Composers Corner: Claude Debussy

Claude Debussy (August 22, 1862 - March 25, 1918) was born to a poor family and lived just outside of Parid, where his parents owned a china shop. He was the oldest of five children. Although his family was not musical, Claude was given the opportunity to take piano lessons when he was 7 years old. He was so talented that he was admitted to the famous Paris Conservatory when he was only 10 years old.

He went to school there for the next 10 years, winning prizes for his piano playing. He was a very talented pianist and could have made that his career. However, he became more interested in composing music. He was excited to try new ideas, but his teachers sometimes thought they were too strange.

After finishing school Debussy studied in Italy and also went on trips across Europe and into Russia. He carefully listened to the music of the countries he visited. He studied and learned about the different sounds, scales, and styles used in various parts of the world.

Debussy lived and worked in Paris until his death in 1918. He had one daughter named Claude-Emma. Her nickname was Chou-chou. He dedicated a musical suite to her called "Children's Corner".