Aaron Copland fact sheet for kids
A free printable fact sheet about Aaron Copland (1900 to 1990): quick facts, a short life story, three pieces to hear, and room to write and draw.
Aaron Copland lived from 1900 to 1990. Copland grew up above his family's store in Brooklyn. He studied in Paris and came home to write music that sounded American. He wrote ballets about cowboys and pioneers.
How to use this sheet
Read the story at the top out loud. Then play the first piece on the list. The line under each title says what to listen for. Tick the box when the piece ends.
Play the other two pieces on other days. One piece at a time is enough. At the end of the week, the child writes what they heard and draws a picture. Search the composer's name and the title on any streaming service or at a library.
For more on the life and the music, read our guide: Copland for kids.
Only the sheet below prints. It fits letter and A4 paper. For a clean page, turn off headers and footers in the print window.
Composer fact sheet
Aaron Copland
1900 to 1990 · United States · Modern era
Quick facts
Born: 1900, Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: 1990, Sleepy Hollow, New York, United States
Played: Piano
Era: Modern, about 1900 to 2000
The story in short
Copland grew up above his family's store in Brooklyn. He studied in Paris and came home to write music that sounded American. He wrote ballets about cowboys and pioneers.
A fact to remember
He used cowboy songs and folk tunes in his ballets.
Listen to these
Hoe-Down, from Rodeo
Fiddles race through a barn dance.
Fanfare for the Common Man
Drums boom, then trumpets call out.
Simple Gifts, from Appalachian Spring
A clarinet starts an old Shaker tune. More instruments join each time.
What I heard
Draw the music
Aaron Copland fact sheetkidsclassicalmusic.com
Goes well with
- Copland for kids: the full guide for parents
- All 24 composer fact sheets
- Composer timeline
- Composer study notebook page
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