Student Solo Favorites: Living Women Composers

Nathalie Simper
May 3, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Jun 19, 2023

Let’s face it: Classical Music hasn’t always been friendly to women. Many women composers throughout the centuries have had to compose in secret, publish their music under a fake male identity, or haven’t received proper recognition until after they’ve passed.

But the good news is that things can change, including the stick-in-the-mud, slow-to-change Classical Music world! And given that there are so many young girls studying flute, here are some of their favorite pieces composed by living women!

Btw, if you order music through the blog links, I get a little commission, and you get a little discount at checkout. Or, use the code SIMPERMUSIC when you're ready to order through Flute Center of New York. You're welcome.

1. Spring Song by Dr. Lauren Bernofsky

"If happy had a song, this would be it."

Flute and piano
Great for getting comfortable with sharp key signatures and key changes
Sounds energetic whether you play it up to tempo or under tempo
The melody stays mostly in the staff, with some high register notes
Slurred and smooth melodies while still being upbeat

Buy this piece here!

2. Fisherman’s Song by Chen Yi

"The main melody is super pretty! I like that the high register stuff isn't crazy hard like it usually is in other pieces."

Flute and piano
Simple key signatures with two main melodies
Technical section with octave jumps
Based on a traditional Cantonese folk song
Covers the entire range of the flute

Buy this piece here!

3. Legends by Dr. Valerie Coleman

"Each movement has its own personality, which is cool because playing long pieces can get boring or predictable. Plus, it was fun learning about the legends each movement was based on!"

4 movements for flute and piano, each with distinct styles and characters
Each movement is about a page long
Great for performing in different key and time signatures
Approachable for motivated practice
Fun to study the inspiration behind each movement

Buy this piece here!

4. Le vent a travers les ruines by Yuko Uebayashi

"I like that I can make this piece my own since it's just me playing. I also learned about how to tell a story through the music... the poem that goes along with it really helps, too."