P/20/01
January 2020
Shirley
Blakey
We were deeply saddened
to learn of the death of Shirley Blakey, former Head of Junior RNCM, on Friday
20 December.
Shirley studied piano
at the Royal Manchester College of Music (RMCM) with Derek Wyndham and Franz
Reizenstein and went on to join the staff, teaching piano, harmony and history
of music. Alongside this, Shirley also taught piano in the RMCM Junior Exhibitioners’
Department and subsequently took over from Louise Lamigeon as Head of
Department.
With the amalgamation
of the Royal Manchester College of Music and the Northern School of Music in
1973, Shirley invited 25 pupils from each Junior Department to join the RNCM’s
new Junior School. She combined her roles of Head of the Junior School and
Piano Lecturer in the senior college until 1989, when she stepped down from
piano teaching duties. Shirley remained at the helm of Junior RNCM until her
retirement in April 1998.
Receiving an RNCM
Fellowship in 1979, Shirley was a visionary leader, a great mentor to many, and
shaped the future of countless young musicians.
Her funeral will take place on Friday 17 January at 11.30am at St Paul’s,
Heaton Moor Road. Mourners are asked not to wear traditional black dress.
There will be a Book of
Condolence in the Junior RNCM office for colleagues to sign, should they so
wish.
Professor Linda
Merrick
Principal
