New Music Class Story - October 2007

New class introduces lesser-known music
By Jasmine Stein

Staff Reporter

Publication Date: 10/31/2007

A new class in the department of visual and performing arts is designed to draw attention to influential female artists in the male-dominated world of musical composers.

MUS 375N, "Women of Note: Composers Past Through Present," is scheduled for next semester and will focus on introducing students to the wealth of female composers who the general public knows little about, said Helen Brown, associate professor of visual and performing arts.

Female composers have been around since the Greek and medieval ages, but for the most part have ceased to make it into the history books.

"In a recent text on woman composers, a list was compiled of women mentioned in top music appreciation books, and the numbers are appallingly low," Brown said.

"Even here at Purdue, every music course could be entitled a course on men composers," she said.

Because female composers are largely overlooked, the class will allow students a chance to listen to new music that has yet to be explored.

"In most music survey courses, there is not enough time to delve into music of less widespread and influential composers, and unfortunately woman composers are often in that category," said Martha Riley, professor of visual and performing arts. "A course like this gives students the opportunity to hear beautiful music that is not in the least inferior, but simply less well-known."

Female composers have and continue to face adversities. Therefore, Brown wants students to have the opportunity to read what women have written about their music and their lives.

"Just last week, an article was published reviewing a female classical musician and the article was more focused on what she was wearing rather than her music," Brown said. "I want to discuss these types of issues as well."

Brown asked to teach this course because she feels that there is still so much music to introduce students to. She hopes that the course will serve as a way to provide a balance between male and female composers.

The last day to sign up for this course is Nov. 1, and with already disappointing enrollment, it may never be offered again.

"Our goal is to come to know composers of great music that is not limited to divisions between male composers and female composers," Brown said.