Allan Sly

Allan Bernard Sly, pianist and composer, taught music at Black Mountain from 1935-39. He was born in England and educated at the University of Reading, the Royal Academy of Music in London, and the Concord Summer School of Music in Massachusetts.

He studied piano with Evlyn Howard-Jones and composition with Gustav Holst and Benjamin Dale. In 1926 his composition Holiday Tune was performed by Sir Adrian Boult at the Royal College of Music in London. He taught at Toronto Conservatory of Music, as well as private schools in England, Canada and the United States.

He composed some of his most important works during his time at the college, including his Symphony (1935-36) which was rehearsed by the newly formed North Carolina Symphony. His wife Elizabeth Ware Sly (May 7, 1913-May 7, 1993) tutored in music and performed in college concerts.

In 1939 Sly resigned from Black Mountain College to accept a position at the College of William and Mary. He moved to Quincy, Massachusetts in 1950 after teaching at McGill University in Montreal, where he composed songs and a symphony.

At his death, he was the organist and choirmaster of All Saints Church in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

Biography written by Mary Emma Harris for the Black Mountain College Project.

Relationships

Wife: Fellow BMC faculty, Elizabeth Ware Sly