Verna Jacobson

Verna was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, the only child of Harry Jacobson and Goldie Brigish.

Goldie's sister, Esther, was Verna's first piano teacher, exposing Verna to chamber and concert music at a young age.

From 1956 to 1958, Verna attended the Royal College of Music in London, England. Verna’s piano idol was the British pianist Solomon Cutner, known professionally as Solomon.

Following the completion of her studies, Verna emigrated to Canada in 1958 and settled in Rouyn, Québec, bringing her musical expertise and talent. Verna eventually became a Canadian Citizen in 1964.

Dr. Elaine Keillor, Distinguished Research Professor Emerita, Carleton University recalls that, “while in Rouyn-Noranda, Verna Jacobson established chamber music ensembles and conducted choirs. As a result, she formed and conducted the first concert of the Rouyn-Noranda Symphony Orchestra and Cantata Singers on 22 April 1960. With musicians drawn from a radius of over 100 kilometers later concerts included symphonic movements by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven and excerpts from large choral works such as Handel's Messiah. For over five years residents of this area of northern Ontario heard Vivaldi, Gluck, Rossini, Rimsky-Korsakov, Smetana, Copland and many other works, often in arrangements made by Verna herself to suit the musicians on hand. Her intimate knowledge of instrumental sounds often coloured the helpful comments she would make about transferring their sound to a piano rendition done by myself [Elaine Keillor C.M.] or to a student.”

Verna is well known for her work with Carleton University’s music program and for mentoring young pianists in the region. Verna taught classical piano at Carleton, where she influenced students pursuing both classical and jazz traditions. Verna’s teaching emphasized strong technical foundations and interpretive depth. Verna has been recognized as one of the classical piano instructors and jurors who guided students such as John Kofi Dapaah, a Ghanaian-Canadian pianist who studied under her during his time at Carleton University. Dapaah later went on to perform internationally and at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre. Honouring our 2015 graduates - John Kofi Dapaah - Black Ottawa Scene.

Verna’s legacy will live on in the careers, memories and love of music for so many people that Verna taught or met throughout the years. Verna kept in touch with former students, who would send notes and sometimes exotic birthday flowers, bringing joy and life to the darker Ottawa December days. In the words of one student, "I still think fondly of my lessons with Verna, and the catalyst that her lessons were for me to be where I am today and the legacy she may now leave for my children". Another student highlighted that he first met Verna in 1969 and from that time until her passing in 2025 Verna remained a very close friend and supporter, crediting her for encouraging his musical journey and success.

From Verna’s family and friends, who extend gratitude for a life well lived, we thank Verna for bringing humour, compassion and love of music to enrich this world and so many lives. Verna will be deeply missed.