Aaron Copland 1900 – 1990

Biography

Aaron Copland was born on November 14, 1900, in Brooklyn, where his lifelong passion for music took root. He would go on to become one of America’s most celebrated composers, creating works that captured the spirit and landscape of the nation. Beyond his remarkable achievements as a composer, Copland devoted himself to teaching composition, sharing his knowledge and artistic vision with generations of students who benefited from his mentorship and guidance.

Throughout his distinguished career, Copland wore many hats as a conductor and writer, deepening his influence across the musical world. His versatility and commitment to the art form allowed him to contribute to American culture in multiple ways, whether through conducting orchestras, writing about music, or composing the symphonies and scores for which he remains renowned. His work shaped the sound of American classical music during a transformative period in the nation’s cultural history.

Aaron Copland passed away on December 2, 1990, in Sleepy Hollow, at the age of ninety. Though his later years were affected by Alzheimer’s disease, his legacy endures through the enduring beauty and accessibility of his compositions, his teachings, and the profound mark he left on American music and those who knew him.