Online Learning Resources
The web offers countless resources for learning more about classical music. Here is our guide to the best of the best....for kids, adults and those who want to dive really deep.
For Adults - In-depth
American Mavericks: MTT and the SF Symphony
This radio series was produced by American Public Media in conjunction with the San Francisco Symphony’s American Mavericks festival in 2003. The 13 episodes (hosted by Suzanne Vega) are available for streaming. There is also a Listening Room, with streaming in-depth interviews with numerous composers and performers, both recent and historical. Video of some maverick performances is also available on the site.
For Kids, Parents and Teachers
BBC Music Learning
A puzzling path of links to the the great musical content featured on BBC Radio and TV, on all genres of music. Find specials on composers and musicians, history, artist blogs, song clips, and more. The Parent's Room provides advice on engaging children in music. Keep clicking, because the road to discovery is endless.
For Adults - In-depth
Boston Symphony Orchestra Concert Companion
A series of audio/video presentations on various themes or figures from the BSO season. Notable feature subjects: Elliot Carter’s Centenary, William Bolcom, