Tribute to Douglas Voice - Canadian Music Competitions Fall News - music teacher and official of the Canadian Music Competitions

Performing Arts & Entertainment in Canada, Summer, 1998 by Verna Jacobson

The musical community is mourning the loss of Douglas Voice who died of cancer on June 29, 1998 at the age of 61. Douglas was active in the CMC for many years and became President of the Ottawa Chapter, where he worked tirelessly with his committee to give students performing opportunities. There were concerts at various Embassies and at the University of Ottawa and a highly successful Play-a-Than with volunteer adjudicators.

Douglas Voice was one of the founding members of the Music Department at the University of Ottawa, where he became Professor of Piano, was Acting Chairman for a year and Student Advisor in the Undergraduate program for several years. In addition, he was co-ordinator of adjudicators in all disciplines for the Kiwanis Festival of the Capital region and a long standing member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association.

His early studies in his home-town of Bradwell, Saskatchewan were in violin and piano, but when he moved, as a teenager, to Saskatoon and became a student of the distinguished Canadian teacher, Lyell Gustin, the piano and its repetoire became his main focus and love.

He was the holder of diplomas from the Royal Conservatory & Royal Schools and the winner of many festivals and competitions, including the Young Artist, which gave him the chance to tour as a soloist and in joint recitals with violinist Andrew Dawes.

Douglas started teaching as Mr. Gustin's assistant then opened his own studio in Saskatoon. He moved to Ottawa in 1966 and taught in Hull and in his studio in Ottawa. At that time Douglas continued to perform as a soloist, and accompanist and as part of the very successful duet\duo team which he formed with Verna Jacobson. They recorded several programs for CBC, appeared at the National Gallery and in the concert series at the University of Ottawa, both before and after the formation of the Music Department.

Douglas had a passion for the vocal repetoire which led to his study of languages-he spoke fluent French and Spanish, had an extensive knowledge of German and some Italian and Portuguese. These were useful to him when he wished to do further study in Europe which he did from time to time. It also enabled him to be on juries in Europe, which gave him further insights into performance possibilities for young performers.

Nobody was more generous with his time or his thought - he was always available as audience, advisor, critic and supporter to students and colleagues. He was a deeply gifted and cultivated person and will be sorely missed.

Verna Jacobson, Former Director of Performance Studies, Carleton University