Harry Puddicombe

Puddicombe, Harry

Harry (b Henry) Puddicombe. Teacher, b London, Ont, 14 Jun 1870?, d Ottawa 7 Jun 1953. Son of a cabinet maker, he sought a career in music instead of learning his father's trade. At 21 he went to Leipzig to study with Martin Krause in the hope of becoming a concert pianist. Nervousness in performance prevented him from fulfilling that ambition, but after five years in Leipzig he began his long career as a piano teacher in Ottawa. In 1902 he established the Canadian Conservatory of Music (Ottawa) on Bay Street, Ottawa. Teachers at the conservatory included his brother-in-law Donald Heins and Herbert Sanders. Puddicombe was director until 1937, when the building was acquired by the municipality for school purposes. He continued to teach until shortly before his death. He also composed and one of his piano works, Poème tragique, is held by the NL of C. Able and dedicated, he is remembered not only for his high standards but for the warmth and humour with which he pursued his profession. Among his pupils were Yvon Barette, Gladys Barnes, Gladys Ewart, Hélène Landry, Olive Munro, Ethel Thompson, Beulah Duffy, and Elise Tye.