Jean Coulthard was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Jean Coulthard was born on February 10, 1908, in Vancouver, British Columbia, a city known for its vibrant cultural scene. Her birth into a family of educators and musicians laid the foundation for her future success as one of Canada's preeminent composers. Her father was a medical doctor, while her mother was a respected music teacher who began instructing Jean in piano from a young age, encouraging her early compositional efforts. This nurturing environment played a critical role in her development as a musician and composer.
This period in Canadian history saw an increased focus on cultural development, and Coulthard's achievements would later be seen as pivotal in the growth of Canada's musical identity.