About Smith Newell Penfield
Lived 1837 – 1920 (aged 82). Smith Newell Penfield was an American composer, music educator, conductor, music teacher and organist.
Smith Newell Penfield (April 4, 1837 – January 7, 1920) was an American composer and organist.
Early life and education Penfield was born at Oberlin, Ohio. He studied at Oberlin College, graduating in 1858. He studied at the Conservatory of Music at Leipzig with Ignaz Moscheles, Carl Reinecke, Ernst Richter, and Moritz Hauptmann, graduating in 1869. He received a doctorate in music from New York University in 1885.
Career Back in the United States, he worked as a music teacher in Rochester and founded a Mozart Club and a Conservatory in Savannah. In 1885, he served as President of the Music Teachers National Association.
His compositions included a setting of Psalm 18, an overture, a string quartet, pieces for organ and for piano, choral works, and songs.
Personal life Penfield married Sarah Elizabeth Hoyt in 1860. They had a daughter.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Smith Newell Penfield?
American composer (1837–1920)
When was Smith Newell Penfield born?
Smith Newell Penfield was born on 4 April 1837 in Oberlin.
When did Smith Newell Penfield die?
Smith Newell Penfield died on 7 January 1920 in New York City.
What was Smith Newell Penfield's occupation?
Smith Newell Penfield was a composer, music educator, conductor, music teacher and organist.
What nationality was Smith Newell Penfield?
Smith Newell Penfield was American.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Smith Newell Penfield
· DBpedia: Smith Newell Penfield
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Smith Newell Penfield. https://biography.guide/smith-newell-penfield/
MLA: "Smith Newell Penfield." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/smith-newell-penfield/.
Chicago: "Smith Newell Penfield." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/smith-newell-penfield/.
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