Juliette Nadia Boulanger was a remarkable French music teacher, conductor, and composer, born on 16 September 1887 in Paris. Growing up in a musical family, she excelled at the Conservatoire de Paris but initially believed she lacked the talent to compose. Instead, she chose to teach and inspired many future musicians, especially in the United States and the UK. Her students included famous composers such as Aaron Copland, Philip Glass, and Quincy Jones. Boulanger was a trailblazer, becoming the first woman to conduct several major orchestras in America and Europe.

Throughout her long life, she taught in prestigious institutions like the Juilliard School and the Royal Academy of Music. Despite losing her sister Lili, also a talented composer, Boulanger continued to share her passion for music. She believed that dedication was essential for success and encouraged her students to embrace their unique voices. Boulanger’s influence on music remains profound, with her legacy enduring through her numerous students and their contributions to the art.