{"type":"doc","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"text":"","type":"text"}]}]}

There are 88 keys on the piano, and each one plays a different note. But how did they choose those 88 notes and why did they stop there? Is that even something someone chooses? In this episode, Dr. Andy Fleser explains the history of one of the world’s most important instruments. 

Classically Training, Episode 2 – How did the notes on the piano get there?

Aerin O'Malley

In this episode, Dr. Andy Fleser explains the history of the piano, one of the world’s most important instruments.


Graphic for Classically Training podcast featuring head with treble clef inside

Two people have a conversation next to a piano

Classically Training

MPR 

YourClassical MPR

Classically Training: How did the notes on the piano get there?

Tom Crann is heard on YourClassical MPR from 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays. Prior to rejoining the classical team at MPR, Tom was the host of All Things Considered for MPR News from 2005 to 2025, where he interviewed a wide range of public figures, including Minnesota's members of congress, politicians, experts, writers, and artists. He anchored Minnesota Public Radio's award-winning live coverage of the 35W bridge collapse. He has hosted other special coverage for MPR News, including live coverage of election nights since 2012.  He has been a host, producer, and interviewer for Minnesota Public Radio since 1995.   His work on MPR News has been recognized with an Eric Severeid award, a regional Edward R. Murrow award, and a National Headliner award. He has also hosted the international cultural broadcasts "Sounds Irish" and "The Last Night of the Proms," a co-production with the BBC. Tom began his career at MPR/APM as a classical host in 1995. In addition to his work at Minnesota Public Radio, Crann has spent more than 20 years hosting and producing classical music and cultural programs at public radio stations around the U.S, and for RTE/Lyric FM in Ireland, where he is still a contributor.


Tom Crann

We pick the theme — you choose the variation by requesting a piece of music inspired by that theme.


tom crann headshot classical mpr credit chris mcduffie

Shows

Chris McDuffie for MPR

Make a request for Friday Favorites

 Join Tom Crann for Theme and Variations the first Friday of every month

Classically Training, Episode 1: What is classical music? Our curious host decides this is where her journey should begin but quickly learns that the answer may be harder to find. After consulting with folks on the street and an elementary music class, she decides to get some help from conductor Bill Eddins.

Classically Training, Episode 1: What is classical music?

Our curious host quickly learns that the answer may be harder to find.


Two people smile and have a conversation in a recording studio

Classically Training: What is classical music?

Classical music can feel intimidating. The jargon, history, and virtuosity make the genre feel like an exclusive club. Classically Training is a new video podcast for folks who are curious about classical music and need a place to start. In this podcast from YourClassical MPR, follow your eager host, Aerin O'Malley, on her own journey to classically train. In each episode, Aerin brings her burning questions to classical music experts to try and get some answers. Follow along for a season of curiosity, discovery, great teachers, and music. The first episode drops Monday, Sept. 8, 2025.

Classically Training: Podcast Trailer

Classically Training is a new video podcast for folks who are curious about classical music and need a place to start. 


A grand piano rests by a window in a recording studio

Coming September 8: Classically Training

Pipedreams® 

APM/MPR

SymphonyCast® 

Where classical music is always arriving, with host Steve Seel. Listen live at 10 p.m. central every Wednesday on YourClassical Radio.


Extra Eclectic

Hear audio from Minnesota Orchestra concerts for 30 days after YourClassical MPR’s broadcasts and read more about the orchestra’s activities.


Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment logo

Minnesota Orchestra

Since 2000, Fred Child has been the host of Performance Today, the most-listened-to classical music radio show in America. He also is the commentator and announcer for Live From Lincoln Center, the only live performing arts series on television. He also hosts musical events on stages around the country, working with major orchestras and festivals, and connecting with audiences coast to coast.


Host

Fred Child

Kathryn Slusher is the senior producer of Performance Today, where she leads programming and production for the show. In her spare time, she enjoys the vibrant Twin Cities music and theater scene, and loves to read, hike and spend time with her family.


Senior Producer

Kathryn Slusher

As a Producer for Performance Today, Meghann chooses music to broadcast on the show, writes web articles and scripts, facilitates, conducts and edits interviews, creates video content and manages PT’s social media pages. She created Performance Today’s Black History Spotlight Series and the My Name is Series to highlight Black classical musicians. Meghann is also the producer for the PT Young Artist in Residence Series. In her free time, she is a mom, a part-time actress and fashion lover.

Meghann also created and hosted “Wondrous Strange”, a national radio program about uncommon musical instruments, she is the official underwriting voice for ‘The New York Times’ The Daily, and she can occasionally be heard guest-hosting Performance Today.


Producer

Meghann Oglesby

As an Associate Producer for Performance Today, Kathleen Bradbury writes scripts and assists with external communications. In her spare time, she likes to read fiction, lift heavy weights at the gym, and frolic about in nature. But above all else, Kathleen loves to sing Broadway showtunes--much to the delight of her wife, her infant son, and her rescue dog.


Kathleen Bradbury

Jon Gohman is an associate producer for Performance Today. He is responsible for various behind-the-scenes functions, including liaising with artists and creating materials for national distribution. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, playing the guitar, and thinking about Langrange points.


Associate Producer

Jon Gohman

Craig Thorson is the Technical Director for Performance Today. In addition to mastering the live music recordings that are programmed for each daily program, he records guest performances and interviews. Craig enjoys skiing, tennis, and bicycling, and boating.


Technical Director

Craig Thorson

Jeanne Barron is the technical producer of Performance Today.


Technical Producer

Jeanne Barron

Performance Today

Performance Today® 

Exploring the best in film music, with host Lynne Warfel. Listen live at 10 a.m. central every Saturday on YourClassical Radio — now 2 hours! And be sure to follow us on Letterboxd!
