Charles Lewis Matthew Harris

This glowing review of a Bell piano features a list
of the many titles held by Harris. This list includes:

• Conductor "Harris Orchestral Club"
• Conductor "Hamilton Choral Society"
• Organist St. Paul Presbyterian Church
• Musical Director Hamilton Conservatory of Music
• Musical Director Wesleyan Ladies' College, 1891-95 [3]

A picture of the original location of the Hamilton Conservatory of Music, which Harris started in his home in 1897. [4]

Biography

Dr. Charles Lewis Matthew Harris Mus. Doc. (born Staningly, Yorkshire, England, 1863; died Port Huron, Michigan, USA, 28 Jan 1925) was a prominent figure in the Hamilton music community through his teaching, accompaniment, and conducting of many ensembles. [1] One of his most important achievements, which still operates to this day, is his establishment of the Hamilton Conservatory of Music. In 1897, Dr. Harris founded the conservatory which began in his own home, but soon expanded to multiple rented locations to cover the high demand of students. Today, the organization goes by the name Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts, and covers "dance, visual arts, acting, and more". [2] Harris held numerous positions positions as organist/choirmaster (see list on left). In addition to those, he took up residence at Erskine Presbyterian in Hamilton, and subsequently St George's Church in Port Huron, MI, where he spent the last ten years of his life. [6] Harris passed away in Port Huron, two years after having a stroke. [6] His obituary can be read below.