Female Composers

Explore female composers from across history, ideal for KS2 and KS3 music lessons, assemblies and classroom listening.

This collection includes composers from different periods and styles, helping pupils develop a broader understanding of music.

Each composer page includes a short biography, listening ideas and links to classroom resources.

30 March

March 30th: Els Aarne

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Estonia, Europe 20th Century, Ballad for piano and orchestra, Els Aarne, Female Composers, March

Els Aarne 30 March 1917 – 14 June 1995

Ballad for piano and orchestra

Els Aarne
Via http://entsyklopeedia.ee/meedia/aarne_els1/aarne_els

Elze Janovna Paemurru, known pseudonymously as Els Aarne, was an Estonian composer, pianist, and pedagogue, primarily during the Soviet Era. Elze Janovna Paemurru was born on 30 March 1917 in Makiivka, Russian Empire, now known as Ukraine. Her father was the scientist Jaan Aarmann. She studied at the Tallinn Conservatory, graduating as a music teacher in 1939. Later, she trained as a pianist and composer, learning from notable instructors. Aarne taught music theory at the Tallinn Conservatory for thirty years. She married horn player Mart Paemurru, and they had two sons. Aarne passed away on 14 June 1995 in Tallinn. She is celebrated for her chamber music, often composing for violoncello and double-bass, and she wrote two symphonies. Aarne’s contributions to music highlight the role of women in the arts, particularly during the Soviet era. Her work reflects the cultural significance of Estonian music and showcases her dedication to education and composition, influencing future generations of musicians.

19 March

March 19th: Elizabeth Maconchy

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, England, Europe, Ireland 20th Century, Elizabeth Maconchy, Female Composers, March, String Quartet No. 3

Elizabeth Maconchy – Facts for Kids (KS2, KS3 & KS4)

Elizabeth Maconchy was a British composer known for her powerful string quartets. This page is part of our Composer of the Day series, designed for classroom music listening and learning.

Listen to her music and explore more below.

Elizabeth Maconchy 19 March 1907 – 11 November 1994

String Quartet No. 3 Op. 15

Elizabeth Maconchy
By This work created by the United Kingdom Government is in the public domain.This is because it is one of the following:It is a photograph taken prior to 1 June 1957; orIt was published prior to 1975; orIt is an artistic work other than a photograph or engraving (e.g. a painting) which was created prior to 1975.HMSO has declared that the expiry of Crown Copyrights applies worldwide (ref: HMSO Email Reply)More information.See also Copyright and Crown copyright artistic works. – https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw47668/Dame-Elizabeth-Maconchy-Dame-Elizabeth-LeFanu, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=116176447

Dame Elizabeth Violet Maconchy LeFanu DBE was an English-Irish composer. She is regarded as one of the finest composers from Great Britain and Ireland. Born in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, to Irish parents, Maconchy grew up in both England and Ireland. Her family moved to Ireland in 1917, where she began her musical studies. At sixteen, she enrolled at the Royal College of Music in London, studying under notable composers. Maconchy faced challenges as a female composer in a male-dominated field. She produced over 200 works, including string quartets and operas, showcasing her unique style influenced by Béla Bartók. Her string quartets are particularly celebrated, as they reflect a dialogue between individual voices. Maconchy was also an advocate for women in music, helping to organise concerts for new composers. Throughout her life, she received numerous awards, including being made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Maconchy’s legacy continues to inspire musicians today, highlighting the importance of creativity and perseverance in the arts.

Listening Activity

Listen to String Quartet No. 3.

Think about:

What mood does the music create?
How do the instruments interact?
Does the music feel calm or tense?

Explore More Composers

This biography links directly to our reading comprehension resources, designed for KS2 and KS3 classrooms.

Browse Comprehension Resources

17 March

March 17th: Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, France 17th Century, 18th Century, Baroque, Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre, Female Composers, March, Sonata No. 2 in B-flat

Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre 17 March 1665 – 27 June 1729

Sonata No. 2 in B-flat

Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre
By François de Troy, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7250404

Élisabeth-Claude Jacquet was born into a family of musicians in Paris. Her father, Claude, taught her music, and at just five years old, she performed for Louis XIV at Versailles. This led to her becoming a musician in the royal court. In 1684, she married organist Marin de La Guerre. Jacquet de La Guerre was one of the few female composers of her time, composing in various forms, including sonatas and operas. Her first published work, Premier livre de pièces de clavessin, appeared in 1687. In 1694, she produced her opera, Céphale et Procris, the first opera by a woman in France. Although it received limited performances, her compositions were innovative. She blended French and Italian styles, influencing future music. Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of her son and husband, she continued to compose. Her later works, such as the Cantates Bibliques, reflect her creativity. Jacquet de La Guerre’s legacy as a pioneering female composer continues to inspire musicians today.

