Aaron Copland

American composer · music · orchestra · patriotic

The Dean of American Music. Aaron Copland was so important to American music that people called him the "Dean of American Music." He showed the whole world what American music could sound like.

Music of the landscape. Copland's music captures the feeling of vast American landscapes and the pioneer spirit. When you listen to his pieces, you can almost imagine wide prairies, cowboys, and the spirit of the American frontier.

Famous ballets. Copland wrote three amazing ballets that are still performed today: Appalachian Spring, Billy the Kid, and Rodeo. These ballets tell stories through music and dance that celebrate American culture.

Music for everyone. Copland believed music should be for all people, not just fancy concert halls. He wrote in a "vernacular" or everyday style on purpose so that regular people could understand and love his music.

Many kinds of music. Beyond ballets and orchestral works, Copland wrote chamber music, vocal works, operas, and film scores. He was a composer, conductor, teacher, pianist, and critic who touched almost every kind of music.