Ryder, Thomas Philander

1836-

 

American organist; born at Cohasset, Mass., and exhibited an early inclination toward music. He had no instruction till his fourteenth year, when, after a few lessons from a friend, he showed considerable talent and attempted to compose music. His father's death forced upon him the necessity for self-support, but he kept up his practise, and at nineteen studied under Gustave Satter, also learning harmony and organ. His first organ position was at Myannis, Mass., and after several changes in this line he became organist at Tremont Temple, Boston, a position he retained for some ten years, also teaching in that city, and becoming a choral conductor of recognized ability and an excellent accompanist. He has composed piano-music of a popular nature.