Mary Howe: Composer, pianist and music activist

Mary Howe (1882-1964) was a composer, pianist and music activist who was born in the late Victorian era and continued her productive career well into the twentieth century. Although she was known, honored and respected for her accomplishments in the musical world, relatively little has been written about her. This study is a systematic investigation of her life and career.;Howe's early years at home were a propitious foundation for artistic development. Her subsequent musical development and career as an adult reflected her many-faceted life as a daughter, wife, mother, and friend.;Her career is presented in three categories: as a solo pianist and as a partner in a two-piano team, in which she gained competence and confidence in public performance; as a composer, including her methods of work, collegial relationships and promotional activities; and her contributions to the wider musical community, both as an advocate of American music and as an organizer and founder of institutions in Washington, D.C. particularly the National Symphony Orchestra.;Howe composed over two hundred works--orchestral and choral music, chamber music, music for one and two pianos, ballet music, and songs. A catalogue in an appendix describes each work and where it can be found.;The contributions of women as composers, performers and conductors have remained relatively unexplored. By including Mary Howe into the record, a small gap in music history is filled. Other women active in music as community activists, educators, composers and performers whose contributions have added to the breadth and depth of American music remain to be included.