This book will surprise the reader with some of the stories told and it will certainly be of value for academic and large public libraries, and for anyone interested in women's studies, in academic or private voice study, or performance of challenging, inspiring repertoire in a multitude of genres.

Fontes Artis Musicae

Hoch and Lister have provided an invaluable, and very timely resource for teachers, students, and professional singers who are taking the long-overdue steps to diversify their repertories and be more inclusive. The authors present a considerable amount of material in a way that holds the reader's attention without becoming overwhelming and have, for the most part, successfully provided the reader with an extensive overview of the contribution of women composers to vocal music as well as producing the useful and fully comprehensive resource to anyone taking the steps to actively educate themselves on the subject.

Voice and Speech Review

Although it is not a textbook, it could certainly be used as the basis for a course on women in music. Instrumental musicians will also find this resource helpful and informative due to the diverse range of women composers covered, the resources included, and its advocacy for music by women. As it says in the final “Final Thoughts” section in chapter 13: “So You Want to Sing Music by Women is an advocacy book: an effort to encourage and champion women composers and creators of music across all genres.” With so much information on women composers and a broad spectrum of resources all in one place, the authors have accomplished their mission. May we go forth, armed to advocate for music by women.

Pan Pipes (Journal of Sigma Alpha Iota)

If you believe that So You Think You Want to Sing Music by Women is another version of Women Composers for Dummies, you must seriously reconsider. Its intention is earnest and passionate; its writing is erudite and understandable; and its potential effects could change the way we think of educating and preparing the next generation of feminists, musicians, and human beings. The copy read by this reviewer is marred by underlined, starred passages, many question marks, and innumerable dog-eared pages. Exactly the way a book should be read--devoured!

IAWM Journal (International Alliance for Women in Music)

Hoch and Lister highlight the fact that the last few decades have seen an increased interest in exploring the contributions of women to the canon of Western classical music, which they call a “long-overdue appearance of ‘women in music’ as an academic subject.” So You Want to Sing Music by Women uniquely contributes to this appearance by focusing specifically on the vocal music of women composers and by including composers of multiple genres outside of the classical realm. While this inclusive approach precludes an exhaustive exploration of the subject matter, the book
nevertheless plays an essential role by giving a voice to composers who have been unjustly neglected.

Classical Singer Magazine

Hoch and Lister offer a panoramic view of the role of women in music. The vista is expansive, encompassing notable composers and performers from Western classical music, music theater, and commercial music. . . . Singers, and indeed anyone who wants to broaden their knowledge of women composers in a wide range of musical styles, will find this book informative, and a useful introduction to the topic.

Journal of Singing