Gladys (McKelvie) Egbert (1897-1968) was born December 31, 1897 in Rapid City, Manitoba. She began studying piano as a young girl and has been described as the world’s best music teacher. In 1909, she was the youngest student awarded a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London, England. As well, she was the first Canadian ever to receive this award. Gladys moved to New York City to continue her studies at the Julliard School of Music. She turned down an opportunity to become a concert pianist to return to Calgary and open her own studio. She spent her life teaching piano to some of the most gifted students in Alberta. In 1936, Egbert was granted a fellowship by the Royal Academy of Music in England. She was the first North American to receive this honour. In 1965, Gladys received an honorary doctorate of laws from the University of Alberta. In 1967, Gladys received the Centennial Award from the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Association. Egbert died in 1968. This same year, the Rose Bowl was donated to the Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival in memory of Dr. Egbert’s contribution as an outstanding piano teacher.
Source for additional information
Encyclopedia of Music in Canada: Egbert, Gladys – http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=U1ARTU0001104
