The secret language of music: How genius is made | Zach Tolan | TEDxMacatawa
Music educator Zach Tolan reveals the hidden language embedded in classical masterpieces—from Bach encoding the dimensions of Noah's Ark note-by-note to Pachelbel spelling "covenant" in violin strings. By uncovering how Beethoven learned music through storytelling rather than mere technical study, he demonstrates that the "Jaws" theme means danger, arpeggios mean angels, and even deafness couldn't stop Beethoven from adding sign language gestures to his compositions. Zach Tolan is the author of the Kids Piano book series and inventor of a patented music notation system for kids. His discoveries in the musical symbolism of Bach and Beethoven are reshaping how we teach, interpret, and experience classical music. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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