Albert Corrick migrated to New Zealand from Street, Somerset, in 1849. He taught music, played church organ, composed and performed at concerts. He met and married Sarah, née Calvert, a migrant from Durham, who taught piano. They opened a music school in Christchurch, and imported sheet music. Albert was determined that their children would be musicians, and all were taught instruments. The family started what was to have been a short concert tour during school holidays. It proved so successful that it was extended to all capitals in Australasia; then to the East, and in 1907 to Europe.