Maud Aiken facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maud Aiken
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Aiken in 1934
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Mary Davin |
| Born | 13 August 1898 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 10 July 1978 (aged 79) |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, professor |
| Instruments | Violin |
Maud Aiken was a very talented Irish musician and a director of a big music school in Dublin. She was born Mary Davin on August 13, 1898, and passed away on July 10, 1978. She was known for her amazing violin skills and for helping many young musicians.
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Early Life and Music Studies
Maud Aiken was born Mary Davin in Dublin, Ireland, on August 13, 1898. She was the younger of two daughters. Her father, John J. Davin, was a grocer and also a city leader.
Maud started her music journey early. In 1914, she joined the Royal Irish Academy of Music. She quickly showed how talented she was, winning a special scholarship called the Coulson scholarship that same year. In 1915, she won the Coulson academy scholarship again. The next year, in 1916, she earned the Vandeleur academy scholarship for playing the violin.
From 1917 to 1922, Maud continued her studies at the famous Royal Academy of Music in London. By 1920, she became a sub-professor of violin there, which means she helped teach other students. She also won several medals and earned a special diploma called LRAM in 1921. In 1931, she was given an honorary award, ARAM, for her achievements.
A Career in Music Leadership
Maud Aiken continued to excel in her music career. She studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and won four gold medals! She even led the orchestra under a famous conductor, Sir Alexander Mackenzie. She also studied at the Conservatoire de Paris, another top music school.
Maud played the viola in the early days of the 2RN orchestra. This was one of Ireland's first radio orchestras.
Leading the Music School
In 1930, Maud Aiken became the director of the Municipal School of Music in Dublin. This was a very important job! She held this position until 1934, when she married Frank Aiken.
During her time as director, Maud was praised for her excellent organizing skills. She helped the school grow a lot. She also made sure that more Irish music was taught and appreciated.
Working with the Royal Irish Academy
Maud's influence in music continued to grow. In 1939, she joined the board of governors for the Royal Irish Academy of Music. From 1950 to 1978, she served as the vice-president of the Academy. In 1961, she was given a special fellowship for her contributions.
Maud was the chair of the board for 20 years! She worked hard to:
- Expand what the Academy offered.
- Make sure music standards were very high.
- Increase the number of students.
- Improve the school's finances.
In 1972, a scholarship for junior piano students at the Academy was renamed "the Maud Aiken exhibition" in her honor.
Other Important Roles
Maud was also involved with the Feis Ceoil Association, a big music festival. She was the vice-president from 1963 to 1967 and then the president from 1971 to 1978. She also served on the council for the Wexford Festival Opera. In 1971, she received a special award from Germany, the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, for her work.
Later Life and Legacy
Maud Aiken passed away on July 10, 1978, in a car accident. She was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. She left behind her husband, Frank, and their three children: Aedamar, Proinnsias, and Lochlann. Maud Aiken is remembered as a key figure in Irish music education.
