Guest Book

If you can recommend anyone who studied with Tony Dawson, or knew him as a friend, please let them know about this site. Let us continue to sing the praises of great music teachers.

To sign Tony Dawson's Guest Book,
please email Julian Fisher at jm.fisher@utoronto.ca

Thank-you so much for keeping the spirit of JAD alive and well. I intend to write my own piece for your guestbook very soon!

Jennifer (Dawson) McLaughlin, daughter of Tony Dawson

Martha Cunningham, Germany:

I am writing today because it is Tony's birthday. And I have two memories to share.

1. On July 27, 1981, I was working late at the Conservatory, and Tony and Janet came down to knock on Robert Dodson's door. He was handing some form or other in after a day of teaching. As always when he was surprised, his face lit up, his Cat-in-the-Hat cheeks beaming, and he removed his pipe. Martha! Oh, it's you! Then he proceeded to tell me that it was his birthday, and that it was a special one. He explained, while Janet watched with a big smile - she always looked at him so admiringly, I remember: "I was born in 19 — [big pause] — 27! On July — 27! I am now 54, which is 2 x — 27! and the year is 1981, which is 3 x — 27!" He was thrilled. But you always knew that behind his glee in such things there was a streak of imp that was on the one hand laughing at silliness on the other questioning, stoking his pipe-bowl and saying, "How very odd."

2. One time he and Janet came to my house for dinner. I drove them home, and on the way, they sat in the back seat and sang a cheerful ditty composed by Tony: "Who put the F, and the U, and the N, in 'funeral'?" It was very black, very bleak, and I only wish I could have thought of it without tears when I attended his memorial service.

I took two courses with Tony - Harmony 3 and 4 - and I am fondest of the first little dictation book from the grade 3 course, held up in the eaves of the Con, with Tony sweating away till he was drenched, yet still cheerfully hopping from piano bench to blackboard. For in that book I decided to write down every single musical reference he made/played. And it filled the entire book. I was stunned. It was the most enjoyable music course I ever took. How lucky we were.

With very best wishes, and deep appreciation for the memorial you have set up for Tony,

Martha Cunningham

Maria Molinari, Toronto:

I have the fondest memories of Tony. He easily changed the course of my life. When I first entered his class I didn't know the difference between a 7th and a leading note (this despite having passed grade 3 harmony!). I was utterly confused and filled with dread at the thought of another year of harmony. By the end of the first lesson the clouds had lifted and, buoyed by a renewed sense of optimism, I had a spring in my step. I could do this! This is not to say that I didn't have my moments. I remember being utterly delighted at finding an opportunity in one of my gr. V exercises to write not only 1 or 2 but 3 (!!!) augmented 6th chords in a row. Surely, this was going to inspire a reaction from Tony, and indeed it did: "Maria, this is like 3 vodkas straight up!" Not quite the reaction I was hoping for, but the humour was pure Tony Dawson. How could you not love a comment like that?

Years later, I wrote to him from LA after doing the film scoring program and he replied with the most delightful letter. He confessed that he had always wanted to try his hand at jingle writing and had enclosed a little ditty he had composed: "Who Put the Fun in Funerals?" for Bates & Dodds Funeral Parlours. Sheer genius. I still have it and aim to frame it in his memory. For if anyone could inject fun into a funeral, it would be Tony.

I imagine all of us who had the privilege of knowing Tony have wonderful, funny, warm memories like that. He was truly a special teacher and person. I will miss running into him and being entertained by his wit. The world is emptier for his departure.

Again, thank you for this testimonial page. It was touching to 'hear' his voice one last time if even from the far side of the 'abyss'.

Maiar Davies, Hamilton Ontario:

I was in Tony's choir at All Saints in Hamilton: I was his alto soloist there. I remember both him and Janet with great affection - they were splendid people. I have an old photo of Tony and Janet with baby Jennifer - probably in the early 60's.

I did not learn of his (and Janet's) deaths until earlier this week.

I will always have fond memories of him and Janet and of my time in All Saints choir.

Cynthia Timmons (Mule), Woodbridge:

I adored Dr. Dawson. He was so patient with my lack of theory skills. We keep in touch (usually at Christmas) until I heard of Janet's sickness. Every year at Christmas I would bring him pipe tobbaco and a bottle of sherry. Because he didn't drive I occasionally drove him home. I asked him why he didn't drive and he answered, "there are already enough maniacs on the road". Once he spilled some of his lite pipe tobbaco and we had to pull over because we could smell something buring. He jumped out and I spotted a buring hole in his trench coat. He just replied "Janet is going to kill me, oh Cyndie why do we smoke". I'm glad I had the privlege to have been part of his life. My prayers go to his daughter and family. He was one of my favorite mentors. I will miss him and hope we can meet another day. LOL to you Tony

Peter Lee, Montreal:

I am so happy you have posted this site as I would not have known otherwise. Having studied with Dr. Dawson from 84 to 88, I remember his hilarious expressions, stories, and a keen ability to appreciate each. I was introduced to him by my brother John, whose stories of singing at the Church of Redeemer were a source of constant entertainment, and whose composition written as a harmony assignment has been with us ever since. Dr. Dawson, you have been a good friend. My condolences to your family and my heartfelt appreciation for having known you.

James Wallace, New York, NY:

TRIBUTE TO A REMARKABLE TEACHER

I was fortunate to study with Dr. Dawson in 1987 & 1988. The man conducted his classes with humor, insight, and expertise. He had this rare ability to present complex ideas with singular clarity. I think of him often, not just as a teacher but as a friend. As an older student and somewhat of an outsider, he made me feel accepted, and equal to the tasks at hand. He believed in me at a time when I was vulnerable and that made all the difference. Because of his guidance and belief I went on to be awarded the Gold Medal in Performance and I have since performed for George Benson and at Carnegie Hall.

God Bless you Dr. Dawson. I will always remember you.

Giulio Paonessa:

In 1984 after singing and playing guitar for twenty years I was going through a slow period as far as work and so I have decided to study music seriously. I called at the RCM and the first person I talked to was DR. DAWSON. With pride and joy I studied with DR DAWSON at the RCM for seven years and I know that HE was the main reason why I did finish all my theory study.We remain friends ever since and usually twice a year we would meet for lunch. Unfortunately because of changes in my business six years a go I stopped our routine waiting for things to get better and than be able to meet again. This morning I wanted to find out if there is something new at the RMC and with great sorrow I find out that a great man, teacher and friend, of a gentle soul, is not longer with us. Since the age of 12 music has been part of my life and ANTHONY DAWSON organized that part of my life.

The 7th falls the leading note rise.

May you rest in peace

GOD BLESS YOU

Julian Fisher, Toronto, Ontario Canada:

I studied with J.A.D. from 1980-1984 and friends with him, thereafter. I survived the Faculty of Music, 1984-84 as a result. Forever grateful!