Guildhall School is deeply saddened to acknowledge the death of former member of Junior Guildhall staff, Bob Pell
Bob spent 33 years at Junior Guildhall, dedicating himself to the lives of young musicians, many of whom have gone on to have successful music careers.
A member of the academic teaching staff and a professor of classical and jazz piano, Bob also covered the role of Head of Junior Music Courses. He was a hardworking and caring colleague who committed himself fully every Saturday term time until his health forced him to retire in 2017.
As a pianist, Bob gave recitals and masterclasses in places as diverse as Durham and New Delhi. As a composer, he wrote and arranged music for live performance, radio, film, TV and commercial recordings, including the album Here Comes Christmas, a best seller in the category of recordings made for children.
Bob examined for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music for over 30 years, and had taught at primary, secondary and tertiary level. His approach was influenced by studying with Guildhall professor Nelly Ben-Or, whose unique, ground breaking work with her application of the Alexander Technique in piano playing proved to be a turning point in his career. It touched every aspect of his music making, and was fundamental to his own approach to the teaching of the gifted young musicians who attend Junior Guildhall.
Bob’s contribution to Junior Guildhall was invaluable and part of his legacy is the Junior Guildhall Higher Certificate in Music examination which now prepares students to access higher education which he devised and managed. He was awarded a Fellowship of Guildhall School in 2020.
If any Junior Guildhall alumni, staff and friends wish to send in your memories and condolence messages for Bob’s friends and family, please let us know by completing this short form.