As Christmas approaches – a season of reflection generosity and hope – it feels like the right time to look back at the story that shaped Music House.
At the very heart of that story is one extraordinary woman whose influence is still felt in our building and our music-making today: Madame Lilian Stiles-Allen
Madame Lilian Stiles-Allen was far more than a distinguished British soprano. She was a deeply committed teacher and mentor who believed in the power of music to change lives. During the 1940s and 50s she lived and taught at Shire Oak Road in Headingley, opening her home to young musicians and nurturing generations of singers.
In later years, her generosity ensured that this very building could continue as a place of learning. Without her support Music House as we know it, simply would not exist!
Her legacy is perhaps best known through her most famous pupil Dame Julie Andrews. From the age of eight, Julie Andrews travelled regularly to Leeds to study with Madame Stiles-Allen, and the two formed a lifelong bond. Madame Stiles-Allen taught her not just how to sing but how to communicate placing huge importance on clarity of words, musical storytelling and emotional truth.
Julie Andrews would go on to become one of the world’s most loved musical performers starring in films such as Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music.
There’s something quietly fitting in the idea that a teacher who helped shape the voice behind The Sound of Music also helped ensure that this building remained a place where music could live on. Today that legacy continues at Music House.
That same spirit runs through our organisation’s history which stretches back well over a century…
The story begins in 1894 when The Yorkshire College of Music was founded. It was the vision of the Haddocks, a well respected local family who were part of the music-making scene in Leeds. Their aim was simple but powerful: to create a place where musical talent could be nurtured and shared.
In the early 20th century leadership passed to Victor Helliwell. Under his guidance the College grew in reputation becoming known as a centre of excellence for singing and drama. He led the organisation for many years helping to shape its artistic direction and educational values.
Sadly, after Victor’s death in 1965 the College faced a challenging period. It lost its premises and because Victor had not made a will, the College was required to change its name to The Yorkshire College of Music and Drama. Around this time, the organisation also became a non-profit making charitable trust reinforcing its commitment to making music, singing and drama tuition accessible to everyone.
When the College later found itself without a permanent home it was Madame Stiles-Allen who stepped in. After hearing the charity had nowhere to operate from, she generously made her home at 19 Shire Oak Road available for student tuition – ensuring teaching could continue during a time of real uncertainty.
In 2010 the organisation moved to St Mark’s House, 1 St Mark’s Avenue in the heart of Leeds’ educational quarter. Shire Oak Road had become difficult to maintain and the move created a more sustainable base for the future.
In April 2022 The Yorkshire College of Music and Drama rebranded as Music House. The new name and identity refreshed how we present ourselves while staying true to our core purpose and values.
In early February 2023, we welcomed Christella Litras as our very first Creative Director. Her energy, vision and commitment have been transformative, shaping not only where we are today, but also the future of Music House.
Christella leads on our community projects for young people and adults, curating performances and musically directing our very own Gospel Choir alongside Leroy Johnson. She brings a clear sense of direction and a deep love of music and creativity, inspiring our team and students alike. Through her leadership, she ensures that our Charity continues to flourish while staying true to the values and generosity at the heart of our story.
This Christmas we remember Madame Lilian Stiles-Allen with deep gratitude. Her kindness, belief in young people and love of music live on in every lesson, every note sung and every person who walks through our doors.
We will continue to make sure her legacy lives on through everything we do.
If you would like to know more about Madame Stiles, please listen to her Desert Island Disc interview from 1971
