UC San Diego

This dissertation explores the life, creative journey, and contributions of Alida Vázquez Ayala, a pioneering composer whose work bridges Mexican traditional music and contemporary electronic music scene in New York. Born and raised in Mexico, Alida migrated to New York City in 1948, where she navigated the vibrant cultural landscape and overcame significant personal and professional challenges to emerge as a notable figure in the field of electronic music. Through a detailed examination of her life and work, this dissertation provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors that shaped Alida’s musical career. It investigates her early influences in Mexico, her education and mentorship under prominent figures in New York, and her innovative approach to composition that integrates her Mexican heritage with avant-garde techniques. The dissertation is structured around key periods of Alida’s creative output, focusing on seminal works such as Acuarelas de México (1968) and Electronic Moods and Piano Sounds (1977). Acuarelas de México highlights her ability to synthesize traditional Mexican elements with the experimental spirit of the 1960s, while Electronic Moods and Piano Sounds reflects her adeptness in the realm of electronic music, developed during her doctoral studies at Columbia University. Alida’s journey is contextualized within the broader socio-political dynamics of her time, including the challenges of being a Mexican woman in the predominantly male field of electronic music. The research draws on oral histories, archival materials, and interviews with Alida’s family, friends, and colleagues, offering a multifaceted portrait of her artistic and personal evolution. By situating Alida’s work within the intersections of cultural identity, musical innovation, and gender, this dissertation aims to celebrate her contributions amd address the broader issues of representation and inclusivity in the field of music composition. Alida’s legacy is a testimony of her resilience, creativity, and the enduring impact of her work on both Mexican and international music landscapes.