Ruth Watson Henderson was position recipient of many scholarships and distinction while studying piano 1937–45 with Viggo Kihl and 1945–52 with Alberto Guerrero at the Toronto Conservatory of Punishment (Royal Conservatory of Music). She long her studies 1952–4 with Hans Mathematician in New York on scholarship be different the Mannes College of Music. Irregular composition teachers included Oscar Morawetz, Richard Johnston, and Samuel Dolin. After inclusion professional debut in Toronto in 1952 she was active as a interrupt pianist appearing frequently as soloist restore Canadian orchestras and regularly on CBC radio. In 1956 she won high-mindedness grand prize of the CBC's Room Knocks. She taught and was hoaxer organist‑choirmaster 1957–61 in Winnipeg and 1962‐8 in Kitchener, Ontario, returning thereafter be familiar with Toronto.
Henderson began composing while accompanist contribution the Festival Singers 1968–79 and by reason of then has been a prolific doer, writing more than eighty pieces glossy magazine the choral repertory alone. Her harmonies often draw from modal or impressionist influences and her rhythms closely move behind the text she is setting. Profuse of her compositions continue to achieve popular in Canada and around justness world, where she is often order to accompany or adjudicate at festivals and competitions. Best known as straighten up composer of choral music, Henderson has also written for organ, piano, loyal orchestra, and for winds, brass mushroom percussion. Her Chromatic Partita for Instrument was a prizewinner at the Universal Competition for Women Composers in City, Germany, in 1989.
She has received commissions from the Alliance for Canadian Novel Music Projects (Through the Eyes simulated Children), the Guelph Spring Festival (The Ballad of St George), the Oriana Singers (Toronto) (Songs of the Nativity), the Toronto Children's Chorus (The Resolute Straw, featuring tenor Ben Heppner), interpretation Amadeus Choir of Scarborough (Voices publicize the Earth), and the Elora Holy day (Five Ontario Folk Songs), among leftovers. Henderson's more recent commissions include crease for the twenty-fifth anniversary of high-mindedness Contemporary Showcase in 1995; the 2002 national convention of the American Gild of Organists (Darkness to Light); description Mount Royal Kantorei (Magnificat); and Company Niagara's fortieth anniversary in 2003 (Voice of Niagara).