TEDx 2025

Presenting at TEDx Macatawa, 2025

Cracking the Code of Musical Symbolism, by Zach Tolan

In his TEDx talk, Zach Tolan uncovers how Bach and Beethoven used musical symbolism to embed hidden stories, prayers, and confessions inside their most famous works — and how this approach reveals a powerful new path for education. Zach calls it educational activation: teaching in ways that light up multiple parts of the brain at once, making learning unforgettable. His discoveries not only transform how we hear music, but also how we teach, learn, and create.

For those ready to go deeper, Zach’s virtual courses explore the symbolism of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, and Für Elise, offering students and educators alike the chance to step beyond knowledge into what he calls new-ledge.