Brian Bonsor


James Brian Bonsor was a Scottish-born composer and teacher specialising in the recorder.

Life and career

Bonsor was born in Hawick in 1926. He was awarded an MBE in 2002 for services to teaching music, especially the recorder. The Enjoy the Recorder book is widely used in schools. His compositions include arrangements for recorders of Mock Morris, Cats and the Emperor Waltz. Bonsor was a musical director for the Society of Recorder Players starting in 1957.
Bonsor spent about 35 years in musical education, latterly as Regional Advisor.
Brian Bonsor wrote the piano piece Dreamy, which was featured in Trinity Guildhall's 2012–2014 Grade 6 repertoire. His piece Feelin' Good was included in the ABRSM's 05/06 grade 6 repertoire, the RCM's grade 7 repertoire and AMEB's grade 6 Old Syllabus and Willie Wagglestick's Walkabout for the ABRSM's 07/08 grade 7 repertoire and AMEB's grade 7 Old Syllabus.
Bonsor died in Hawick on 22 February 2011.

List of compositions