Pauline Watson - violinist 1920’s scrapbook
Pauline Watson.
First composition to be composed by Pauline Watson.
Pauline Watson was an accomplished American violinist. A native of Springfield, Ohio, Watson studied violin for eleven years with Robert Brain. She later continued her advanced training in Boston, under Anton Witek, concertmaster of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a violinist of international acclaim. Boston critics recognized her as one of the city's most proficient violinists.
Pauline gave numerous concert performances and quickly became a favorite on the early radio circuit, broadcasting regularly from major New York stations including WOR, WRNY, WJZ, WCAF, and WGES. She was featured in The Etude magazine in 1926, both for her impeccable technique and her insights on performance posture.
In addition to performing classical repertoire—especially the works of Bach and Paganini—Pauline also composed music and wrote verse.
By the mid-1920s, she had relocated to Boston, built a private teaching studio, and performed widely as both a soloist and chamber musician. Managed by Sherman N. Smith and previously under Walter Anderson, she was booked for numerous engagements throughout the Northeast.
Pauline Watson was also a strong believer in the educational power of radio, particularly its potential to cultivate taste and musical appreciation in children and general audiences. Her articulate advocacy and graceful musicianship made her not only a performer but a cultural ambassador.
“The Violinist’s Etude” edited by Robert Braine.
