Presentation of Learning: Music Composers Throughout the Centuries

A supremely accomplished pianist, fifth-grade iLEAD Exploration Learner, Leonardo Dinner, wanted to learn about composers through history, especially those important to those who play the piano. He decided to study the four major eras of classical music, beginning with the Baroque period (1600) to the contemporary period and to learn more about the history and life of important composers. Leo also delved into complex musical theory and composition in order to understand the harmonic structure of the pieces.

As he proceeded through this project, Leo enjoyed reading composer biographies, learning about the history of Europe, and corresponding with living composers and professors. Completing this project has allowed Leo to not only expand his knowledge of the musical world but also bring depth and maturity to his playing. 

When faced with the challenges of the pandemic years, Leo found other creative ways to expand his experience with music. He furthered his understanding of Bach’s music by learning several fugues which is one of the most advanced types of music in the piano canon. Fugues often have three or more voices, which is challenging for a piano player with only two hands to perform. Leo also decided to expand his piano repertoire with Scarlatti, Chopin, Schubert, Beethoven, and (Samuel) Barber.  He created a collection of information for the different periods of Classical Music to teach his fellow co-op friends.  The collection was a hit and he followed up with an in-depth study on additional composers. He also pushed himself to learn advanced theory, passing California’s Certificate of Merit, level 9 this year.

In spring 2020 when he was in third grade, Leo had just won the MTAC Concerto Competition, and was preparing to perform as a soloist with the La Mirada Symphony. With the recent ebbing of infection rates, the La Mirada Symphony has decided to resume its performance season and Leo will be one of the student soloists performing on May 22. Leo and his family invite the school community to join them for the free concert.

Resources:

Composers worksheets from Leo’s project

Squilt Music Appreciation (iLEAD Vendor)