Inspiring Women Composers Every Child Should Know
Music history is full of incredible voices, and among the most inspiring are the women who composed, performed, and led the way across centuries.
From the passionate piano music of Clara Schumann to the vibrant symphonies of Florence Price, these composers show us that music knows no boundaries. Let's learn about five remarkable women whose creations continue to spark joy and curiosity for learners of all ages.
Clara Schumann (1819–1896)
Clara Schumann was not only a virtuosic pianist, but also a gifted composer who helped shape the music of the Romantic era.
She wrote beautiful piano pieces, chamber music, and songs that expressed a wide range of emotions. Clara’s dedication to music, as well as her courage in performing and composing in a male-dominated world, inspires young musicians to follow their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 7, composed at the young age of fourteen, is a stunning showcase of her prodigious talent and emotionally rich expression.
Equally beloved are her Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Op. 22, a set of short chamber pieces filled with warmth and poetic beauty. In these Romances, Clara creates intimate musical conversations between the violin and piano, with each movement highlighting her gift for melody and her ability to evoke profound emotions in a compact form. Together, these works demonstrate why Clara Schumann is celebrated as one of the Romantic era’s most gifted and expressive composers.
Florence Price (1887–1953)
Florence Price made history as the first African-American woman to have a symphony performed by a major U.S. orchestra.
Her compositions blend classical traditions with the rhythms and melodies of African-American spirituals and folk music. Florence’s musical voice is uniquely American, and her story teaches us the value of expressing our heritage and identity through the art we make.
Her music beautifully blends classical traditions with the rhythms and melodies of African-American spirituals, and she composed more than 300 works for piano, orchestra, voice, and other ensembles.
Barbara Strozzi (1619–1677)
Barbara Strozzi was a trailblazing Italian composer and singer in the Baroque era.
She published her music under her own name—a rare feat for any woman of her time. Strozzi wrote expressive vocal music filled with drama and emotion, and her courage as a composer shows children that creativity can flourish—even when society puts up barriers.
Despite societal challenges, she published multiple volumes of music and was admired for her vocal talent and compositional skill.
Fanny Mendelssohn (1805–1847)
Fanny Mendelssohn, the brilliant sister of composer Felix Mendelssohn, created hundreds of works for piano, voice, and chamber ensembles.
Fanny’s music overflows with lyricism and wit, yet many of her compositions were published under her brother’s name due to social constraints. Although social conventions of her time often limited women’s opportunities, Fanny composed more than 460 pieces, including songs, piano works, and chamber music. Many of her compositions were praised for their lyrical beauty and expressive character.
Fanny hosted musical salons at her Berlin home, where her music was performed and celebrated by leading musicians of the day. Fanny Mendelssohn’s creative spirit and achievements make her an inspiring figure in classical music history.
Lili Boulanger (1893–1918)
French composer Lili Boulanger became the first woman to win the prestigious Prix de Rome composition prize at just 19 years of age!
Despite a life cut short by illness, Lili created profoundly expressive works, including choral, orchestral, and chamber pieces known for their lush harmonies and emotional depth. Her compositions, such as Pie Jesu and Psalm 130: Du fond de l’abîme, demonstrated her unique musical voice and remarkable sensitivity.
Why Learn About Women Composers?
These five women show us the power of artistic determination and originality. By listening to their music and learning their stories, children can discover new sounds, see themselves in the history of music, and appreciate creativity everywhere.
Our SQUILT LIVE! archives contain many lessons featuring compositions by these composers, and in March of 2026 we will devote the entire month to learning about women composers!
Please enjoy the following playlist, with pieces from each of the women mentioned in this post.