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Paula Diehl began her in-depth study of music theory and composition at American University and later continued it at Temple University where she received a Master of Music degree in composition. As a result of her studies, she developed a new total composition system called “Separation.” The collection is part of the American University Music Library, and contains more than seventy sheet music manuscripts including vocal pieces, piano solos, string quartets, chamber music, and various instrumental music including non-traditional instruments such as a prepared-piano. This digitized collection contains materials dating from 1975 to 2011 and highlights her pioneering composition system.