Jean Anderson

Margaret Jean Hunt (née Anderson; 26 February 1923 – 12 August 2020) was a New Zealand-born pianist and professor of music who lived and worked in the United Kingdom from the 1940s onwards.

Early life and family Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 26 February 1923, Anderson was the daughter of Florence Ruth Anderson (née Vincent) and Oscar Wilfred Breakey Anderson. Her father was a chartered accountant and sharebroker, later served on the Christchurch City Council, and was a noted floriculturalist. Anderson was educated at St Margaret's College, Christchurch.

In London, Anderson met Francis Iveson Robeson Hunt, whom she had known while a schoolgirl in Christchurch. Hunt was a businessman and violin teacher. and they wed on 22 February 1947 at St Cuthbert's Church, Earls Court. Their children include the musician Gordon Hunt.

Musical education Anderson attended the Royal Academy of Music. In 1947, she was awarded the Prize for Pianoforte Accompaniment by Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester. In 1948, she was awarded the Elsie Horne Gift and Albanesi Prize. In 1949, she was awarded the Chappell Pianoforte Prize and Rae Leeming Memorial Prize.

Career Anderson was, for a long time, professor of piano at the Royal Academy of Music. She adjudicated the Louise Band Prizes in 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1985, the Albanesi Prize in 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1986, and the Eric Brough Prize in 1982, She adjudicated the Leslie England Prize and Lloyd Hartey Prize in 1984, the Edna Bralesford Prizes in 1986,

Former students Anderson's former students include Neil Cowley, Sir John Tavener and Lucy Parham.

In Notes from a Small Soprano, Anderson's former pupil Lesley Garrett describes the influence of her professorship.

Sarah Balfour, another of Anderson's pupils, describes her lasting impact.

Death Anderson died in London on 12 August 2020, at the age of 97. She had been predeceased by her husband, Frank Hunt, in 1992.