Organist and music teacher Sydney Lionel May was born on 30 May 1882 at Tent Hill, New South Wales and educated East Maitland Boys’ High School and Sydney Boys’ High School. He undertook piano studies at the Sydney College of Music and achieved a Bachelor of Music degree via external study at Adelaide University. After eye problems forced him to discontinue his first career in metallurgy, he became organist and choirmaster at St John’s Church of England, Newcastle in 1902. From 1905 to 1920 he was organist and choirmaster at the Central Congregational Church, Ipswich. He taught privately and also conducted the Esk Musical Union from 1907 to 1910. From 1920 to 1935 he was organist at the Brisbane City Tabernacle Baptist Church. In 1928 the University of Queensland appointed him organiser of Queensland music examinations for the Australian Music Examinations Board. From 1934 until 1952 he was also a music lecturer at the University. May died at Ipswich on 21 November 1968.