A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Tourjée, Eben
TOURJÉE, Eben, Mus. Doc., father of the Conservatory or class system of musical instruction in America, was born at Warwick, Rhode Island, June 1, 1834. His family being in humble circumstances it became necessary to put him to work at the early age of eight; but his thirst for knowledge was so great, that he soon became a laborious student at the East Greenwich seminary. Having a good alto voice he sang in the choir of the Methodist Church, learning his part by rote. But it chanced that the organist was about to withdraw, and young Tourjée was invited to fill her place. He was at that time but thirteen, and knew absolutely nothing of the instrument; but he managed to pick out the tunes required for the following Sunday, and played them with such success that he was appointed to the position. He at once began to study with a teacher in Providence, often walking thirteen miles each way. At the age of fifteen he became clerk in a music store in Providence, and thus had opportunities for study which he did not fail to improve. At the age of seventeen he opened a music store in Fall River, where he also taught music in the public schools and formed classes in piano, voice, and organ, charging the moderate sum of one dollar to each pupil for twenty lessons. This was in 1851, and was really the beginning of the class system, which he has since so largely developed. He also edited and published a musical paper with much ability. He afterwards removed to Newport, and continued his work as organist and choirmaster of Old Trinity Church there, and as Director of the local Choral Society. In 1859 he founded a Musical Institute at East Greenwich, where he had an opportunity of carrying out his ideas regarding class-teaching, under more favourable auspices than before. In 1863 he visited Europe, in order to gain information regarding the methods employed in France, Germany, and Italy in conservatory teaching. He took this opportunity of studying with many eminent masters, amongst others August Haupt, of Berlin. On his return to America he removed to Providence, and established the 'Providence Conservatory of Music,' which had great success. In 1867 he extended his work by founding 'The New England Conservatory of Music,' in Boston, and continued for a time to keep both schools in operation. He drew round him the most eminent teachers in Boston, and placed a good musical education within the reach of the poorest students. In 1869 his executive and organising abilities were made use of by the projectors of the great 'Peace Jubilee,' and there is no doubt that the success of that enterprise was largely due to his efforts. During the same year the degree of Doctor of Music was conferred upon him by Middletown University. Since the foundation of Boston University he has been the highly honoured Dean of the College of Music attached thereto. But his greatest work has been the establishment of the great Conservatory just mentioned, from which have graduated thousands of pupils, filling honourable positions as teachers, pianists, organists, and vocalists, and proving themselves able musicians.
Dr. Tourjée has not accumulated wealth, for the needs of others have always been more prominent with him than his own. Many are the charitable enterprises in which he has been active, and the persons who have been aided by his bounty. Among the positions which he has filled may be named that of President of the 'Boston Young Men's Christian Association,' 'City Missionary Society,' and 'National Music Teachers' Association.' He is ever genial in manner, and untiring in work. He is at present in robust health, and it is to be hoped that his useful life may be spared for long.