The founders included Katharine Emily Eggar, a composer, Marion Scott, a musicologist, and Gertrude Eaton, a singer.
The group had a number of influential musicians as presidents, including Cécile Chaminade, Astra Desmond, Alma Goatley, Myra Hess, Rosa Newmarch, Evelyn Suart and Elizabeth Poston.
The post of vice-president was largely honorary, and was held by woman musicians such as Nadia Boulanger, Imogen Holst, Elisabeth Lutyens, Elizabeth Maconchy and Fanny Waterman.
[3] Theodore Holland attended a concert of his recent songs held by the Society on 28 October 1947, the day before his death.
[4] Activities included collecting a library, starting a choir and orchestra which gave public and private concerts of works by members of the Society, lectures, and a composers conference.