Aaron Beck

Professor Emeritus of Musicology

After earning his PhD in musicology from Columbia University (and coaching high school basketball and working at FIAT USA), Aaron taught music history and appreciation at Lewis & Clark College for 29 years. He published broadly on medieval Italian music and literature, including his most recent essay “‘Miriam’s Timbrel’” in Music and Jewish Culture in Early Modern Italy. In addition, he wrote program notes for the Philadelphia Orchestra and concert reviews for the Oregonian newspaper. Aaron received numerous teaching awards during his career, including Lewis & Clark College Professor of the Year and Master Teacher of the American Musicological Society. 

News Stories

top story 

Professor Beck Wins Italian Citizenship for His Daughter

Aaron Beck, the James W. Rogers Professor of Music, is celebrating a great victory for his family and for civil rights everywhere.

points of pride 

Love Wins

Several faculty and staff members of the Music Department wore matching “Love Wins” t-shirts last month to support James W. Rogers Professor of Music Aaron Beck’s fight to win Italian citizenship for his daughter.

Arts & Humanities, arts, faculty, humanities, national distinction 

Beck named Master Teacher of musicology

(Portland, Ore.)—An inspiration to students and teachers alike, Professor of Music Aaron Beck strives to teach more than music history.