Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was a German composer, and arguably the most famous of all classical composers on Earth. Beethoven is noted for continuing to compose works even after becoming completely deaf.

The Doctor claimed to have learned how to play the organ (or possibly keyboard instruments in general) from Beethoven, suggesting the two may have met at some point. (DW: The Lazarus Experiment) After the two were abducted by Momus for a dinner party, the Doctor remarked to Beethoven that he loved his Fifth. (WC: The Lonely Computer)

In an unconfirmed incident at the Royal Albert Hall, the Doctor claimed to have once asked Beethoven if he could "rattle off a tune," to which Beethoven reportedly replied, "Pardon?" (DW: Music of the Spheres)
 * The canonicity of Music of the Spheres is uncertain.