Classical 101

Ever wonder what exactly is an Overture? Or what a daily life of a chamber musician is like?

Explore all things Classical, from in-depth looks into the details of Classical music to inspiring interviews with some of the best musicians today.

Listen to the episodes below and use the activity sheets to deepen your understanding.

Activity Sheets

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Genre

As you listen to the episode, take notes on the characteristic of the genre, as well as what is interesting to you about this kind of music. With your notes, write a description of what the music would be like if you were to compose a piece in that genre!

Teachers/Parents:
Whether the student has experience in music or not, this activity encourages the student to apply themselves creatively and musically, linking together what they learned with their own ideas and inspiration – the very first steps of composition! The activity also unveils the mystery or barrier of how music is written by showing that a mix of theory, tradition, and personal creativity is how music comes together.

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Masterclass

As you listen to our greatest musicians tell their stories, take note on what you think makes them successful. You will then consider your own journey – what are your passions, and how are you pursuing your dreams? Are there any similarities between you and the musician?

Teachers/Parents:
This is an activity of personal reflection and development. Students will hear stories and insight from successful musicians, and consider their own passions, whether it is music or not. By extracting the qualities that might make the musician the best in their field, the student will recognize successful traits they might already share or might want to adapt. 
 

Episodes

  • What does a conductor do?

    What does a conductor do?

    Episode 10 December 17, 2019

    Waving a baton is just a small part of being a conductor. Michelle Merrill tells what it's like to prepare a concert with an orchestra, from the year before to the downbeat of the concert.
  • What is a Symphonic Poem?

    What is a Symphonic Poem?

    Episode 8 November 19, 2019

    Discover one of the more colorful genres of classical music, the Symphonic Poem, which can depict animals, landscape, literature, and even football players!
  • The Abeo Quartet performs Moonshot

    The Abeo Quartet performs Moonshot

    Episode 6 October 22, 2019

    The Abeo Quartet performs Moonshot, a new work by Alistair Coleman. Alistair talks about the inspiration for this piece, and after the performance, we talk with the quartet about putting this piece together, new playing techniques, and space travel!
  • Kian Soltani, cellist, talks tempo, karate, and his debut album "Home"

    Kian Soltani, cellist, talks tempo, karate, and his debut album "Home"

    Episode 5 October 8, 2019

    Kian talks about bringing people together in music, changing tempos, karate, and more. He is one of today's most celebrated young cellists and has risen the ranks as one of today's great cello soloists. His collaboration with conductor Daniel Barenboim has taken him around the world, he's performed with some of the worlds greatest orchestras. and records for Deutsche Grammophon.
  • What is a Symphony? Part 1

    What is a Symphony? Part 1

    Episode 4 September 24, 2019

    The Symphony has been one of classical music's biggest genres. But, have you ever wondered what makes a symphony, a symphony? The origins take us back to the 17th century with symphonies that lasted only a few minutes, and we explore its development up to Beethoven's blockbuster Symphony No. 9.
  • How does a composer actually write music?

    How does a composer actually write music?

    Episode 1 September 10, 2019

    Mozart and Beethoven were genius composers, but they wrote music very differently. Renowned composer from Washington, Alistair Coleman, tells us what made Beethoven and Mozart different and describes his own music writing process.
  • Wu Han, pianist and cultural entrepreneur

    Wu Han, pianist and cultural entrepreneur

    Episode 2 September 10, 2019

    She might be the busiest chamber musician in the United States. Wu Han is in charge of several music festivals worldwide, has an intense performing schedule, and manages a record label. In this episode, she tells us about her early musical inspirations in Taiwan, how tragedy led her to another career path, where chamber music is headed, and even how to fix wardrobe malfunctions with a stapler.