Sandra Geary, an instructor of applied music and collaborative pianist within the Department of Music in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, passed away on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital after a brief illness. She was 59 years old.

“For years, Sandra was a vital presence in the department,” remarked Patrick Burke, a professor and chair of music. “Her generosity towards students and the warmth and passion she displayed to her colleagues will be cherished.”

Born in Cobh, County Cork, Ireland, Geary acquired diplomas from the Cork School of Music (1985), Trinity College London (1985), and The Royal Schools of Music, London (1986). She later received a bachelor’s degree in music from the Saint Louis Conservatory of Music in 1989 and continued her teaching there until 1994, when she became part of The St. Louis Symphony Music School.

Geary initially arrived at WashU in 1991 as the accompanist for the WashU Opera. She subsequently joined the music faculty on a full-time basis. As a collaborative pianist, she closely collaborated with the WashU choirs, frequently accompanying them on both domestic and international tours. Additionally, she assisted numerous piano students in preparation for senior recitals and acted as the accompanist for all vocal activities within the department. Furthermore, Geary accompanied master classes featuring visiting musicians, including internationally acclaimed artists such as soprano Christine Goerke, baritone Nathan Gunn, and mezzo-soprano MaryAnn McCormick.

In addition to her responsibilities at WashU, Geary dedicated over thirty years as an accompanist for the Bach Society of Saint Louis and more than ten years as a pianist for the Webster University Opera Studio. Beginning in 2015, she worked as a vocal coach and accompanist for Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ Bayer Fund Artist-in-Training Program and for Union Avenue Opera’s Crescendo! young artist program. She joined Winter Opera St. Louis as a collaborative pianist in 2017.

She is survived by her mother, Kathleen; her brother, Michael; her sister-in-law, Siobhan; along with her nieces Fiona and Louise.

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