15 March

March 15th: Lili Boulanger

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, France 19th Century, 20th Century, Faust et Hélène, Female Composers, Lili Boulanger, March, Vieille prière bouddhique

Lili Boulanger 21 August 1893 – 15 March 1918

Vieille prière bouddhique

Faust et Hélène

Lili Boulanger
By Henri Manuel – [1], Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=114463198

Lili Boulanger was a French composer and musician, the first woman to win the Prix de Rome for composition in 1913 with her cantata Faust et Hélène. She was the younger sister of Nadia Boulanger, a celebrated composer and teacher, and the daughter of composer Ernest Boulanger. Lili showed remarkable musical talent from an early age, absorbing Conservatoire-level learning while accompanying Nadia to lessons. Unfortunately, chronic illness disrupted her education and shortened her life. She studied at the Paris Conservatoire, supported by Nadia. In 1912, Lili attempted the Prix de Rome but collapsed during performances. In 1913, at nineteen, she won first prize, a landmark achievement for women in music. During World War I, she and Nadia organised support for soldiers and Conservatoire networks. Lili’s musical style features lush harmony and sensitive orchestration, blending influences from composers like Fauré and Debussy. Key works include Faust et Hélène, Psaume 130, and Pie Jesu. Her legacy continues through the Lili Boulanger Memorial Fund, promoting women composers and recognising her contributions to music history.

13 March

March 13th: Amy Woodforde-Finden

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, England, Europe 19th Century, 20th Century, Amy Woodforde-Finden, Female Composers, Kashmiri Song, March, Romantic

Amy Woodforde-Finden 1860 – 13 March 1919

Kashmiri Song

Amy Woodforde-Finden
By Katchuri – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86088907

Amy Woodforde-Finden was a composer who is best known for writing the music to “Kashmiri Song” from Four Indian Love Lyrics by Laurence Hope. Amy Woodforde-Finden, born Amelia Rowe Ward in 1860 in Valparaíso, Chile, was the youngest daughter of American parents. After her father’s death, her mother moved the family to London, where Amy developed a talent for music. She studied under notable teachers and began composing. At 34, she married Brigade-Surgeon Woodforde-Finden and lived in India, where she created her famous works, including “Kashmiri Song” in 1902. Her music combined British sensibilities with Asian influences, reflecting the romanticism of her time. In 1916, she faced personal tragedy with her husband’s death, yet her music continued to be celebrated, even appearing in films. Woodforde-Finden’s compositions, while once popular, have been critiqued for their exoticism. Despite this, her melodies and themes of love and longing resonate with audiences. She passed away in 1919, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire musicians today, including the establishment of a music festival in her honour in 2022.

8 March

March 8th: Ethel Smyth (International Women’s Day)

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, England, Europe 19th Century, 20th Century, Ethel Smyth, Female Composers, International Women's Day, March, Sonata for Cello & Piano in A Minor, The March Of The Women

Ethel Smyth 22 April 1858 – 8 May 1944

International Women's Day

Sonata for Cello & Piano in A Minor Op. 5: II. Adagio non troppo

The March Of The Women

Ethel Smyth
By Adam Cuerden – This image is available from the United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs divisionunder the digital ID ggbain.33693.This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6502824

“The March of the Women” is a powerful song composed by Ethel Smyth in 1910, with words by Cicely Hamilton. It became the anthem of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) and the women’s suffrage movement in the United Kingdom. Activists sang it at rallies and even in prison during hunger strikes, showcasing their determination for equal rights. Smyth based the melody on a traditional tune from Abruzzo, Italy, dedicating it to the WSPU. The song was first performed on 21 January 1911 by the Suffrage Choir in London. Emmeline Pankhurst introduced it as the WSPU’s official anthem. The song was significant during protests, including a famous performance in 1912 at Holloway Prison, where women activists sang while imprisoned. The march was also used in a large demonstration in Washington, D.C., in 1914. Smyth created various arrangements, including for choir and orchestra. The song remains a symbol of women’s rights and the ongoing fight for equality, inspiring future generations to advocate for social change.

