Office Space: Ken Osowski, Professor of Music

The way a person decorates can say a lot about them. In the Office Space series, we go beyond the résumé and get to know York College faculty and staff members through the objects they like to keep close.

Ken Osowski serves as Associate Professor of Music at York College. Professor Osowski earned a doctoral degree from the Peabody Conservatory, a master’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a bachelor’s degree from Yale University. He serves as Principal Pianist of the York Symphony Orchestra, Collaborative Pianist for the York County Senior Honors Choir, and Founder/Artistic Director for the York Chamber Players. Professor Osowski has collaborated with the Jupiter, Lydian, and Parker String Quartets, and Apollo Chamber Players. He and his wife, Nora, live in Stewartstown with their dog, Benny, and four cats, Alma, Lucy, Otis, and Sidney.

1. Photo of my dog, Mookie Wilson (2007-2022)

Mookie was with me for a third of my life, and I have so many wonderful memories with him. This picture was taken when he was just a puppy, during his first snowstorm. It always brings a smile to my face.

2. Photo from my wedding day

My wife, Nora, is my best friend and soulmate. This photo was taken on our wedding day, September 4, 2011, with two of our nieces, Logan and Angela, who were flower girls. Hard to believe that they are teenagers now! Nora, who went back to school for a BS in Nursing at York College, recently started a new job as a nurse in the Oncology ICU at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

3. Photo of me with two of my piano teachers

This photo was probably taken in about 2001, with Arlene Strube and James Winn, my first and second piano teachers, respectively. They were hugely important mentors to me–so much so that I've always considered them family.

4. Bicycle helmet

When the weather is nice, there's no place I'd rather be than outdoors, either biking, running, or hiking. Cycling has been a big part of my life. In the summer of 1998, I biked cross-country from Washington, D.C., to San Francisco with a group of college students/graduates. It was one of the defining experiences of my life.