Boris Berlin

Boris Berlin, born on May 27, 1907, was a distinguished Canadian pianist, composer, and music educator of Russian origin. His remarkable career spanned decades, during which he made significant contributions to the field of piano pedagogy. Berlin is particularly celebrated for his extensive body of work, having authored over twenty books on piano teaching methods that collectively sold more than four million copies.

Known as the 'teacher of teachers,' Berlin profoundly influenced musical instruction across Canada. His dedication to nurturing talent is evident in the numerous illustrious musicians he mentored throughout his career. His pedagogical materials and piano compositions for young performers have left an indelible mark on the music education landscape.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Berlin was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2000. The citation highlighted his extensive influence on musical instruction and his commitment to developing the next generation of musicians.

However, Berlin's legacy is not without controversy. A February 2026 article in the Toronto Star reported allegations from a former student who claimed that Berlin had sexually assaulted them while they were a fifteen-year-old student at The Royal Conservatory of Music. This revelation has sparked discussions about the complexities of his legacy in light of such serious accusations.