Mrs Isabella Galbraith A.T.C.L., music teacher

Isabella Tryphena Wilson was born in 1874 in Warrnambool, Victoria, to Edward Henry Wilson a watchmaker and Rosina Ann Wilson nee Larke.

Isabella passed the music exams of Trinity College London, becoming an Associate ATCL [Associate Trinity College London].

In 1895 Isabella, now a music teacher, married William Gibson Galbraith in Melbourne. In 1896 they had a son, Geoff, born in Richmond. 

Not long afterwards the marriage broke down. William went to New Zealand where he enlisted as a rifleman and served in World War 1. He died of wounds in 1917.

Isabella and her son settled at Bacchus Marsh, where she taught music. About 1909 they moved to Avoca.

Mrs Galbraith and her son Geoff, who played the clarinet, performed in many concerts in aid of the Free Library, the Temperance Society, churches, the Red Cross, and other such causes.

Mrs Galbraith became widely known in Avoca as a popular and effective music teacher.

Avoca Free Press and Farmers’ and Miners’ Journal, Saturday 7 November 1914, page 2

We are pleased to chronicle the success of two local children in connection with the London Trinity College of Music examinations. These were Babe Samers and Gwena Deeble, both of whom passed with honors in the pianoforte examinations. This is highly creditable to the two young candidates who will doubtless become highly accomplished musicians. Babe Samers also passed in 1913. Great praise is due to Mrs Galbraith, A.T.C.L., who prepared the children for the examinations, and their success must be very gratifying to this capable teacher of the pianoforte.

Avoca Mail, Tuesday 14 November 1916, page 2

TRINITY COLLEGE, LONDON.
The following candidates from Avoca were successful at the examination in practical music held at Ballarat on Friday by Prof. Chas. Schilsky First Steps — : Leila Agnes Snell, Junior— Veronica Gladys Chambers and Gwena Audin Deeble. Intermediate — Leonie Mary Samers. The whole of the above are pupils of Mrs Galbraith, A.L.C M., of High St., and pupils and teacher alike are to be congratulated on their success.

In 1918 Mrs Galbraith moved from Avoca to Heidelberg in Melbourne.

Ballarat Star, Tuesday 23 July 1918, page 6

AVOCA.
PRESENTATION.
At the close of the services at the Presbyterian Church on Sunday evening. Mrs Galbraith, A.T.C.L., was presented with a handsome silver chain bag as a token of esteem. Mrs Galbraith, who has acted as organist for the church for some years, is leaving Avoca. She is an accomplished musician, and her departure will be much regretted.

Isabella Galbraith died in 1956 at Mordialloc at the age of 81.

Wikitree: Isabella Tryphena (Wilson) Galbraith (1874-1956)