Cover photo for Edith Schiff's Obituary
Edith Schiff Profile Photo
1932 Edith 2025

Edith Schiff

August 29, 1932 — January 30, 2025

Edith Karney Schiff passed away in Lower Gwynedd, PA on January 30, 2025 at the age of 92 following a brief illness. Born in Jerusalem, she began piano instruction early in her childhood and was soon discovered to be a prodigious talent. At the age of ten she was invited by the Municipal Broadcasting System in Jerusalem to give two recital broadcasts, and at sixteen she gave her formal debut recital in Tel Aviv’s main concert hall. Shortly thereafter she left Israel for New York as the recipient of a full scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music, where she was a student of Beveridge Webster and Adele Marcus. She also received a full scholarship to study at the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood. It was during this time period that she met her husband, Charles Schiff, a conducting student. 

Edith had a passion and a genuine gift for teaching. She had piano studios in Charleston, WV and later in Atlanta, GA. In both locations her studios always included the most promising area talent. She developed a reputation for bringing the best out of her students, who frequently walked away with top prizes in competition. After some years of teaching piano, Edith embarked on a new career path when she accepted a position teaching Hebrew at the Epstein School in Atlanta. There, she brought and cultivated the same enthusiasm and outstanding results that she had created in her piano studios. After a time, she returned to teaching piano while continuing her career at the Epstein School. 

Edith’s 54-year marriage to Charles extended beyond family life, to which she was very devoted. She and Charles, who conducted the Charleston Symphony Orchestra in WV and the Sandy Springs Chamber Orchestra in Atlanta, often collaborated on music projects, ranging from Edith accompanying vocalists in opera productions to performing as soloist under Charles’s baton. Later, Edith often performed in recitals that featured works penned by her husband. Theirs was a marriage of equal parts love for each other and love for the music they shared.

Edith is survived by her daughters Talia Schiff and Leora Schiff, grandchildren Evan Mercer and Ilana Mercer, and great-grandchildren Ryleigh Mercer and Piper Mercer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Edith’s memory may be made to The Juilliard School. Gifts may be made online at giving.juilliard.edu , a check payable to The Juilliard School may be mailed to: The Juilliard School, Office of Development, 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, or by calling Irene Elias at Juilliard, 212-799-5000 ext. 309.

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