America's Women Composers: Up from the Footnotes

Female Representation in the Traditional Music Classroom

“…So why is it that the vast majority of students never hear of the prominent female composers of the day? Pool (1979) states that “this is not because there have been no women composers, but rather because women’s contributions as composers have been left out of standard histories.” Negative attitudes toward women in professional music careers extend back hundreds of years, as seen in George Upton’s 1880 publication Women in Music . Upton describes that women were unfit to create music in the same way as men, writing that women “have failed as creators” and that a woman “cannot project herself outwardly.” Although he does acknowledge that women’s contributions to music have been limited, in part, by the domestic and homemaking roles assigned to them, he undoubtedly expresses an opinion not entirely outrageous in the 19th century.…”

“…The presence of significant female figures in music from the past can be encouraging for aspiring musicians, both male and female alike, as Pool (1979) expresses, “Knowing that women have pursued composition and have met with some success, despite widespread prejudices and lack of educational opportunities in composition, can give women added confidence needed to persevere in a career that is difficult for both women and men” (p. 28)Other professional fields, notably science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, have seen an increase in female voices and representation. A recent study demonstrated that the presence of female science professors provided positive role models for women and reduced implicit stereotypes about women in science (Young, Rudman, Buettner, & McLean, 2013).…”