Named Divisions

The Shirley M. Beckett Piano Division, ages 11-13

This division honors the memory of Shirley M. Beckett (1931-2019), an exceptional pianist and dedicated educator of young musicians. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Shirley showed a precocious talent for the piano and dedicated herself to early on to ensemble playing, forming a duo with close friend Judith McDonald and performing across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. She studied at the Royal College of Music in London, and with prominent teacher Mable Lander, connecting her musical lineage back to Beethoven. After moving to Massachusetts in 1965, she taught privately until well into her 80s, including as faculty at the Longy School of Music. As a teacher, per the Boston Globe, she brought “impeccably high standards but infused with soulfulness and joy. She was willing to work with students at any level […] and was always convinced that their next musical breakthrough was just around the corner, and always striving for artistic perfection and musicianship.” She would be thrilled to know her legacy carries on through supporting the young pianists in Pacific Musical’s competition.