Breckenridge, W. K. (William Kilgore)

William Kilgore Breckenridge was born in Mercer, PA on February 24, 1867. As a student at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music (c.1888), Breckenridge spent one year studying abroad in Leipzig, Germany; and, he graduated with a diploma in piano forte, organ harmony, and theory. In 1906, his diploma award and those of all other such graduates, was replaced by Oberlin College with an A.B. degree. After graduating from Oberlin in 1888, Breckenridge spent two years studying piano in Berlin, Germany. In 1890, he returned to the Oberlin Conservatory of Music where he taught piano for 44 years, retiring in 1934. During his tenure at Oberlin, Breckenridge frequently accompanied guest artists, and served as Acting Professor of Harp (1934-35). He was also responsible for founding the Oberlin Madrigal Singers, and the College's first recorder ensemble. Breckenridge was also actively involved in church music, serving a total of 54 years at the First United Methodist Church, and at the First and Second Congregational Churches of Oberlin. Breckenridge died on May 22, 1956 and was buried in Mercer, PA. He never married.