Anna Diller Starbuck

Anna Maria Diller Starbuck (August 29, 1868 – February 12, 1929) was a composer, music educator, organist, and pianist. She was one of the first two women to attend Harvard University. Starbuck was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Anna Margaret Frey and Isaac Diller. Her eyesight was damaged when she contracted spinal meningitis as a young child. She graduated from Hellmuth College in 1887, later studying at Leipzig Conservatory, Zurich Musikschule, and Harvard University. Edwin taught education and philosophy, and Anna taught music. The Central Lecture Bureau in Iowa City booked lectures by Edwin and recitals of French, German, Russian, or general music with interpretive comments by Anna. A review in the Boston Evening Transcript noted that “Mrs. Starbuck is an artist of rare accomplishment and surprising versatility.” She gave piano recitals throughout America, including Boston, Des Moines, Indiana (Earlham College), Massachusetts (Mount Holyoke College), Pennsylvania (Harrisburg and Lancaster), Vermont (Burlington), and Washington D.C. as well as a second piano part for W.A. Mozart’s Sonata in F Major K. 332. References