Percy Buck

Who was Percy Buck?

Sir Percy Carter Buck was an English music educator, writer, organist, and composer. He was born in London, and studied at Merchant Taylors' School and the Royal College of Music. He was the church organist at Worcester College, Oxford, Wells Cathedral, and Bristol Cathedral. He was then appointed as director of music at Harrow School, and held that post until 1927. From 1910 to 1920, he was Professor of Music at Trinity College, Dublin; this was a non-residential post.

In 1925, Buck became the King Edward Professor of Music in the University of London; he was also teaching at the Royal College of Music. From 1927 to 1936, he was music adviser to the London County Council. He received a knighthood in 1937, on retiring from his post of Professor in London.

Buck's compositions include a piano quintet, a string quintet, a violin sonata, a piano quartet, three organ sonatas, and several piano pieces and songs. He edited The English Psalter with Charles Macpherson. The manuscripts of his early works were destroyed during the Second World War. He is possibly best remembered for his Oxford Song Book, and his Psychology for Musicians.