Harold Elvins
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Harold Stanley James Elvins (March 1878 – 28 January 1943) was an Australian pianist, the third and last proprietor of the school of music founded in Melbourne by George Marshall-Hall as a rival to the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music established by the University of Melbourne.
History[edit]
Elvins was born at Campbells Creek, near Castlemaine, Victoria, second son of James and Betty Elvins, later of Parkville, Victoria,[1] and educated at Wesley College.
He was among the first pupils to enrol at the conservatorium established by George Marshall-Hall, and achieved a reputation as a fine pianist and accompanist to Nellie Melba and Louise Kirkby Lunn. He became a piano teacher at the same school, and when Fritz Hart left to live in Honolulu, Elvins succeeded him as director, later purchasing the business.[2]
He converted the conservatorium to a limited liability company, renamed the Melba Conservatorium in recognition of Dame Nellie's long association with the school, and her considerable endowments to it.
Recognition[edit]
Elvins was at various times:
- President of the Association of Music Teachers of Victoria from its foundation in 1929
- President of the Music Council of Australia
- Examiner for the Australian Music Examinations Board
References[edit]
- ^ "Family Notices". The Herald (Melbourne). No. 20, 628. Victoria, Australia. 28 June 1943. p. 4. Retrieved 2 January 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Sudden Death of Mr H. S. J. Elvins". The Argus (Melbourne). No. 30, 214. Victoria, Australia. 29 June 1943. p. 3. Retrieved 2 January 2024 – via National Library of Australia.