Jennifer Higdon is an American composer of Contemporary Classical music. Higdon’s work has been recognized by the Grammy’s; earning her three Grammy awards for Best Contemporary Classical Composition. Additionally, in 2010 she received the Pulitzer Prize for Music. Higdon’s music is in such high demand that is able to compose exclusively on commission. Folk and popular musical artists such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones influenced her compositional style. Higdon described her process in composition to “come naturally” as she does not force a certain structure to arise for her pieces. This renowned and innovative composer received her education at the Curtis Institute of Music and the University of Pennsylvania.