The School of Music mourns the loss of a great friend with the passing of Richard Guthman. Guthman, who graduated from Georgia Tech in 1956 with a degree in industrial engineering, was actively involved in public service in the Atlanta area for over 20 years.

In 1998 he founded the Margaret Guthman Keyboard Competition as a tribute to his wife, Margaret. What began as a jazz piano competition has expanded to become the Margaret Guthman Musical Instrument Competition, a two-day annual event that brings together musicians from all over the world competing for the prize of “best new musical instrument.”

Jason Freeman, associate professor of music, said “Richard’s open mindedness, genuine curiosity, and spirit of collaboration set the tone for the competition which turned the Guthman into a spirited community of practitioners sharing innovative ideas as much as a competition of the world’s greatest instrument designers.”

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Margaret; son Richard “Rick” Guthman III and his wife, Libby; son William “Bill” Guthman and his wife, Cheryl; son Dan Wall and his wife, Carol; and several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

 In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that gifts in Richard’s honor be made in support of the Guthman Competition or the Temple of Atlanta. If you wish to make a gift to support the Guthman Competition, please make checks payable to the Georgia Tech Foundation, Inc. and send to Susan Sanders, Director of Development, 245 Fourth St, NW, Atlanta, GA 30332.