Hazel Harrison

She began private piano training as a child of four or five years old with Richard Warren Pellow, an English organist at the First Presbyterian Church who taught music in the local public schools.

[3] In high school she began studies under German musician Victor Heinze, eventually commuting between La Porte and Chicago to continue lessons with him.

[4] Harrison later returned to the United States, and while performing in Chicago received sponsorship to travel back to Europe.

[5] She then began performing as a concert pianist both in Europe and the U.S., eluding much recognition in the U.S. in spite of the fact that she was lauded in the Black press.

While teaching, Harrison still performed in the United States, and after retirement she accepted positions at Alabama A&M University and Jackson College.