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Cited as “the most influential teacher since Socrates,” Nadia Boulanger (1887-1979) taught and nurtured generations of young musicians throughout her adult life. Among renowned American composers whom she mentored are Aaron Copland, Elliott Carter, Quincy Jones, and Philip Glass. Who was this extraordinary woman who witnessed two world wars and distinguished herself as a legendary pedagogue? What were her teaching methods? How did a Parisienne guide and shape the career trajectories of so many American composers and musicians? This class will explore these questions and many more. In addition to examining history and identifying Boulanger's impact on the current state of musical composition, our course will initiate an oral history project to capture the accounts of the last generation of musicians to work directly with Boulanger toward preserving her legacy.