Gwendolyn Watson

Born in Santa Rosa, California, Gwendolyn Marie Watson has been improvising music since the age of three. Along with studying classical piano and cello music, Ms. Watson was always encouraged by her parents, especially her mother, to "add herself to her training"; in other words, to compose and improvise her own music. The consequence of such artistic validation has led Gwendolyn into a varied, colorful, and uniquely fitting life-path, filled with adventure, surprises, spiritual challenges, and childlike joys.

After receiving a Bachelor-of-Arts in Cello Performance from the University of California at Santa Barbara (1962), and a Master-of-Arts in Music Composition from Mills College, Oakland, CA (1966), Gwendolyn Watson honed her improvisational talents by earning her living for thirty-four years improvising music on piano, cello, voice and percussion for American modern dancers on both West and East Coasts of the United States (including ten years in New York City, NY.)

As an academic instructor, she has specialized in teaching Music improvisation classes to classically-trainee musicians at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Stanford University, (Palo, Alto, CA), Herbert H. Lehmann College (New York City, NY), the Landegg Academy (near Lake Constance, Switzerland), the International Chamber Music Festival (Near Vienna, Austria,) the University of Portugal (Averio, Portugal) and, most recently, Shorter College (Rome, GA).

In 1991, Gwendolyn Watson was introduced to the Bahá’í Faith and after independently investigating its truths, decided it was exactly what her heart and soul were looking for. In November of that year, she declared her belief in Baha'u'llah. Since that time, much of her music has been inspired by the sacred Writing of her faith. A CD called "Mercy" has been produced by Jack Lenz'  Live Unity Label.  Red Grammer invited her to create cello parts for his CD of 'Abdu'l-Baha's "Prayers For The Tablets of The Divine Plan." Her CD, "Love Letters," composed for flute/viola/cello was entirely inspired by various Writings from the Baha'i Faith and is the first she offered to the world on her Divine Notes account.

In addition to composing and recording CD's, Gwendoly wrote a book entitled "Improvisation As A Way of Life" for those seeking inspiration for their lives. It is available from AuthorHouse.com - Her life is filled with gratitude, beauty and peace now. "I am walking my chosen highway. I know my destination." - 'Abdu'l-Baha.

Quotes:

Ms. Watson does it again! Her Faith and her life as ONE! Improvisation As A Way of Life is an excellent guide providing insight in the creative process for not only musicians but for anyone interested in an organic process to become whole to live a full and rich life. - Mark Ochu--Concert Pianist / Lecturer

Gwendolyn writes with the same insight, wit, beauty and power with which she plays. This book, Improvisation As A Way of Life, like its author, is truly a gem of extraordinary worth. - Jeffrey S. Lidke - Asst. Professor of World Religions / Choir of Interfaith Council, Berry College, GA.