Aaron Copland

Quick Facts

Born in Brooklyn, New York (U.S.)
His older sister taught him to play the piano.
As a child, was exposed to music at Jewish events
Began writing songs at the age of eight
Studied music in Paris for 3 years
After returning to New York, he worked full-time as a composer, also giving lectures and writing articles and books about music.
The last 30 years of his life, he did more conducting in the United States and the U.K., also recording albums.
Some of his most well-known pieces have an “American sound.” They include Appalachian Spring, Billy the Kid, Fanfare for the Common Man, Rodeo, and Third Symphony.