Amina Goodwin

Amina Goodwin (1867 – 1942) was an English pianist, composer, and music educator who founded the London Trio.

Amina Goodwin circa 1900.

Early life and training

The daughter of John Lawrence Goodwin, a Manchester organist and violinist, she began performing at the age of six,^[1] but received mixed reception as to her 'child prodigy' status at least until the age of fourteen.^[2][3]

She studied at the Leipzig Conservatory for four years from the age of eleven, followed by the Paris Conservatory under Élie-Miriam Delaborde for two years. On the guarantee of Camille Saint-Saëns, she became a pupil of Franz Liszt and of Clara Schumann.^[1]

Teaching and writing

On her return to England, she performed at the Crystal Palace Saturday concerts and toured Europe as a piano soloist. She had established herself as a piano teacher in London by 1898.^[4]

Her compositions for piano included an intermezzo, toccata, gavotte and study.^[1]

She wrote the instructional Practical Hints on the Technique and Touch of Piano Playing^[5] as well as several articles on technique in the Etude magazine^[6] and contributions to Cobbett’s Cyclopedia.^[7]

London Trio

In 1889 she formed the London Trio with William Whitehouse and a Mr Werner,^[8] who was later replaced on violin by Achille Simonetti^[9] and then Louis Pécskai.^[10] It was credited with being the first classical trio in England, and was a staple of the London music scene for many years.^[11]

Personal life

She married an American husband, W. Ingram-Adams, but continued performing as 'Madame Amina Goodwin.'^[1]