Background
Thayer, Whitney Eugene was born on December 11, 1838 in Mendon, Massachusetts, United States. Son of Perry and Charlotte (Taft) Thayer.
Thayer, Whitney Eugene was born on December 11, 1838 in Mendon, Massachusetts, United States. Son of Perry and Charlotte (Taft) Thayer.
Studied music in Germany, 1865.
Made concert tour of Europe, 1866, played organ at Westminster Abbey, also Saint Paul’s, London, England. Returned to Boston, 1866. Played organ successively at Arlington Street Church, Hollis Street Church, Old First Unitarian Church, Harvard Church in Brookline (all Massachusetts), 1866-1881.
Started long series of concerts in Boston, 1868 (1st free organ concerts in the United States).
Organized 1st school for organists in the United States, 1875. Organist Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, New York City, 1881-1886.
Edited Organists Journal and Review, also Choir Journal and Review, 1870-1881. Author: The Art of Organ Playing Complete in Five Parts, 1874.
Vest Pocket Harmony Book, 1883.
Married Elizabeth Davis Eaton, October 8, 1862, 5 children.