Dr. Scott Watson (b. 1962) is an Associate Professor of Music Theory & Composition in the School of Music at Cairn University (Langhorne, PA). For 35 years prior, Watson was an instrumental and elective music teacher in the Parkland School District (Allentown, PA) where he served as high school Director of Bands, then Elementary Instrumental Coordinator, teaching in and administering a program with approximately 900 1st and 2nd year band and strings students, with 7 staff (one of the region's largest and most vibrant!).
Watson received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from West Chester University and his M.M and D.M.A., Composition from Temple University. Watson also teaches as an adjunct instructor for Moravian University (Bethlehem, PA) and the University of the Arts (Philadelphia, PA). During the 2001-2002 academic year, on leave from the Parkland School District, Watson was full-time Asst. Professor of Music Theory/Composition at Temple University's Boyer College of Music. Watson was recognized by the Parkland School District with a 2015 Parkland Pride Award for outstanding achievement; in 2020 he was awarded the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 10 Citation of Excellence in Teaching Award; and in 2022 he received the Phi Beta Mu (Nu Chapter) Outstanding Contributor Award (only the 6th Pennsylvanian so honored).
An award-winning and frequently commissioned composer, his unique voice - evident in more than 120 published concert band, string orchestra and chamber works at all levels - is informed equally by his experiences with contemporary concert art music and the band world. Watson’s music has been performed around the world and in the U.S. at such prestigious venues as Philadelphia’s Academy of Music, the White House, and the Midwest Clinic (Chicago). Described as “outstanding...with beautiful melodies and interesting harmonies” (The Instrumentalist) and “written with supreme craft” (Percussive Arts Society Percussive Notes), Watson's music has received awards and recognition from the American Composers Forum, the American Music Center, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the Percussive Arts Society, and others.
Watson is an exclusive composer/clinician for Alfred Publications and a contributor to the Sound Innovations band series. He (with co-authors Brian Beck and Robert Sheldon) created Alfred Music's Sound Sight-Reading method for concert band. Watson has presented numerous workshops/clinics for music educators. He is the author of the highly regarded music education text, Using Technology to Unlock Musical Creativity and a member of the Buffet Crampon Educational Advisory Board.
Scott and his wife, Kim, have two adult children, Benjamin and Abigail, who are both music teachers themselves. The Watsons attend Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church, where Scott plays keyboard in the worship team. Whenever he can get away, you can find Scott with his family “down the shore”, visiting his parents in Cape May, reading a good non-fiction book.
The music for Joy Dance was purchased for The Gateway Concert Band by
Carol and Elbert Reed.
