Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

May 21, 1888 in Indianapolis, IN

Death

:

September 1, 1972 in Pasadena, CA

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

May Aufderheide was an American composer and pianist who was born on June 21, 1888, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was the daughter of German immigrants, and her father was a successful businessman who owned a furniture store. May showed an early interest in music and began taking piano lessons at the age of six. She was a talented student and quickly progressed, eventually studying with some of the best teachers in Indianapolis. May's family was supportive of her musical ambitions, and they encouraged her to pursue a career in music. She attended the Arthur Jordan Conservatory of Music in Indianapolis, where she studied piano, composition, and music theory. She was a dedicated student and spent many hours practicing and composing. May's early compositions were influenced by ragtime music, which was popular in the United States at the time. She was particularly inspired by the music of Scott Joplin, who was one of the most famous ragtime composers of the era. May began composing her own ragtime pieces, and her music quickly gained popularity in Indianapolis. In 1908, May composed her most famous piece, "The Thriller Rag." The piece was an instant hit and was played by ragtime pianists all over the country. May's success as a composer led to her being invited to perform at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. She was only 16 years old at the time, but her performance was well-received, and she was praised for her talent and skill. May continued to compose and perform throughout her life, and she became known as one of the most important female composers of the ragtime era. Her music was characterized by its catchy melodies, syncopated rhythms, and lively energy. She was also known for her ability to blend different musical styles, incorporating elements of classical music, jazz, and blues into her compositions. In addition to her work as a composer, May was also a dedicated teacher. She taught piano and music theory at the Arthur Jordan Conservatory of Music for many years, and she was known for her patience and kindness with her students. Many of her students went on to become successful musicians and composers in their own right. May Aufderheide died on January 1, 1972, at the age of 83. She left behind a legacy of music that continues to be celebrated and performed today. Her compositions have been recorded by many different artists, and her influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary composers. May Aufderheide was a trailblazer in the world of classical music, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of female composers. Her music was innovative, energetic, and full of life, and it continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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