Joan Mary Last facts for kids
Joan Mary Last (born January 12, 1908 – died October 9, 2002) was a talented English musician. She was a music teacher, a writer, and a composer. She was born in a town called Littlehampton in Sussex, England.
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Who Was Joan Last?
Joan Last was a very important person in music education. She helped many students learn music. She also wrote many books and pieces of music. Her work made a big difference in how music was taught.
Early Life and Musical Start
Joan Last began her musical journey by studying piano. Her teacher was a famous pianist named Mathilde Verne. Joan worked hard and became a very skilled pianist herself. In 1926, when she was 18 years old, she performed her first big concert. This important event happened at the Aeolian Hall in London. It was a special moment for a young musician.
A New Path: Teaching and Composing
Sadly, Joan Last had an injury to her hand. This meant she could no longer perform as a concert pianist. But she didn't give up on music! Instead, she found new ways to share her love for it. She became a dedicated music teacher and a composer. Joan taught music at the famous Royal Academy of Music. This is a very respected school for musicians in London.
Her Legacy and Awards
Joan Last wrote many books and pieces of music for students. Her teaching methods were very helpful for young musicians. Because of her great contributions to music education, she received a special award. In 1988, she was given the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This award is a high honor in the United Kingdom. It recognized her amazing work and how much she helped people learn and enjoy music.
