Library Guides: Composers of Color in Classical Music: Indigenous Composers

Indigenous Composers

Louis W. Ballard (1931-2007)
- Quapaw/Cherokee
  - Known as "The Father of Native American Composition", Ballard was a composer that merged traditional Indigenous tales into musical creations. He also published a guidebook called "Native American Indian Songs, Taught by Louis W. Ballard" that is now recognized as standard text for its kind.
Jim Pepper (1941-1992)
- Kaw/Creek
  - Known as a pioneer in the jazz fusion movement, Pepper merged traditional Native American elements with his jazz compositions.
David Yeagley (1951-2014)
- Comanche
  - Composer for Native Indian Flute, pianist, and portrait artist, Yeagley was known for his Native American flute performances, as well as his poetry and fiction works.
Brent Michael Davids (b. 1959)
- Mohican
  - Composer and flutist, Davids considers himself an experimentalist that is influenced by Native traditions. He also invents instruments and writes music for several of the performing arts.
Barbara Croall (b. 1966)
- Odawa
  - Croall is known for her unique pieces for both full orchestra and solo work. She has founded the Women of the Four Directions, which aims to encourage indigenous women to take part in creative cultural arts.
Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate (b. 1968)
- Chickasaw
  - Composer and pianist, Tate began his composition career after being commissioned by his mother, Dr. Patricia Tate, to score a ballet in 1992.

Indigenous Composers

Raven Chacon (b. 1977)
- Najavo
  - A current working composer, Chacon has worked with the Native American Composers Apprenticeship Project to expose young Native Americans to composition. He has written works for processed voice and Native flute and percussion.
Connor Chee (b. 1987)
- Navajo
  - Pianist and composer, Chee's works are known to incorporate traditional Navajo sounds with his classical training.

Works Cited

Freck, S. B. (2021, November 23). 8 Native American composers to add to your playlist. Classical KDFC. Retrieved April 18, 2023, from https://www.kdfc.com/culture/staff-blog/8-native-american-composers-to-add-to-your-playlist/

Wein, G. (2009, April 8). Native American composers. New Music USA. Retrieved April 18, 2023, from https://newmusicusa.org/nmbx/native-american-composers/