In recognition of Rudolf Friml's centenary (1879-1979), his career as a composer of operettas, musical comedies, and musical satires and as a concert pianist is reviewed. (KC)

Discusses the life of William Billings, an early American composer and a leader in one of the earliest forms of organized music education in the United States: singing schools and singing societies. Examines his contributions to the U.S. musical heritage and briefly surveys his publications. (GEA)

The paper considers some issues and events in the life of a music composer, and through review of the lives of 57 composers, attempts to discover constructive and destructive variables. (PHR)

This article originally appeared in March, 1940 as "Why No Great Women Composers?" The author, a psychologist, finds no sex differences in music achievement traceable to ability or opportunity, but feels that a woman's fundamental urge is to be loved, while a man's is to achieve in a career. (SJL)

The author describes the evolution of the American musical since 1750 and emphasizes the often overlooked importance of the orchestrator. She discusses the talents of several extraordinarily gifted musicians. (KC)

Racism has been a major factor in determining the role and stature of jazz and the musicians who play it. Jazz has been denied its artistic due because it emerged from Black people who have been systematically denied their social and civil rights. (Author/GC)

The history of women jazz performers and composers, namely African Americans, in the United States is traced from its beginnings to contemporary artists. Women have played an integral role in jazz development. Separate women's festivals showcase many female talents, demonstrating that the future is very promising for women in jazz. (SLD)