Video: How Jeanine Tesori Became the Most-Awarded Female Composer in Broadway History

Playbill: Born and raised on Long Island, Tesori began playing piano at the age of 3, one of four artistically inclined sisters. While the Broadway music industry had been something of a boys’ club throughout the 20th century (only four women had ever been Tony nominated for composition prior to The Secret Garden), Tesori’s parents had raised her to stand tall in the face of anyone who doubted her talent and work ethic. Her career on Broadway didn't actually start as a composer; Tesori began on the margins in her early days, working as a sub pianist and occasional arranger—often going uncredited as she learned on the job.