, his bass clarinet voice intact: “Carry on. Carry on! Music is more beautiful than ever before. Forget the obstacles that stand in your way. The kids need you. Carry on. Carry on!”
Let’s close this brief tribute to Edward S. Lisk with his own words:
“Our success did not come from the comfort of the present or looking back at the comforts of the past... it came from recognizing the student’s abilities, the desire for excellence, and the courage of turning away the thoughts of impossibility, the doubts of others, and simply turning in the opposite direction of negative thoughts.
Wisdom, judgment, and discretion must be carefully measured for this precious ‘piece of crystal.’ This crystal must be cleaned and polished each day... you must be careful of when and where you show it... don’t ever drop it, for it will shatter into a million pieces and never be repaired or replaced.
This precious ‘piece of crystal’ is not blemished... it sparkles with clarity and is filled with your encouragement, respect, integrity, love, dignity, beauty, support, and appreciation for our students and their talents.”
Ed now deservedly joins the ranks of the Eternal.
Hey Ed—please say hello to everyone for me! God bless you always.
Love & Godspeed! Steve