Stories of Women Composers shares the stories of thirty female artists (fifteen of them American-born), with birthdates ranging from 1098 to 1966. They are portrayed first as children and then as adults, as they overcome obstacles to become accomplished musicians and composers. The stories, based on carefully researched historical material, describe the influences which shaped these women's lives and the extent and scope of their mature careers. The stories are told in clear, relatable language; they describe in a moving, passionate way the nature of these female artists’ lives and work