The following tribute is based on a paper delivered at the Fourth International Seminar on Historical Research in Music Education, Institute of Education, University of London, on 7 July 2000.

Bernarr Rainbow (1914–98) should need little introduction to specialists in music education as a pioneer historian in the field and a leading international authority. Because of his exceptional role it's worth looking in some detail at his background and seeing how his career developed.

In the last year of his life – at my instigation – he completed eight fascinating chapters of his memoirs. At the opening he placed a quotation from the great cellist, Pablo Casals: ‘One's work should be – a salute to life.’ Rainbow's work abundantly was a salute to life. He enjoyed it and his versatility enabled him to operate successfully at different stages in his life as performer, teacher and scholar.

He was essentially a Londoner, born in Battersea on 2 October 1914. His grandfather was a member of the Royal Household at Sandringham; his father, Ephraim James Rainbow, was a cabinet-maker at Buckingham Palace and was appointed Curator of Pictures at Hampton Court in 1931; so young Bernarr grew up with a strong awareness of tradition through historic places – and people. His father was a keen amateur musician, playing the cornet in brass bands and the trumpet in orchestras.

Bernarr, who was an only child, used to go to rehearsals with him and wondered what on earth could have happened to cause some of the brass players to leave pools of water beside their chairs. When the family moved to Clapham he became a chorister and was intrigued by watching the organist play: he loved to explore London with his mother.

After another move, Bernarr attended Rutlish School, Merton, 1924– 32, and while still there became organist and choirmaster at St James’ Church, later holding similar posts at St Mary’s, East Molesey, and St Andrew’s, Wimbledon. From an early age Rainbow knew how to make his presence felt. He gave piano recitals – and his playing was found to have an understanding and depth beyond his years. He acted in plays; he formed the Merton Players’ Guild and wrote a Morality Play for them; and he also directed and painted the scenery.

In 1932 the family moved to Hampton Court, when Bernarr's father became Curator and where he lived well into his nineties.