The Role of Women as

Music Advocates from

1890-1920
Rachelle Wolf, Graduate Orals
Dr. Tammy L. Kernodle
Miami University

I believe that women and womens

clubs are doing more for the country
in the dissemination of good
music than any other element.
~George W. Chadwick

Women Supporters
Patrons and Activists
Churches
Clubs and Societies

Clubs and Societies as

Advocates
Non-music societies: The Society for the Collection of

Negro Folklore, and Florida Ruffin Ridley, Ellen Martin

Hemotin and the Friday club of Chicago (1887) provided
season tickets to the Chicago Symphony orchestra.
Professional: The Womens Philharmonic Society in New

York (1899) was started by pianist Amy Fay.

Mamie Hilyer founded the Treble Clef Club of Washington
D.C., comprised of profession African American women
teachers and musicians. They held integrated concerts,
and later the value of their own heritage and blues.
(Locke 78).
Amateur: The National Convention of Womens Amateur

Music Clubs (1893)

Professional or Amateur?

Florence Sutro

Head of the womans department of the

Music Teachers National Association in 1897

Became the 1st president of the National

Federation of Music Clubs in 1898

and
studying women composers,
playing for charities,
invited American musicians to perform in small

towns
conventions and fairs
competitions for native composers
community sings
arranging community events such as community
sings, memory contests, and composition
competitions

Roberta Campbell Lawson,

Thirteenth international president of the
General Federation of Women's Clubs, 19351938.
Spoke on "Education for Living"
Encouraged adult education and
community activities for young adults

Social Programs Organized by

Clubs
Junior Clubs for urban youth
Music libraries
Competitions for native composers

The MacDowell Colony

At the end of her husbands life, pianist Marian MacDowell fulfilled his wishes by opening up and
expanding their estate as a haven for creative artists.

Women and Professional

Orchestras

Helen Herron Taft was the 1st president(1894

1900) of the board of directors of the Cincinnati
Symphony Orchestra.
She was involved in the Cincinnati Historical
Society and the Ladies Musical Club of Cincinnati