Regina Watson facts for kids

Regina Cohn Watson (April 23, 1845 - July 31, 1913) was a talented composer, pianist, and teacher. She was born in Germany. Her family later moved to America, first to Detroit, then to Chicago. Regina lived in Chicago for the rest of her life. In 1873, she married Lewis H. Watson, who was a soldier in the Civil War.

Regina Watson's Musical Journey

Regina Watson studied music with famous teachers. She learned from Franz Liszt and Karl Tausig in Europe. She also studied with Bernhard Ziehn, likely in Chicago.

After moving to America, Regina gave special performances called "lecture recitals." During these, she would play music and also talk about different types of music. She shared information about old French music, Italian music, and folk songs. She often played the piano by herself in concerts. She also performed with orchestras, which are large groups of musicians.

Regina Watson was part of important music groups. She belonged to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). This group helps protect the rights of musicians and writers. She also helped start the Musical Art Society of Chicago.

A Gifted Piano Teacher

Regina Watson is most remembered today for her amazing piano teaching. She taught many students who became famous musicians themselves. Some of her well-known students included Teresa Carreno, Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, and Theodora Sturkow-Ryder.

Remembering Regina Watson

After Regina Watson passed away, people wanted to honor her memory. In 1916, one of her former students, Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, helped create a special studio. This studio was built at the MacDowell Colony. The MacDowell Colony is a place where artists can go to work and create. The studio was named the Regina Watson Studio.

Another famous composer, Amy Beach, used this studio when she stayed at the Colony. In 1993, the studio was updated. It became the first studio at the MacDowell Colony that was easy for everyone to use, including people with disabilities.

Regina Watson's Compositions

Regina Watson's music was published by the Clayton F. Summy Company. She wrote many pieces for the piano and for singers.

Piano Music

• Arabian Night
• Bourree la Gigue
• Cradle Song
• Dansons la Gigue
• Mazourka Etude
• Mignon, a Portrait
• Scherzino

Vocal Music

• "Aus Drang und Lieb fuer Dich"
• "Countess Laura" (words by George Henry Boker)
• "Cupid's Blunder"
• "Explanation"
• "Lune Blanche"