An Appreciation of Judith Watson (3 Nov 1925 – 7 Mar 1989)

For Judith, life was to be understood as an art. Whether it was cooking for guests, or wrapping a gift, or arranging flowers to create a satisfying balance of colour and form, it was always done with infinite care and imagination.

She inherited her green fingers from her mother. She could make anything grow. But her real interest in her garden was the unusual plants, the rare ones that presented a challenge. She took a pride in knowing them and their needs, and their ability to contribute to the harmony of the whole garden.

Judith studied art at Elam for 6 years, and taught art briefly. She painted with skill and flair and with a feeling for the landscape of trees and natural forms. But it was in her music that she was best known. She had achieved a mus.Bach. in music, and became the “piano teacher among the trees” in Kohimarama. As a teacher she was exacting and challenging, yet supportive and encouraging. Her pupils received a very thorough training. Relatively late in her career she became interested in the Suzuki method of teaching, and became an enthusiastic exponent of this method.

Judith took an active part in the Institute of Registered Music Teachers, and for 13 years was secretary, working to help through seminars and conferences to lift the standards of music teaching generally.

Hers was a life of real dedication to the arts, to good standards, and to commitment to the values she believed in. She taught us all a great deal.

Owen Lewis.