Norma Beecroft

Norma Marian Beecroft (1934–2024) was a Canadian composer, producer, broadcaster, and arts administrator. Early years Born in Oshawa, Beecroft was the daughter of Julian Beecroft, a musician, machinist, and inventor who pioneered the development of magnetic tape, and actress Eleanor Beecroft (née Norton). She received her earliest musical education from her parents, both of whom had musical training. Her father had originally intended to pursue a career as a pianist and had given concerts in his early 20s. His career, however, was cut short when he lost three of his fingers in a woodworking accident. Her parents married in 1931 and their marriage produced four other children (including the poet and painter, Jane Beecroft) besides Norma. The couple divorced in 1947 when Norma was 13 years old. Education In 1950 Beecroft began taking private piano lessons with Aladar Ecsedy until she entered the Royal Conservatory of Music in 1952. She attended classes at the Conservatory through 1958 where her teachers included Gordon Hallett (piano), Weldon Kilburn (piano), and John Weinzweig (music theory and composition). In 1957-58 she studied the flute privately with Keith Girard and in the sum