A Guide to Piano Music by Women Composers - (Music Reference Collection) Annotated by Pamela Dees (Hardcover)

About the Book

Designed as a practical reference guide for professional pianists and piano teachers, A Guide to Piano Music by Women Composers, Volume I, is an annotated catalogue of the available piano music in print composed by 144 women born before the 20th century. The work also features biographies and extensive bibliographical information for each composer. Arranged alphabetically by composer into categories including single works, collections, and anthologies, the music is also described in terms of grade level, genre, mood, style characteristics, and technical requirements, and ranges in difficulty from late elementary to virtuoso concert repertoire.

Far too many teachers, students, professional musicians, and audiences are unaware of the contributions made by women in music, and of the beauty and merit of their specific compositions. This reference work provides an invaluable addition to the current literature.

Book Synopsis

Designed as a practical reference guide for professional pianists and piano teachers, A Guide to Piano Music by Women Composers, Volume I, is an annotated catalogue of the available piano music in print composed by 144 women born before the 20th century. The work also features biographies and extensive bibliographical information for each composer. Arranged alphabetically by composer into categories including single works, collections, and anthologies, the music is also described in terms of grade level, genre, mood, style characteristics, and technical requirements, and ranges in difficulty from late elementary to virtuoso concert repertoire.

Far too many teachers, students, professional musicians, and audiences are unaware of the contributions made by women in music, and of the beauty and merit of their specific compositions. This reference work provides an invaluable addition to the current literature.

Review Quotes

"A Guide to Piano Music by Women Composers: Volume I Composers Born Before 1900 is an excellent addition to the rapidly growing literature on music of women of the past and present. Pamela Dees has carefully researched available materials, analyzed them with the insight of a pianist and pedagogue, attached biographical information, and produced a rich volume that adds information about the other half' to earlier guides to piano literature. [T]his is a landmark publication; one eagerly awaits the companion twentieth century volume."-Sylvia Glickman President Hildegard Publishing Company

"Dr. Dees has accomplished a landmark book for piano literature. Her extensive research on the topic and uncommon endeavor illuminates the work of music. This outstanding book provides fascinating information of incredible women and lively description of their piano works. The clear presentation brings accessibility as well as practical knowledge about unfamiliar names and works. The thorough analysis of grading levels of the repertoire is a useful tool for pianists and teachers. Every aspect of this book offers great values for performers, academic researchers, piano teachers and all who wish to learn more about piano music. Dr. Dee's contribution is truly enlightening and inspiring."-Jennifer Lim Adjunct Professor St. Louis University

"Excellent contribution to the literature on piano music by women composers. Thorough and colorful description of the pieces discussed. In-depth coverage. Impressive work."-Maurice Hinson Senior Professor of Piano School of Church Music and Worship The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"This outstanding, comprehensive compedium is a much needed source. Every piano teacher, performer and educational institution should have this excellent resource."-Frances Nobert Professor Emerita of Music and College Organist Vice President International Alliance for Women in Music Whittier College

.,."a welcome addition to the repertoire guides for piano. Highly recommended for all libraries, pianists, and piano teachers."-Choice

"Pamela Youngdahl Dees's invaluable two-volume addition to repertoire guides for piano and music by women composers goes a long way towards fulfilling her stated goal of addressing "a need for an index of available piano music written by women composers, in order to encourage inclusion of their works in the standard teaching and performance repertoire.,.".[h]ighly recommended for libraries supporting music programs and for teachers of piano."-Music Reference Services Quarterly

?Pamela Youngdahl Dees's invaluable two-volume addition to repertoire guides for piano and music by women composers goes a long way towards fulfilling her stated goal of addressing "a need for an index of available piano music written by women composers, in order to encourage inclusion of their works in the standard teaching and performance repertoire.,.".[h]ighly recommended for libraries supporting music programs and for teachers of piano.?-Music Reference Services Quarterly

?...a welcome addition to the repertoire guides for piano. Highly recommended for all libraries, pianists, and piano teachers.?-Choice

?Teachers and players should make a point of buying this book and delving into its offerings. There must be hitherto lost gems to be found with which to confound friends and astound audiences. I can't wait for volume 2.?-Musical Opinion

..."a welcome addition to the repertoire guides for piano. Highly recommended for all libraries, pianists, and piano teachers."-Choice

"Teachers and players should make a point of buying this book and delving into its offerings. There must be hitherto lost gems to be found with which to confound friends and astound audiences. I can't wait for volume 2."-Musical Opinion

About the Author

PAMELA YOUNGDAHL DEES is Associate Professor in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts at Saint Louis University, where she teaches studio piano, music theory, class voice, opera history, and the history of women composers. She also serves as vocal coach and musical director for University and community theater productions.