YourClassical

30 Days of Classical, Day 22: Doing it all by the tender age of four

30 Days of Classical, Day 22
Amy Beach
Amy Beach
Wiki Commons

It must be kind of scary to be the parents of a musical prodigy...even if they, themselves are also musicians.

I'm not talking here about a child of six or seven years old, as so many famous prodigies were; I'm talking about Amy Marcy Cheney. Amy Cheney was singing over 40 songs when she was one, improvising harmony at two and reading at four. Did I mention that she also taught herself to read?

Amy Cheney took piano lessons from her mother, studied for one year with a professional teacher and did everything else herself.

You may not be as familiar with her under her maiden name: She married a surgeon from Boston, Dr. Henry Harris Aubrey Beach, and concertized and composed from then on as Mrs. H.H.A. Beach.

MUSIC: Beach: Theme and Variations Delos 3173

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$