The death of a much-loved music teacher has been met with an “outpouring of emotions” from her former pupils.

Brenda Porrer was head of music at Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School in Canterbury for 30 years, inspiring generations of students to take up an instrument and sing.

She died in hospital on September 1, aged 85, after suffering declining health in recent months.

Miss Porrer, who lived in St Dunstan’s in the city, never married or had children, but instead chose to dedicate her life to her passion for music education.

She is credited with driving forward music teaching and enjoyment at the school.

Head teacher Paul Pollard says the school community is greatly saddened to learn of her death.

“ A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music when Brenda joined Langton Girls’ in 1965, she was our first full-time head of music, and as such was instrumental in recognising and developing the musical potential of our students,” he said.

“She created many of the choirs that persist to this day, and through inspirational and challenging musical choices pushed the standard of music to new heights, including school operatic productions and many choral pieces.

“It was during Brenda’s leadership of the music department that a purpose-built music block opened in 1980.

“The outpouring of emotions we have received from former students of the school is a testament to the impact she had on the lives of generations of the Langton family - an impact that I am sure she would be proud to see living on in our wonderful music department today.”

Alison Mercer taught English at the same time Miss Porrer was there and became a good friend, remaining so after they had both retired in the early 1990s.

“She had such a great passion and drive for music and teaching and cared so much about education,” she said.

“The department really thrived under her leadership and she inspired so many girls who, I am sure, will remember her with great affection.

“The school concerts and musical performances became a highlight of the year and the standard was always very high.”

Another close friend was Jean Byers, 90, who taught biology at Langton Girls.

“Our friendship really flourished after we retired and I introduced her to croquet,” she said.

“We would also play cards every week and go to various concerts at the Marlowe Theatre and lectures.

“You always knew where you stood with Brenda, and she certainly wouldn’t stand any nonsense in the classroom.

“She was just a very straightforward, honest person with a great talent for music and I have lost a very dear friend.”

Miss Porrer was also a member of Canterbury Choral Society and the Canterbury Music Society where she was admired for her “perfect pitch”.

Her greatest love outside music was croquet and she became a team captain of the Canterbury Croquet Club, whose chairman, Henry Bryant, says she was a well-liked character who will be missed.

“She encouraged new members and coached them,“ he said.

“Mind you, you could tell she was a former schoolmistress because she didn’t let you get away with anything.

She was just a very straightforward, honest person with a great talent for music and I have lost a very dear friend...

“She remained an active social member of the club after she stopped playing and was still attending events up until a few years ago.”

Mrs Porrer was also a Friend of Canterbury Cathedral and regular worshipper.

She often performed some of the great operatic and choral works in the Cathedral with the Canterbury Choral Society and other local orchestras.

Her funeral will take place in the Cathedral Crypt at midday on Wednesday, October 2.