The Great Teacher
Nadia
Boulanger
When?
September 16 1887
October 22 1979, age 92
Where?
Paris, France
Boulanger was a
Modern
composer.
Nadia Boulanger didn’t just compose music, she helped other composers write their own great music. Students from all over the world came to Paris to study with her.
Boulanger helped lead the way for other women musicians. She was the first woman to conduct several major orchestras. During this time, women weren't given opportunities like this, so she was a real rock star!
Some of the greatest American composers of all time studied with Boulanger. She helped create the American Classical music sound. So be nice to your teacher. They may be helping shape you into a great musician!
Boulanger helped shape not just classical music, but other styles too, including film scoring, jazz and popular music and modern and minimalist styles!
She would tell her students, “Know the rules before you break them” and “Respect tradition, but find your own voice.” In both ways she was telling her students to study music of the past before you create your own.
Fun Facts
Both Maestros
Listen up!
One student said, “Nadia didn’t just teach me music. She taught me how to listen.”
Both Maestros
Um…Because?
Boulanger was known for asking her students a simple but difficult question: “Why?” She wanted them to have a reason for every note they wrote!
Both Maestros
Tango, Anyone?
One of Boulanger’s students, Astor Piazzolla told her he wanted to give up his Argentine roots and write classical music. Boulanger told him, “Your tango is your truth.” Lucky for us, he listened to his teacher and created a new kind of tango, using jazz, classical and Argentine styles!
