Paul Hindemith, born in 1895 in Germany, was a composer, violist, teacher, and theorist. He is often associated with the neoclassical style of music, with a focus on clear structures and contrapuntal techniques. Some synonyms for Hindemith might include "composer," "violist," "pedagogue," "theorist," "modernist," and "innovator." His music often incorporated elements of folk songs and dances, and his compositions range from solo pieces to orchestral works and operas. Hindemith was also an important music educator, having taught at institutions such as Yale University and the University of Chicago. While his music may not be as well-known as some of his contemporaries, Hindemith's contributions to 20th-century classical music are significant and lasting.