Josef Proksch

Josef Proksch (August 4, 1794, Reichenberg – December 20, 1864, Prague) was a Czech pianist and composer of German descent.

Proksch, who became blind at the age of 13, was a pupil of Jan Antonín Koželuh. In 1830, Proksch opened the Musikbildungsanstalt (Music Academy) in Prague. His teaching method of having several students play simultaneously during piano lessons was continued for over a hundred years. His most famous student was Bedřich Smetana, whom he taught piano and music theory.

Besides pedagogical works for piano, Proksch wrote a concerto for three pianos, piano sonatas, masses, and cantatas, and adapted numerous orchestral works to four to eight pianos for use in his lessons.

His daughter, Marie Proksch, was also a well-known pianist and composer.