The University of Western Australia’s Conservatorium of Music has announced the passing of musicologist and composer, Emeritus Professor David Tunley AM, at the age of 94. 

Professor Tunley, a foundation figure in UWA’s music program, was renowned for his expertise in French Baroque music and his significant contributions to music education and research, influencing generations of musicians and scholars who had the privilege of learning under his guidance.

Originally trained as pianist at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, he began as the first full-time lecturer in the then new UWA Department of Music in 1958, eventually appointed to a Personal Chair before moving to the Chair of Music after the retirement of Sir Frank Callaway. 

His academic legacy includes the authorship of eight books and more than 70 scholarly articles, as well as editions of 18th and 19th century French music in 23 volumes.

His book The 18th-Century French Cantata earned him the degree of Doctor of Letters (UWA 1970) and is regarded as the classic study of this important form and his compositional works, notably the Concerto for Clarinet (1965), are still celebrated and enjoyed by music lovers worldwide today.

Image: An inspiration to generations of musicians and scholars, Emeritus Professor David Tunley.

Soon after his appointment as lecturer in music at UWA Professor Tunley founded the University A Capella Choir, later becoming the University Collegium Musicum, which introduced works rarely heard in Perth at that time.

His substantial contributions to Perth’s cultural scene also included founding the much-loved York Winter Music Festival and, later, the Terrace Proms and he remained active in the University's Conservatorium, frequently attending performances and supporting student initiatives.

Among his many honours, Professor Tunley was a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities, a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques, and a Member of the Order of Australia. 

His roles extended beyond academia, influencing national music policies as Chairman of the Music Board of the Australia Council and other significant positions.

Head of School at UWA’s Conservatorium of Music Professor Alan Lourens said generations of Australian musicians owed Professor Tunley a debt of gratitude for his undergraduate teaching.

“And for the scores of Masters and Doctoral students that he supervised with compassion and his encyclopaedic knowledge of the span of music history,” Professor Lourens said.

“A former Head of School, David was, until recently, seen at performances in venues around Perth, and attended many events at the UWA Conservatorium, showing great interest in student performances.

“The Conservatorium celebrates the life of this extraordinary and multi-faceted musician, who has given so much to music and whose passion and dedication have indelibly shaped the musical fabric of our community and beyond.”

Professor Tunley is survived by his wife Paula, and children Sonia, Martin and Rachel.