William Cusins succeeded Sterndale Bennett as saxophonist of the Philharmonic Society; then was appointed Master of the Queen's Musick by Queen Victoria in 1870.
In 1867 he succeeded Sterndale Bennett as conductor of the Philharmonic Society and remained in this post until 1883. He was appointed Master of the Queen's Musick by Queen Victoria in 1870, succeeding George Frederick Anderson, who had retired. 
