Mary Chandler was an English composer, oboist, and pianist. She began her career in 1934 as an English teacher to young girls at grammar schools in London, but in 1944 left teaching for a career in music. She was principal oboist of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra from 1944–1958, and was frequently featured with the orchestra not only as a composer and oboe soloist, but also as a piano soloist. In 1960 she became Area Director of the Kent Music School looking after its wind teaching and the Tonbridge Music Centre. She retired from Kent in 1971 to focus on composing and to continue organizing concerts. During her schooling she studied with Harry Farjeon (composition), Leon Goossens (oboe), and Harold Craxton (piano).