I carry still so much of the wisdom she passed on…
Read MoreYour mother was my dear teacher. Such an important part of my personal and professional life, as well as being a mentor and someone I could call on when I began teaching myself. I only recently heard of her passing and here the International Women’s Day, I was thinking of her and the profound influence she had on my life…
Dr. Caroline Schiller
Professor of Voice/Opera
Memorial University School of Music
My sisters and I have been reminiscing about our mother because today, April 15th, would have been her 87th birthday. We are remembering all the wonderful things about her… So have a sidecar and think of her today!
Read MoreTowards the end of her life, Susan preferred the company of her family, but so loved getting letters from her friends and former students. She read every one multiple times and enjoyed hearing about the changes in their lives. She was still listening to vocal recordings right up until her last days, soaking up enough music to last forever…
Read MoreMom loved working with you, and continuing to celebrate your successes, and share in your challenges and losses throughout your lives. Every recital, job opportunity or loss, relationship developed, death in your family, travel plan, academic post, children and grandchildren born...she was there with you every step of the way.
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The entire NEC community mourns the recent loss of former faculty member Susan Clickner, who passed away on Thursday, April 1 at age 86. She taught classical voice at NEC for more than 30 years, from 1972–2005, and was head of the voice department for much of the 1990s.
Read More“She was unselfish, hard working, a wonderful colleague, a model of the role that a Chair can play.”
“I learned about life and choices, not just singing and technique, from Susan.”
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Positive, warm, humorous—students liked coming to the lessons and I loved playing for them. It was the place to be. I am so grateful for my time there, as we all were, and for the opportunity for decades to have had Susan in my life as musical colleague and close friend. The world was a richer place because she was in it. We are all missing her already.
Now every time I think of Susan, my mother-in-law, I can see her vividly in my inner eye. I can hear her voice. But she is no longer and will no longer be able to welcome us in her house. She let us know in her chosen poetry that we should not be sad thinking of her but should rejoice at the memories of time spent together. I will try, Susan, I will try.
Read MoreAs Mother’s Day is upon us it is with a heavy heart, tears in my eyes, and great sorrow that I think of a woman who I absolutely loved and adored. At the same time, when I think of Susan, a broad smile emerges and I find myself chuckling.
Read MoreSue was an amazing person, full of life, a great sense of humor, loyal to the Nth degree. When she entered a room you knew someone important had arrived, she could not hide it. She told me she was very shy; maybe she felt this inside herself, but not visibly. Sue started out as a friend and ended up as family, thank God.
Read MoreIt is with heavy hearts that we have learned of the death of our dear friend Susan Fisher Clickner. Susan was very humble and kind. As a single mother she gave so much love to her three daughters. Susan was generous to a flaw. We will always remember afternoons spent in her back yard chatting. Her memory will always be in our hearts. May the angels greet you with songs of peace and joy.
Read MoreShe loved teaching and often said that each person and voice were unique and the challenge was to reach each singer's potential. NEC was fortunate to have her on the faculty and I was most grateful to have her as a friend.
Read MoreOh the stories I could tell you about Susan. It brings tears and puts a smile on my face at the same time.
Read MoreWe have great memories of Sue, both professionally and while dining out with her, whether it was at Uno's in Boston between auditions or going with Billy and Carole out to a new restaurant she wanted us to try, and YES, a Side Car always had to be made from scratch, no mixes for her!!!!!
Read MoreWith Susan's passing we've lost not only a great teacher but a great soul, as everyone who had a relationship with her knows. I was surprised by how deeply the news hit but with it came a flood of fond memories and smiles. She was genuine, authentic, incredibly knowledgeable, funny, warm, and a true mentor. There was no one else like her.
Read MoreI was one of your mother’s voice students at NEC in the 70’s. She gave me the gift of a solid singing technique, taught me how to sing high and gave me the confidence to perform and teach other singers. She affected my life profoundly. I shall always be indebted to your mother. As a side note I always looked forward to her handwritten Christmas cards. Such devotion! Your mother was a gem and I’m sure she will be missed dearly.
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Noel and I are so fortunate to have shared in Susan Clickner’s artistry, kindness and infectious humor. We are so glad to have known and loved her and are especially grateful that our lives continue to be enriched by our memories of her.
Read MoreShe touched so many lives and was a rock and an inspiration to hundreds of young singers. I still have her markings (in her hand) in some of my music. 8AM technique lessons with her made me into a singer who was never afraid of singing in the mornings! She lives on in all of us. She was a treasure and I will always be grateful I was lucky enough to have known her!
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