Classical Basics

Have you ever wondered why the conductor uses a baton? The answer might surprise you.

Is there a more expressive or versatile instrument than the violin? Have a listen to the evidence, and you’ll see why it’s the best instrument ever.

We recently offered a playlist of 10 great choral works, and listeners responded with their own choices. Here are some of their favorites.

Introduce basic musical concepts to a kid — or yourself — with Class Notes.

School is back in session, and maybe your student has joined the band. You might be thinking ‘76 Trombones’ or ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’ — but let’s go beyond those warhorses and learn about these 13 great works for concert band.

We asked listeners to tell us their favorite film scores. Dim the lights, grab some popcorn and read on for their top 25 selections in movie music.

Is the recorder the best instrument ever? Find out the many ways the recorder is not only a classical instrument but has planted itself firmly within pop culture.

We asked listeners to tell us their favorite chamber music pieces. Here are the top 20 vote-getters.

Concert band is a large part of classical music, yet many composers don't get the recognition they deserve for contributing to the genre. Here are 10 band composers you should know — besides the March King, John Philip Sousa.

John Williams created the most recognizable musical universe ever to accompany a motion picture when he composed the music for the 'Star Wars' films. But what classical compositions influenced the great film composer?