Louise Ide Burge

She was born in Creston, Iowa on August 6, 1920.

Louise Wilson Ide graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1942 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree, and went on to study music at the graduate level at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She was privileged to have studied flute under the direction of Laurent Tamo, Emil Eck, and Ernest Liegl.

She married Donald Wheelock Burge on September 16th, 1950.

Louise devoted herself to refining her musical aesthetic expression throughout her professional career as

a performing flutist: as a member of the Chicago Woodwind Quintet, a guest artist of the Fine Arts Quartet, recordings and chamber music with the Chicago and North Shore Series, and as principal flutist of the North Shore Philharmonia.

Also a music educator, first at The Dushkin School (Winnetka), through it’s transition (1953) to The Music Center of the North Shore-- now the Music Institute of Chicago, Louise became one of it’s longest standing faculty members, contributing her talents to the organization for nearly fifty years. Louise worked tirelessly to instill in her students the search, discovery and creation of their own musical aesthetic and artistry. She touched the lives of generations of young musicians, many of whom realize the profound influence she had on them. Louise continued to teach flute lessons from her home into her late 80s.

Louise Burge also trained in Orff-Schulwerk, a children’s musical teaching method, and Dr. Herbert Zipper, The Music Center’s esteemed director, created a music education culture oriented toward young children. Louise and Dr. Zipper both contributed to a book written by Grace Nash, music educator and author, entitled “Creative Approaches to Child Development with Music, Language, and Movement”.

Though Alzheimers robbed Louise of her memory in her last years, she remained happy and

always smiling. She is remembered by all for her wit, sense of humor, and easy laughter.

She is survived by one son, Edward Hiatt Burge, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM February 15th at the Kenilworth Union Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to “Financial Aid”

at the Music Institute of Chicago, which goes toward children in need.

Contact the Development Office at 847-448-8323.