Blumenfeld, Aaron

American educator, composer, and cantor. Attended New York University (music education), Juilliard School (Double bass and composition). Graduated from Rutgers University (music composition), in 1962 (B.A.), and 1974 (M.A.). Taught music hebrew in schools, conducted choral groups, and is teaching music improvisation at UC-Berkeley's Extension Division. His compositions were mostly performed in the S.F. Bay Area.

From the description of Aaron Blumenfeld papers, 1958-[ongoing] (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 80856110

Composer and teacher.

From the description of Aaron Blumenfeld musical scores and tapes, 1990. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 71129834

Biography

Aaron Blumenfeld was born in Newark, N.J. on April 18, 1932. His father was a noted scholar and author on Jewish jurisprudence and a rabbi. He attended New York University (1950-52) and received a teaching certificate. Blumenfeld attended Juilliard School of Music from 1952 to 1954, first studying double bass, and later composition with Bernard Wagenaar. In 1962 and 1974, he received a B.A. and a M.A. in music composition from Rutgers University, where he studied with Robert Moevs. He attended Yeshiva University in 1967, and the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1968 for studies in Cantorial music.

Blumenfeld taught music, hebrew, and religion in various schools between 1956 and 1971 in New Jersey. He also conducted synagogue choirs and played the organ. During his sojourn in Israel (1974-77), he taught jazz piano at the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem and performed in many concerts. He has taught piano improvisation at the University of California, Berkeley Extension Division since 1979.

Blumenfeld wrote instrumental and vocal music. He wrote Jewish music such as his Holocaust Memorial Cantata, as well as classical genres such as piano concertos, piano solo music, chamber music, and songs. He authored a music theory book, A New Perspective on Twelve Tone Harmony.

Blumenfeld and his wife Barbara make their home in Richmond, California. They have three married children, and eight grandchildren.

From the guide to the Aaron Blumenfeld Papers, 1958-[ongoing], (The Music Library)