The University of Iowa’s Division of Performing Arts was founded in 2000 and is turning 20 years old this year. The Division consists of the School of Music and the departments of Theatre Arts and Dance. The Division is well-known for encouraging creative minds and contributing new compositions to the music world.
Preucil School of Music was founded in 1975 and turns 45 this year. Preucil is a non-profit learning organization that follows the The Suzuki Method of teaching. The Suzuki Method was created by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki as a way to teach children—or anyone who wants to begin learning a musical “language”—and puts importance on principles such as repetition, learning with other children, and encouragement.
Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer who unarguably impacted the face of western music. Beethoven was born in 1770 and the world of music celebrates his 250th birthday this year. His most famous compositions include his nine symphonies, the most famous of which are the Fifth and Ninth Symphonies. He started losing his hearing in his late twenties and was completely deaf by the time he was 46 years old. He wrote several of his most beloved works after he became deaf, including his Ninth Symphony.
… For two years I have avoided almost all social gatherings because it is impossible for me to say to people “I am deaf.” If I belonged to any other profession it would be easier, but in my profession it is a frightful state…