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.

5 February

February 5th: Grażyna Bacewicz

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Poland 20th Century, Concerto for String Orchestra, February, Female Composers, Grażyna Bacewicz, Neo-Classicism

Grażyna Bacewicz 5 February 1909 – 17 January 1969

Concerto for String Orchestra

Grażyna Bacewicz
Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=513557

Grażyna Bacewicz Biernacka was a Polish composer and violinist of Lithuanian origin. She is the second Polish female composer to achieve national and international recognition, following Maria Szymanowska. Bacewicz was born in Łódź and began her musical education early, taught by her father. She was the third of four children and performed her first concert at seven. In 1928, she studied at the Warsaw Conservatory, focusing on violin and composition. After graduating, she became a concertmaster and composed her first violin concerto.

During World War II, she secretly performed and composed in Warsaw. After the war, she became a professor at the State Conservatoire of Music in Łódź. Despite challenges, including a car accident that limited her ability to perform, she focused on composition. Her works include seven violin concertos and four symphonies. Bacewicz’s music became a highlight at the Warsaw Autumn Festival, and she continued composing until her death in 1969.

25 January

January 25th: Etta James

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, North America, United States of America 20th Century, At Last, Etta James, Female Composers, January, Soul

Etta James 25 January 1938 – 20 January 2012

At Last (Written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren)

Etta James
By Roland Godefroy – Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1853723

Jamesetta Hawkins, known as Etta James, was a famous American singer and songwriter born on January 25, 1938. She began her career in 1954, performing in Nashville’s R&B clubs, known as the Chitlin’ Circuit. Etta sang various genres, including gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, rock and roll, and soul. She gained fame with hits like “The Wallflower” and “At Last.”

Despite facing personal challenges, including addiction and abuse, Etta made a remarkable comeback in the late 1980s with her album Seven Year Itch. Her powerful voice bridged R&B and rock and roll, earning her three Grammy Awards and numerous accolades. Etta was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She is celebrated as one of the greatest singers of all time, influencing many artists. Etta’s music continues to resonate, showcasing her talent and resilience. Her life story reflects the impact of personal experiences on artistic expression, making her a significant figure in music history.

Anonimo,_ritratto_della_compositrice_e_clavicembalista_maria_teresa_agnesi

19 January

January 19th: Maria Teresa Agnesi Pinottini

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Italy 18th Century, Baroque, Female Composers, January, Maria Teresa Agnesi Pinottini, Sonata per il Clavicembalo

Maria Teresa Agnesi Pinottini 17 October 1720 – 19 January 1795

Sonata per il Clavicembalo

By Sailko – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=55025131

Maria Teresa Agnesi Pinottini was an Italian composer born in Milan. She was not only known for her compositions but also as a talented harpsichordist and singer. Her music mainly featured keyboard and vocal elements. Maria Teresa received a rich education from her father, Pietro Agnesi, who was part of the lesser nobility. She was inspired by her older sister, Maria Gaetana, a mathematics prodigy. Maria Teresa married Pier Antonio Pinottini in 1752, but they faced financial difficulties, and he died shortly after.

Throughout her career, she performed numerous times, with a notable performance on 16 July 1739, impressing the French traveller Charles de Brosses. Her theatrical debut was the Cantata Pastorale Il Ristoro d’Arcadia in 1747. Maria Teresa gained the support of influential patrons, including Maria Theresa, the Holy Roman Empress. Her music was technically challenging and reflected the northern Italian style. Over time, her compositions evolved from simple to complex, showcasing her growth as a composer.

5 January

January 5th: Elizabeth Cotten

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, North America, United States of America 19th Century, Composers Of Colour, Elizabeth Cotten, Female Composers, January, Washington Blues

Elizabeth Cotten 5 January 1893 – 29 June 1987

Washington Blues

By http://image1.findagrave.com/photos/2008/23/6666716_120122666759.jpg, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33265509

Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten was a remarkable American folk and blues musician, born on January 5, 1893, in North Carolina. She was a self-taught guitarist who played left-handed, using a guitar strung for right-handed players, which created her unique sound. Cotten’s signature style, known as “Cotten picking,” involved playing bass lines with her fingers and melodies with her thumb. Her most famous song, “Freight Train,” was written in her teens and later became influential in folk music. In 1958, Cotten released her album, Folksongs and Instrumentals with Guitar, which was recognised for its cultural significance. At age 90, she won a Grammy Award for her live album, Elizabeth Cotten Live! Cotten’s music has inspired many artists across various genres, showcasing her lasting impact. Despite retiring from music for many years, she was rediscovered in her 60s by the Seeger family, leading to a successful later career. Cotten passed away on June 29, 1987, but her contributions to music continue to resonate today, influencing generations of musicians.

2 January

January 2nd: Barbara Pentland

Thomas Pitts Canada, Composer Of The Day, North America 20th Century, Atonal, Barbara Pentland, Female Composers, January, Wind Octet

Barbara Pentland 2 January 1912 – 5 February 2000

Wind Octet for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet and trombone

By Unknown author – https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/arphotos/items/1.0026375, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=150017606

Barbara Pentland C.M. was a prominent Canadian composer who gained recognition after World War II. Born in Winnipeg, she faced health challenges that limited her childhood activities. Despite discouragement from her family, Pentland pursued music, studying piano and composition. At age 9, she began piano lessons and later studied with Cécile Gauthiez in Paris. Her early works reflected neoclassicism, influenced by composers like Beethoven. In 1936, she attended the Juilliard School in New York, where she developed her unique style. Pentland’s music evolved, incorporating elements of atonality after discovering Anton Webern’s work. Throughout her career, she faced obstacles as a female composer in a male-dominated field. Despite these challenges, her contributions to Canadian music were significant, with notable works including “Studies in Line” and “The Lake.” Pentland received numerous accolades, including an honorary doctorate and membership in the Order of Canada. Her legacy continues to inspire musicians and composers today, showcasing the importance of perseverance in the arts.