Norma Wendelburg facts for kids

Norma Ruth Wendelburg (born March 26, 1918 – died July 26, 2016) was an amazing American musician. She was a talented composer, a skilled pianist, and a dedicated teacher. She also received a special scholarship called the Fulbright scholarship.

Her Life and Studies

Norma Wendelburg was born in Stafford, Kansas. She loved music from a young age. She won a scholarship to Bethany College in Kansas. There, she earned her first music degree.

Later, she went to the University of Michigan. She earned a master's degree in music. She learned how to compose music from teachers like Ross Lee Finney. She also studied piano with John Kollen.

Norma kept learning and growing as a musician. In 1948, she received a special award. This allowed her to study with famous composers like Otto Luening. She also attended the Tanglewood Music Center in 1953.

From 1953 to 1955, Norma was a Fulbright scholar. This is a special scholarship that lets students study in other countries. She studied music in Austria. She learned at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. She also studied at the Academy of Music in Vienna. In 1969, she earned her Ph.D. from the Eastman School of Music.

Norma Wendelburg was part of important music groups. These included the music club Sigma Alpha Iota. She was also a member of ASCAP. This group helps protect the rights of composers. She also received special awards from places like the MacDowell Colony.

Her Teaching Career

Norma Wendelburg was a dedicated teacher for many years. She taught music at several colleges. These included Wayne State College in Nebraska. She also taught at her old school, Bethany College.

She taught at Hardin–Simmons University in Texas. Other schools included Southwest Texas State University. She also taught at Dallas Baptist College.

One of her teaching jobs was at Iowa State Teacher's College. This school is now called the University of Northern Iowa. While teaching there, she was recognized as one of America's top young composers. Famous composers like Walter Piston agreed with this honor.

Her Compositions

Norma Wendelburg wrote many different kinds of music. Here are some of her works.

Chamber Music

Chamber music is written for a small group of instruments.

Orchestra Music

Orchestra music is written for a large group of instruments.

Organ Music

These pieces were written for the organ, a large keyboard instrument.

Piano Music

These compositions were written for the piano.

Vocal Music

Vocal music is written for singers, sometimes with instruments.