Recent years have seen an explosion of interest in music by women composers, however there are still many barriers before they can be fully integrated into our repertoire. This course considers key works by four women: Clara Schumann (1819-86), Emilie Mayer (1812-83), Ethel Smyth (1858-1944) and Amy Beach (1867-1944). These women are all closely associated with the Austro-German canon. They experienced varying amounts of discrimination and success during their lifetimes, however all were highly regarded as professional musicians.

Our focus will be on chamber and solo repertoire which is practically useful to you as young musicians. However we will also consider larger genres such as Smyth’s operas and Mayer’s symphonies, as these provoke specific questions about gender.

We will also consider the following broad musicological questions:

• What epistemological approaches are there for women composers?
• What historical conditions did these composers experience as professionals?
• What are the practical barriers to getting to know music by these women?

Teaching will take place in German and English. Teaching will be in person in Stadthalle Raum 2 , with some additional meetings online. Students must be available for ALL SESSIONS.

Numbers are limited. Please contact me via email, letting me know what year/semester you are in, and what your instrument is.