Tributes to former Brighton music teacher Heather Cowl, who has died

Heather Cowl, who taught music at Dorothy Stringer School in Loder Road, Brighton for 26 years, died on Wednesday, April 20.

The 86-year-old retired in August 2001, but remained active in musical societies across the city, including Springboard Brighton and Hove Performing Arts Festival.

Emotional moments for Heather Cowl as she took a final bow with the orchestra at her farewell concert

A spokesman for the festival said: “It is with great sadness that we announced the death of our piano secretary Heather Cowl.

“Heather was involved with Springboard for many years and was an invaluable member of the piano section, respected for her knowledge, passion and sense of humour.

“She will be greatly missed.”

Heather trained at the Royal Academy of Music before becoming a music teacher.

During her 43 years as a teacher, Heather taught thousands of pupils, many of whom went on to have professional music careers.

Her prodigies included classical guitarist Richard Durrant and Jon Sevink who plays the violin in the band The Levellers.

Jon Sevink of the Levellers

Heather was also a qualified conductor.

She taught briefly at schools in Moulsecoomb and Patcham before joining Dorothy Stringer.

More than 150 musicians of Heather’s students performed at a farewell concert at the Clarendon Centre, to mark her retirement.

Speaking at the time, Heather said: "It was incredibly moving. Originally, they tried to keep the concert a secret from me and when I did find out, I didn't think the school would be able to get all the pupils back together, or that many people would attend.

Heather cowl was also a trained conductor

"In the end, the hall was very full. There were even a few pupils who I had taught before joining Dorothy Stringer."

In December 2001, Heather was awarded an MBE for services to education.

Dozens of public tributes to Heather have been posted by friends on social media.

Dave Fellingham wrote: “So saddened to hear of the passing of Heather Cowl. We were contemporary in the educational world, with two fantastic school orchestras at Longhill and Stringer.

“We also worked together on many musical projects from the musical worship production Come Together, which pioneered the contemporary worship scene, to her amazing school productions of HMS Pinafore West Side Story, and Kiss Me Kate. We worked together on many musical productions for Clarendon and CCK including two performances of the Messiah.

Heather was a Godly praying woman, who was always supportive in the life of the church and gave so many people a real love for music.”

Donna Walker said: “I worked with Heather for two years at Dorothy Stringer High School, and she was a wonderful personal friend who also attended the same church as I did for many years.

“She was an amazing music teacher, head of music, and choir trainer.

“Now she will be able to join in with the glorious worship in heaven without responsibility, just adoration of the amazing, beautiful, wonderful Lord Jesus.”

Ben Virgo described Heather as a “thoughtful, bright and interesting.”

He said: “It was always a treat to see her. I will miss her.”