I am grateful to my family and friends for their lovely greetings from yesterday. On his 94th birthday, Dad Eric passed away late last night. He was a renowned music educator in addition to being a devoted father.
A child of the war who was evacuated from London during the Blitz, he played the piano accordion at his Royal Academy of Music audition and manufactured and sold toys to pay for a piano. Leaving behind a legacy that resonates not only within our family but across the realms of music education.
Above all, Dad was a loving father whose impact extended far beyond the walls of our home. His life’s narrative unfolds as a remarkable journey, starting as a wartime boy and evacuee during the London Blitz. A testament to his resilience and passion, he auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music on the piano accordion, a humble beginning that laid the foundation for a distinguished career in music. Amidst the challenges of wartime Britain, Dad’s determination led him to craft and sell toys to afford his first piano.
This instrument, more than just keys and strings, became a conduit for his artistic expression and love for music. His journey as an accomplished pianist unfolded, marked by studies at the Royal Academy of Music, interrupted only by his dedicated service in the Royal Air Force during National Service, where he found himself playing the clarinet in a marching band.
Under the tutelage of renowned educators such as Egerton Tidmarsh and Harold Craxton at the Royal Academy of Music, Dad’s musical prowess flourished. His commitment to music education bore fruits as he introduced the wonders of music to countless children and young people from diverse backgrounds.
Among the many milestones of his career, standout memories include leading a youth orchestra to record at the iconic Abbey Road Studios. Additionally, his legacy extends to the Jazz Cantata series for London Weekend Television, featuring children performing Herbert Chappell’s ‘Daniel Jazz,’ ‘Red Sea Jazz,’ and other biblical stories.
Dad’s impact transcends mere notes on a score; it resonates in the lives he touched and the passion for music he instilled in generations of young minds. His journey, from a wartime evacuee to a maestro in music education, exemplifies a life well-lived, rich in dedication, resilience, and a profound love for the art form that shaped his existence.
As we bid farewell to this extraordinary soul, let us remember Eric not only as a music educator but as a loving father and a source of inspiration whose melodies will echo in the hearts of those he touched. Rest in peace, dear Dad; your legacy will continue to harmonize through the lives of those who had the privilege of sharing in your musical journey.
