ABSTRACT
The role of women throughout music history is largely unfamiliar to many. Examined in some detail, however, there is a rich heritage of pioneering and visionary women who have made significant contributions. Even so, there is no question that women have been systematically denied equal opportunity to explore, develop, and share their musical gifts. Largely absent from philosophical discussions for many centuries, women in the 20th and 21st centuries have made significant contributions. In particular, women have offered a uniquely feminine approach to understanding music. Before examining some of the feminist philosophical views, we will take a brief look at some of the major female figures in music.
