Music at the University of Edinburgh: 1839 to 2024

Music as an academic subject at the University of Edinburgh began thanks to a bequest from General John Reid, a distinguished military man, keen flautist and composer, born in Perthshire in 1822 and who died in London in 1807. The funds to come to the College of Edinburgh following the death of his daughter, should she die without issue, and this happened in 1838.   

The General’s endowment was specific in its conditions that the funds be used to establish a Professorship of Music at Edinburgh where he had his education and passed ‘the pleasantest part of his youth’.
In a codicil attached to his will, Reid outlined the requirement for a concert to be given each year in February in his memory. 

The first Professor was appointed in 1839 and the following paper in pdf format gives a brief introduction to Music at the University of Edinburgh: 1839 to 2024.