Morton Gould (December 10, 1913 ? February 21, 1996) was an American pianist, composer, conductor, and arranger. Born in Richmond Hill, New York, Gould 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, although his most important teachers were Abby Whiteside and Vincent Jones.