CORTLANDT, New York (CNN) -- The rustic house overlooking the Hudson River where Aaron Copland, one of America's most famous composers, spent the final 30 years of his life is being used to inspire future generations of musicians.

Copland, who died in 1990, gave the name Rock Hill to the spacious 1940s era home north of New York City. His estate had planned to sell the home, but a group of musicians, history buffs and townspeople rallied together to find a different solution.

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Under a leasing arrangement involving the estate, the town of Cortlandt and the nonprofit Copland Heritage Association, Rock Hill is now a retreat where musicians can live and work in the ruggedly elegant house and its scenic 2.5-acre setting.

Allen Shearer, a singer and composer, is the first musician-in-residence to go to Rock Hill. He will spend six weeks there as one of seven musicians chosen from 125 applicants.

Reporter Deborah Feyerick contributed to this report.