Leonard Bernstein

Leonard Bernstein was one of the greatest American musicians of the 1900s. He led big orchestras and wrote songs for plays and movies. He is best known for the music in West Side Story. He also taught kids about music on television.

Early Life

Leonard was born in Massachusetts in 1918. His family gave him a piano when he was 10 years old. He loved it right away and played every day. He went to Harvard University to study music.

The handwritten signature of composer Leonard Bernstein.
The handwritten signature of composer Leonard Bernstein. (Leonard Bernstein / Wikimedia Commons)

His Famous Music

Bernstein became the conductor of the New York Philharmonic. He wrote music for Broadway shows like West Side Story and On the Town. He also made TV shows called Young People's Concerts. These shows helped children all over the country learn to love music.

Fun Facts

  • He wrote the hit song America from West Side Story.
  • He won many Grammy Awards and Emmy Awards for his work.
  • He sometimes jumped so high while conducting that he almost fell off the stage.

Did You Know?

Leonard Bernstein was the first American-born conductor to lead a major American orchestra full-time.