Reginald Beales Manuscripts & Scores

Reginald Beales (1898-1988) was born in Bradford, Yorkshire England on Oct 10th, 1898. He began his career in music when he was only 8 years old, eventually becoming good enough to perform music for silent films. His family emigrated to Utah in 1915 when he was 16 after his parents were converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1919 he became a missionary for the Church, serving in the Eastern States Mission from 1919-1921.

In 1932, Beales began working for the McCune School of Music in Salt Lake City. For the next 25 years he taught students violin techniques. During his time with the School of Music, Beales was approached by the Works Progress Administration to help start the Federal Music Project in Utah. In 1936, the beginnings of the Utah Symphony Orchestra began with just five members. Beales was instrumental in keeping the Orchestra afloat after the budget for the Federal Music Project was decreased, helping to start the Utah State Symphony Orchestra Association.

In 1941, Beales left the Federal Music Project. After WWII, he played in concerts and on KSL Radio in the 1940s and 50s, as well as continuing his work at the McCune School of Music in Salt Lake. When the school eventually was closed down in 1957, he continued to work and teach music to aspiring violinists.

From 1966-1968, Beales and his wife served as senior missionaries for the Church in Scotland. Upon his return to the United States, he continued to teach and perform music, and was recognized by Governor Calvin L. Rampton and the University of Utah in 1973 for his outstanding service to music in Utah.

Beales passed away on July 1st, 1988. After storing the music for the next 10 months, Dr. G. Landon Beales, one of Beales’ sons, donated the collection to Brigham Young University.