T. H. Jones (organist)

Thomas Henry Jones Mus. Bac. (20 September 1855 – 14 July 1929) was a South Australian organist and music teacher.

Jones was born at North Williamstown, Victoria, the only son of noted photographerHenry Jones (1826–1911), and his wife Mary Ann (c. 1830–1904). He was educated at St. Paul's Grammar School, Melbourne and sang with the choir at the English Church at Williamstown. His father was employed by noted photographer Townsend Duryea, and when Duryea transferred his studio to Adelaide around 1865 Henry followed. Thomas attended the German School, Wakefield Street, Adelaide.

He studied piano with Jules Meilhan and harmony with S. P. Needham.

With the appointment of Professor Ives, the University of Adelaide was able to offer studies for the Bachelor of Music. Jones enlisted, and in 1889 was the first Mus. Bac. to be awarded in Australia. His examination piece, a cantata, was assessed by Dr. Bridge, organist at Westminster Abbey, in the first class.

He was appointed organist at age 16 to the

He presided at the Town Hall organ in 1884, to favorable reviews, and in 1885 performed a series of recitals at the Town Hall. In 1887 he played at a number of concerts in connection with the Adelaide Jubilee International Exhibition. He was considered for the position of City Organist in 1891, but W. R. Pybus won the appointment. Jones succeeded him in 1917, and served until 1923, to be succeeded by Knox.

He conducted the Adelaide Harmonic Society.

In 1898 he started teaching at I. G. Reimann's College of Music, which became the Elder Conservatorium, and was with that organization until 1927, when he left for Perth.

He accompanied Dame Nellie Melba at her first concert in Melbourne.

A popular organist, he was offered a variety of posts, including in 1899 St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney.

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