Morton Gould (December 10, 1913 – February 21, 1996) was an American composer, conductor, arranger, and pianistMorton Gould was born in Richmond Hill, New York, United States. He was recognized early as a child prodigy with abilities in improvisation and composition. His first composition was published at age six. Gould studied at the Institute of Musical Art in New York. His most important teachers were Abby Whiteside and Vincent Jones.