11. Teresa Carreño
Teresa Carreño was a celebrated concert pianist who influenced a crop of young pianists and composers during her time. Aside from being a pianist, she was also a composer, conductor and a mezzo-soprano. In 1876, Carreño made her debut as an opera singer in New York City.12. Elliott Carter
Elliot Cook Carter, Jr. is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer. He became music director of Lincoln Kirstein's Ballet Caravan in 1935. He also taught at prestigious educational institutions such as the Peabody Conservatory, Juilliard School and Yale University. Innovative and prolific, he is known for his use of metric modulation or tempo modulation. Carter celebrated his 100th birthday in 2008 at New York's Carnegie Hall and continues to actively compose.
13. Carlos Chavez
Carlos Antonio de Padua Chavez y Ramirez was a teacher, lecturer, author, composer, conductor and music director of several music organizations in Mexico. He is known for his use of traditional folk songs, indigenous themes and instruments combined with modern techniques.14. Rebecca Clarke
She was a composer and violist of the early 20th century. Among her creative output are chamber music, choral works, songs and solo pieces. One of her known works is her Viola Sonata which she entered in the Berkshire Chamber Music Festival. The said composition tied with Bloch's suite for first place.15. Aaron Copland
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Influential American composer, conductor, writer and teacher of the 20th century who helped bring American music to the forefront. Copland wrote the ballet "Billy the Kid" and "Rodeo" which were both based on American folk stories. He also wrote film scores based on John Steinbeck's novels, namely "Of Mice and Men" and "The Red Pony."
16. Manuel de Falla
Manuel María de los Dolores Falla y Matheu was a leading Spanish composer of the 20th century. During his early years, he went on tour as pianist of a theater company and later, as a member of a trio. He was a member of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de Granada and in 1925, became a member of the Hispanic Society of America.17. Frederick Delius
Prolific English composer of choral and orchestral music who helped revive English music during the late 19th century to the 1930s. Although he was born in Yorkshire, he spent most of his life in France. Some of his notable works include "Brigg Fair," "Sea Drift," "Appalachia" and "A Village Romeo and Juliet." There is a film titled "Song of Summer" which was based on a memoir ("Delius as I knew him") written by Eric Fenby; Delius' assistant. The said film was directed by Ken Russell and aired in 1968.18. Duke Ellington
One of the leading jazz figures during his time, Duke Ellington was a composer, bandleader and jazz pianist who was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation in 1999.19. George Gershwin
One of the prominent composers and songwriters of the 20th century. He composed scores for Broadway musicals and wrote some of the most memorable songs of our time, including "I've Got a Crush on You," "I Got Rhythm" and "Someone to Watch Over Me."20. Dizzy Gillespie
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Jazz trumpeter known for his trademark puffed cheeks while playing the trumpet. He earned the nickname "Dizzy" due to his amusing antics onstage but his music is certainly not a laughing matter