The purpose of this study is to provide the resources necessary to integrate women, specifically Amy Beach and Judith Lang Zaimont, into the canon of music history and vocal repertoire classes. These resources include general information on society and how it has affected these women as composers in the United States, biographical information on Zaimont and Beach, and critical reviews of selected solo vocal literature by these composers.

This study compares the different eras in which these composers were raised and the views society held during these time periods regarding women, and specifically women composers. This comparison is followed by biographical information that highlights these differences as well as general differences in their upbringing. Selected songs by these women are then analyzed for their value in performance and pedagogy through the following criteria: text, poet, and translations (where appropriate); past and current publication information; voice type that is best suited for each piece; color and emotion of each selection; rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic considerations; difficulty level of accompaniment; form and texture; and any pertinent supplementary information.

Finally, this study concludes with a transcript of interviews with Zaimont that were conducted specifically for this research project.