I found it very interesting over the course of this year learning more about the complex person that is Nadia Boulanger.  I first remember hearing about this woman in my freshman composition class with Dr. Young.  He always had an entertaining story to tell about his studies with her including climbing the castle into her office window because he couldn't fine the right door into the castle.  It wasn't until further research that I discovered her influence on the musical world and some of the greatest composers of the 20th century.  She seems to have had a particular bond with Aaron Copeland.  She even premiered his organ symphony on her American Tour.

This past summer I had the great opportunity to study in Paris with the European American Musical Alliance and will do so again this summer.  The teachings of the program are rooted in the teachings of Nadia boulanger and she has been a heavy influence on my compositional studies.  She is greatly revered and I have gathered a great amount of respect for her.

It wasn't until this school year that I learned of the her "other side" if you will and her ill support of women composers.  While she would teach women, it seems that she didn't encourage it and would play "matchmaker" among her male and female students.  It's quite ironic, considering the support she gave to her younger sister.  But I suppose her early death took quite a toll on Nadia.

This week we talked about women in the U.S. I found it interesting that studying in Europe was the thing to do (makes perfect sense) back then and still is today...our organ department is planning a trip to Germany and I personally am hoping to study in paris again this summer. There's just so much history and so much more appreciation for music....even more enlightening was the fact that the cincitati conservatory was founded by a women!! It was also interesting to think about women having their own orchestras and choirs because they were barred from being in "professional" orchestras...it's such a strange concept to me!

In the chapter we previously read I believe it talked about Maryn Aslop. Having been so close to Baltimore I frequently heard the BSO. Apparently the orchestra really dislikes her, which is unfortunate since I think she's fabulous to watch. Furthermore she's marketing the shit out of the BSO and they really need that!!!!! I've always preferred women conductors and teachers (and pastors for that matter). I feel like they are able to teach and convey information (to me) much more effectively...especially in choir! Maybe it's a motherly thing? I find dr QUIST to be much more maternal and supportive in her teaching of music.

Also I'm a complete moron and thought Ruth Crawford Seeger was still alive... I swear Dr. Mirchindani said she was "interviewing her for my book!" but alas I DEFINITELY heard wrong.....