Submitted by admin on April 22, 2009 - 21:30
GRIFFITHS, Thomas Vernon, O.B.E.
(1894– ).
Professor emeritus.
A new biography of Griffiths, Thomas Vernon appears in the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography on this site.
Thomas Vernon Griffiths was born at West Kirby, Cheshire, England, on 22 June 1894 and educated at Norwich Grammar School and Pembroke College, Cambridge. He was organist and choir master at Pembroke College from 1919 to 1922 and for the next five years taught music in English secondary schools. From 1927 to 1933 he lectured in music at Canterbury Teachers' Training College and founded and directed the College's music classes and festival for children. In 1933 he became director of music at King Edward Technical College, Dunedin, which post he retained until 1942. During these periods he edited Music in New Zealand for five years. From 1942 to 1962 he was professor of music at Canterbury University and, until 1961, dean of the faculty of music and fine arts. In addition to these positions he has held various appointments as organist, adjudicator, and conductor. He is also a member of the Government Bursaries Committee, the A.P.R.A. Advisory Council in New Zealand, and the Christchurch Civic Music Council. In 1957 he was awarded the O.B.E. On 31 January 1962 he retired from the chair of music with the title of professor emeritus.