Aaron Copland was hailed in the 1930s as the first American composer with an authentic and distinctive musical voice. On the 125th anniversary of his birth, come and discover the evolution of his musical life and works, and his impact on music in America and beyond.
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Aaron Copland is most well known for orchestral works such as Fanfare for the Common Man and Appalachian Spring, and for his lectures and critical writing. We will explore these and more, from his development of a distinctive personal musical language and style, to his important legacy for music in the Americas.
What will we cover?
Copland’s formative years in New York and musical studies in Paris with Nadia Boulanger in the 1920s
His development of a personal compositional voice in the 1930s, and subsequent success as the leading American composer of the mid-20th century.
Important works from the jazz- and French-influenced 1920s and “populist” 1930s, film scores, songs, and later experiments with serial technique.
Copland’s work as a conductor, teacher, lecturer and writer.
Copland’s influence on the development of art music in the Americas in the 20th century.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Be familiar with Copland’s musical influences and career
Understand the key features of Copland’s musical language and style
Recognise and appreciate his most important works, from compositions to writings
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a beginners’ course. No prior knowledge of music or opera is assumed or expected. You will need to be able to follow written and verbal instructions and take part in class discussion in English, and to take your own notes. Any material in other languages will be accompanied by English translations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor presentation, guided listening and watching, class discussion. Course materials will be shared via Google Classroom, with recommendations to encourage further exploration after the course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please have a pen and notebook to make your own notes during class. You may wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class; links to these materials will be available after each session. You may also wish to attend live performances.
Trish trained as a violinist, singer and historical musicologist, with a specialism in music since 1900. She has worked variously as a university and college lecturer, choral conductor and arranger, and orchestral violinist, and has taught a wide range of subjects including choral singing and conducting, composition techniques, music theory, analysis and musicianship, music history, violin and chamber music. She has published and presented at conferences on French music (especially Ravel), and Australian music and cultural history. At City Lit, Trish currently teaches Orchestra workshop and short music history and theory courses. Her interests in the arts also include contemporary theatre, dance and visual arts.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/great-composers-aaron-copland2590491Great composers: Aaron Coplandhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/beethoven-an-introduction-to-his-music-md041b.jpg3939GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music history/Courses/vm/Great Works2285131413511363196112285131413511653<p>Aaron Copland was hailed in the 1930s as the first American composer with an authentic and distinctive musical voice. On the 125th anniversary of his birth, come and discover the evolution of his musical life and works, and his impact on music in America and beyond.</p>002590446Great composers: Aaron Copland3939https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/beethoven-an-introduction-to-his-music-md041b.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-04-01T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2026Performing artsMD701B3939Great composers: Aaron Copland393939Trish Shawgreat-composers-aaron-copland/md701b-2526<p>Aaron Copland was hailed in the 1930s as the first American composer with an authentic and distinctive musical voice. On the 125th anniversary of his birth, come and discover the evolution of his musical life and works, and his impact on music in America and beyond.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-01 00:00:00<p>Aaron Copland is most well known for orchestral works such as <em>Fanfare for the Common Man</em> and <em>Appalachian Spring</em>, and for his lectures and critical writing. We will explore these and more, from his development of a distinctive personal musical language and style, to his important legacy for music in the Americas.</p><p>Aaron Copland was hailed in the 1930s as the first American composer with an authentic and distinctive musical voice. On the 125th anniversary of his birth, come and discover the evolution of his musical life and works, and his impact on music in America and beyond.</p><ul><li>Copland’s formative years in New York and musical studies in Paris with Nadia Boulanger in the 1920s</li><li>His development of a personal compositional voice in the 1930s, and subsequent success as the leading American composer of the mid-20th century.</li><li>Important works from the jazz- and French-influenced 1920s and “populist” 1930s, film scores, songs, and later experiments with serial technique.</li><li>Copland’s work as a conductor, teacher, lecturer and writer.</li><li>Copland’s influence on the development of art music in the Americas in the 20th century. </li></ul><ul><li>Be familiar with Copland’s musical influences and career</li><li>Understand the key features of Copland’s musical language and style</li><li>Recognise and appreciate his most important works, from compositions to writings</li></ul><p>This is a beginners’ course. No prior knowledge of music or opera is assumed or expected. You will need to be able to follow written and verbal instructions and take part in class discussion in English, and to take your own notes. Any material in other languages will be accompanied by English translations.</p><p>Tutor presentation, guided listening and watching, class discussion. Course materials will be shared via Google Classroom, with recommendations to encourage further exploration after the course.</p><p>Please have a pen and notebook to make your own notes during class. You may wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class; links to these materials will be available after each session. You may also wish to attend live performances.</p><p>City Lit offers a wide range of <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history">Music history courses</a>. For more information, visit our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme">Guide to the Music history programme</a>. You may also be interested in courses on <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/search/go?w=american%20history">American history and culture</a>.</p>MusicMusic historyvirtual393939MD701BNONEWed01/04/2610:30 - 13:0010:3013:001 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetTrish ShawBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-04-01T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Performing arts3939Great composers: Aaron Coplandgreat-composers-aaron-copland/md701b-2526<p>Aaron Copland was hailed in the 1930s as the first American composer with an authentic and distinctive musical voice. On the 125th anniversary of his birth, come and discover the evolution of his musical life and works, and his impact on music in America and beyond.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-01 00:00:00<p>Aaron Copland is most well known for orchestral works such as <em>Fanfare for the Common Man</em> and <em>Appalachian Spring</em>, and for his lectures and critical writing. We will explore these and more, from his development of a distinctive personal musical language and style, to his important legacy for music in the Americas.</p><p>Aaron Copland was hailed in the 1930s as the first American composer with an authentic and distinctive musical voice. On the 125th anniversary of his birth, come and discover the evolution of his musical life and works, and his impact on music in America and beyond.</p><ul><li>Copland’s formative years in New York and musical studies in Paris with Nadia Boulanger in the 1920s</li><li>His development of a personal compositional voice in the 1930s, and subsequent success as the leading American composer of the mid-20th century.</li><li>Important works from the jazz- and French-influenced 1920s and “populist” 1930s, film scores, songs, and later experiments with serial technique.</li><li>Copland’s work as a conductor, teacher, lecturer and writer.</li><li>Copland’s influence on the development of art music in the Americas in the 20th century. </li></ul><ul><li>Be familiar with Copland’s musical influences and career</li><li>Understand the key features of Copland’s musical language and style</li><li>Recognise and appreciate his most important works, from compositions to writings</li></ul><p>This is a beginners’ course. No prior knowledge of music or opera is assumed or expected. You will need to be able to follow written and verbal instructions and take part in class discussion in English, and to take your own notes. Any material in other languages will be accompanied by English translations.</p><p>Tutor presentation, guided listening and watching, class discussion. Course materials will be shared via Google Classroom, with recommendations to encourage further exploration after the course.</p><p>Please have a pen and notebook to make your own notes during class. You may wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class; links to these materials will be available after each session. You may also wish to attend live performances.</p><p>City Lit offers a wide range of <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history">Music history courses</a>. For more information, visit our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme">Guide to the Music history programme</a>. You may also be interested in courses on <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/search/go?w=american%20history">American history and culture</a>.</p>MusicMusic historyconfigurable
13631351Music historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history1/2/285/1314/1351/13631/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music history
