Neil (Corneilius) Von Boyer

Neil (Corneilius) V. Boyer, age 85, passed away on March 25, 2025, after complications resulting from multiple strokes.

Born in Danville, KY, on February 9, 1940, he was the son of the late Dorothy G. (Corder) and (Corneilius) Von Boyer. He attended Lafayette High School in Lexington, KY; received his BA from Mannes School of Music in NYC, and his MA from SUNY Stony Brook.

As principal oboe, he helped shape the Vermont and Portland Symphony Orchestras for 25 and 40 yrs, respectively. He taught applied oboe, chamber music, and coached anyone who walked through his studio door at the University of Southern Maine, Dartmouth College, University of Vermont, Bowdoin College, and Bates College. One of his primary loves was summer music programs for young people; he founded/directed Green Mountain Music School in Vermont and served on the faculty for the summer programs at Southern Maine Music Academy, UVM Summer Music Session for High School Students, the Vermont Youth Orchestra, and several others. With the support from Partners of the Americas, he also directed the launch of a national youth orchestra in Honduras, I Campamente Musical Juvenil, which helped to build professional orchestras that exist today.

Neil was an extraordinarily talented oboist, a man with huge feelings—who literally ripped the arms off a chair the first time he heard “Poem of Ecstasy;” a natural leader; and an unusually devoted music teacher. A gifted pianist as well, he taught from the piano and drilled his students on discipline, phrasing, rhythmic precision, and world-famous practice techniques. He also taught students to drive stick-shift, guided college application essays, and once took students sledding in the middle of the night wearing a full-length fur coat. His commitment to his students knew no bounds and was unstoppable.

He followed in the footsteps of his father, who was also a music teacher. For 65 years, Neil gave his students his full attention for both music and life, simultaneously pushing them and also giving them a shoulder to cry on. As teacher who was still working at 85 and driving 3 hours roundtrip to do so, texted his students daily to offer empathy and advice. Beloved by all who received instruction, even if they cowered a bit when he opened his studio door and yelled, “Next victim!” To be one of Neil’s “kids” was an honor and a thrill. It was like being given the keys to the fastest car on a road you didn’t even know existed.

A man of humble beginnings from farming and coal-mining communities in southern Kentucky, he was driven, passionate, hilariously and inappropriately funny, he’d do anything just to do it. No one escaped his wit and quick tongue. “That pain in your ear isn’t an infection, you’re sharp.” “That was grotesque enough to make grown men cry.” “You sound like a piglet just hit by a car.”

He felt music at his core, questioned nothing, loved wildly, was extremely disciplined, had exceptionally high standards for everyone, and even higher for himself. A complicated and impossible man, who was often his own worst enemy. He loved writing, photography, national parks, the west, cars, physics, geology, taking drives in rural America, sunshine on his face, and treasured the early love he received from his grandmother (Bell) Corder.

He leaves behind a devoted and devastated family: daughter, Dorothy; granddaughter, Nova; step-granddaughter, Lillie; and his life partner/best friend, Emily; as well six generations of students and colleagues who rushed forward to send remembrances and messages of gratitude in his final days. May his dedication, kindness, and spirit live on through those who knew him and were lucky enough to be affected by him.

A service will be held in May or June. Details to follow as they become available. Arrangements were made with Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury, MA 01913.