Mary Alton was born in April 1934 in the small mining village of Pinxton on the Derbyshire Nottinghamshire border.
She learnt the piano as a young child. Later she learnt the violin, then the viola as a young adult. She passed examinations on the piano up to grade 6 of the Associated Board, but like most at that time she left school at the age of 15, and worked in the local coop as a counter assistant. She did however continue with her music making and won a number of prizes, going on to play for many years in local amateur orchestras and string quartets.
As a pianist Mary became the accompanist for several local choirs, and eventually also became a school pianist. The most interesting position was as an accompanist for eurythmy lessons at Michael House School in Derbyshire, where she stayed for 25 years, her fine playing always being appreciated by all who know her – both staff and pupils alike. It was there that she was asked by the eurythmy teacher to improvise, and also compose, music for pieces that were being worked on in the lessons.
Browse music by Mary Alton
She learnt the piano as a young child. Later she learnt the violin, then the viola as a young adult. She passed examinations on the piano up to grade 6 of the Associated Board, but like most at that time she left school at the age of 15, and worked in the local coop as a counter assistant. She did however continue with her music making and won a number of prizes, going on to play for many years in local amateur orchestras and string quartets.
As a pianist Mary became the accompanist for several local choirs, and eventually also became a school pianist. The most interesting position was as an accompanist for eurythmy lessons at Michael House School in Derbyshire, where she stayed for 25 years, her fine playing always being appreciated by all who know her – both staff and pupils alike. It was there that she was asked by the eurythmy teacher to improvise, and also compose, music for pieces that were being worked on in the lessons.
Browse music by Mary Alton