Salvatore Rabbio died on May 12, 2025 at the age of 90. He was the Principal Timpanist for the Detroit Symphony from 1958–98. During that time he played under numerous world-renowned conductors and on dozens of recordings on the Mercury, London, Chandos, Columbia, and RCA labels. He was known for his sound, intonation, and musical playing. His saying, “Play the music, not just the notes” summarizes his musical philosophy.

Sal was head of the Percussion Department at Wayne State University from 1962–86, Adjunct Professor of Timpani at the University of Michigan, and a member of the faculty at the Boston Conservatory of Music. He taught hundreds of students through the years. 

In a Facebook post, Jim Benoit wrote, “I was lucky enough to study with Sal in Boston during my undergraduate years. He was an unbelievable musician, teacher, and mentor. I owe him so much and cannot begin to express the gratitude I have for the years spent with him and Nina (his wife). He helped shape me into the person that I am today, and I will forever be grateful and inspired.”

Steve Whitford wrote, “I feel privileged to have studied with him as a graduate student at the University of Michigan. My favorite Rabbioism is: “This is how it always is, except when it isn’t.” First learn the rules and be open to when the rules don’t apply. I am grateful for all he taught me.”

Rachel Dobrow Stone posted, “He was such a fantastic teacher and mentor. I feel indebted to him for teaching me how to approach so many orchestral works, as well as how to deal with conductors and the stage crew! I was fortunate to have been able to see him perform with the DSO numerous times, including his last DSO concert in 1998. May his memory be a blessing.”

Rabbio was inducted into the PAS Hall of Fame in 2013. Read his Hall of Fame profile here:  https://pas.org/salvatore-rabbio/