Gertrude Hoag Wilson facts for kids

Gertrude Hoag Spindle Wilson (born March 1, 1888 – died September 7, 1968) was a talented American musician. She was a composer, which means she wrote music, and also a pianist, meaning she played the piano. She was born in a town called Christiansburg, Virginia.

Gertrude Wilson's Early Life and Education

Gertrude loved music from a young age. She studied music at Randolph-Macon Woman's College. She also learned from a famous musician named Harry Rowe Shelley. This was at the American Institute of Applied Music in New York City. There, she earned a special certificate to teach music.

In 1910, Gertrude married Alfred Randolph Wilson. They had four children together. Later, in 1960, she married Paul Winfred Kear.

Her Music Career and Teaching

Gertrude Wilson began her teaching career early. In 1906, she taught at the Blackstone Female Institute in Blackstone, Virginia. Just a few years later, in 1909, she became the director of music. This was at Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky.

She was also a skilled performer. Gertrude often played the piano by herself in concerts. She also played alongside other musicians as an accompanist. Her musical pieces were published by a company called Harold Flammer. This company later became part of Shawnee Press, Inc.

What Kind of Music Did Gertrude Wilson Write?

Gertrude Wilson wrote different types of music. Her compositions included pieces for small groups of instruments and songs for singers.

Music for Instruments

• Quartets (music for four instruments)
• 2, 3, and 4 part fugues for piano (special piano pieces with different musical lines)
• Trios (music for three instruments)

Songs for Singers

• “Kisses”
• Other songs