Amy Beach was an American composer and pianist known as the first American woman to compose and publish a symphony. Born into an esteemed family, Amy inherited the love for music from her mother Clara. She was a musical prodigy and began learning the piano very early in her life, at the age of 3. She grew up to be a fast learner and at the age of 16, she performed for the first time in public, in Boston. However, she was constantly pushed back by her mother and husband. Despite that, she managed to compose some great symphonies such as Mass in E-Flat and Gaelic Symphony. By publishing the latter, she became the first American female musician to ever publish a symphony. Following her husband’s death in 1910, she moved to Europe and organized many concerts, becoming a famed musician in Europe as well. She moved back to the United States and composed many songs, piano solos and chorals and established herself as one of the most prominent composers in the country. She also gave music lessons and co-founded the Society of American Woman Composers.