Theodore Norman; Classical Guitar Pioneer, Teacher

Theodore Norman, 85, a composer, teacher and former first-chair violinist for the Los Angeles Philharmonic who adapted the modern 12-tone approach to writing music for the classical guitar. Norman headed the UCLA guitar department from 1967 until this year, and continued to compose almost until his death. He developed a system for the blind to read music, transcribed dozens of works for the guitar and worked with such composers as Arnold Schoenberg and Igor Stravinsky. Norman, who studied under guitar master Andres Segovia, wrote more than 20 books. On May 29 in Los Angeles.