Harriet Padberg

Harriet Padberg, RSCJ was an American mathematician, composer, music therapist, and Catholic religious sister. She was a pioneer in the music therapy field, and also held significant contributions in the field of computer-composed music. Padberg wrote Computer-Composed Canon and Free Fugue as part of her 1964 dissertation in Mathematics and Music at Saint Louis University. She was a professor for over 35 years, before retiring in her mid-70’s and working as a music therapist. Education and Vocation Padberg attended the Academy of the Sacred Heart in St. Louis, Missouri, and was awarded a scholarship to Maryville College, now Maryville University, where she graduated in 1943 with a Bachelor of Arts in Math and Music. Soon after, she joined the Society of the Sacred Heart, serving briefly at Schools of the Sacred Heart around the nation, including Grand Coteau, Louisiana. In 1948 she returned to serve at the Academy of the Sacred Heart of St. Charles, while simultaneously earning her master’s degree in Music and Organ from the College Conservatory of Music, in 1949. Padberg made her final profession in 1951, becoming a professed Sister of the Sacred Heart. In 1951, Padberg returned t