3 March

March 3rd: Margaret Bonds

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, North America, United States of America 20th Century, Composers Of Colour, Female Composers, March, Margaret Bonds, Spirituals, Troubled Water

Margaret Bonds 3 March 1913 – 26 April 1972

Troubled Water

Margaret Bonds
By Carl Van Vechten – This image is available from the United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs divisionunder the digital ID cph.3c14532.This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15975565

Margaret Bonds was an influential American composer, pianist, and teacher born in Chicago. She was one of the first Black composers to gain recognition in the United States. Bonds is best known for her arrangements of African-American spirituals and her collaborations with poet Langston Hughes. Notably, she was the first African American woman to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Bonds faced many challenges throughout her life, including racial discrimination in her education at Northwestern University. Despite these obstacles, she earned her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees. After moving to New York, she continued to compose and perform, creating significant works like “The Ballad of the Brown King.”

In 1967, she moved to Los Angeles, where she taught music and composed for theatre. Tragically, Bonds died of a heart attack in 1972. Her legacy includes promoting African-American music and addressing social issues through her compositions, making her a vital figure in American music history.

20 February

February 20th: Ruth Gipps

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, England, Europe 20th Century, February, Female Composers, Knight in Armour, Neo-Romantic, Romantic, Ruth Gipps

Ruth Gipps 20 February 1921 – 23 February 1999

Knight in Armour Op. 8

Ruth Gipps
from https://www.malcolmarnoldsociety.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Ruth-Gipps.jpeg

Ruth Dorothy Louisa (“Wid”) Gipps MBE was an influential English composer, oboist, pianist, conductor, and educator. Born in 1921, she created a diverse range of music, including five symphonies and seven concertos. Gipps founded the London Repertoire Orchestra and the Chanticleer Orchestra, significantly impacting music education. She was awarded an MBE in 1981 for her contributions to music. From a young age, Gipps showed exceptional talent, performing publicly at just four years old. She studied at the Royal College of Music and later at Durham University, where she earned a doctorate in music. Gipps faced challenges in her career, including discrimination, which shaped her determination to succeed. She became a prominent figure in conducting, establishing orchestras that showcased new works. Gipps’ music is known for its rich instrumental colour and reflects influences from her teachers, including Vaughan Williams. Despite her achievements, her music was often overlooked in her lifetime. Gipps’ legacy continues to inspire future generations of musicians, particularly women in the arts, highlighting her role in advocating for female composers.

18 February

February 18th: Anna Phoebe

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Germany, The Netherlands 20th Century, 21st Century, Anna Phoebe, AVAWAVES, Contemporary, February, Female Composers, In Motion

Anna Phoebe 18 February 1981

In Motion

Anna Phoebe
By Ericdere – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76676656

Anna Phoebe McElligott is a talented London-based violinist, composer, and broadcaster. She performs in various musical genres, including contemporary classical, rock, folk, jazz, Celtic, and Middle Eastern music. Anna was born in Hamburg, Germany, to a Greek-Irish father and a German mother. She moved to Manchester at age four and later lived in Michigan before settling in St Andrews, Scotland.

Anna began playing the violin at seven, encouraged by her mother. She studied social policy at the London School of Economics and worked with Labour Party politicians.

After university, Anna became a session musician, collaborating with many famous artists, including Sean Combs and George Michael. A significant moment in her career was joining the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in 2003, where she toured extensively across the USA. Anna has also released solo albums and formed the duo AVAWAVES.

Photo_-_Festival_de_Cornouaille_2012_-_Loreena_McKennitt_en_concert_le_26_juillet_-_018

17 February

February 17th: Loreena McKennitt

Thomas Pitts Canada, Composer Of The Day, North America 20th Century, 21st Century, Brian Boru’s March, Celtic, February, Female Composers, Loreena McKennitt, World Music

Loreena McKennitt 17 February 1957

Brian Boru’s March

Loreena McKennitt
By Thesupermat – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21926867

Loreena McKennitt is a talented Canadian singer-songwriter and composer born on February 17, 1957. She creates world music that blends Celtic and Middle Eastern influences, showcasing her clear soprano vocals. McKennitt has sold over 16 million records globally. Born in Morden, Manitoba, she grew up in a family with Irish and Scottish roots, which inspired her love for music. Initially, she studied to become a veterinarian but discovered folk music while at university. After performing at the Winnipeg Folk Festival in 1974, she developed a passion for Celtic music and learned to play the Celtic harp. McKennitt’s first album, Elemental, was released in 1985, followed by several successful albums. Her music often features themes of nature, mythology, and spirituality. McKennitt faced personal tragedy in 1998, which led her to reduce public performances. However, she returned to music in 2006 with the album An Ancient Muse. Today, she continues to tour and create music that reflects her cultural heritage and artistic vision. Her work has significantly influenced contemporary music.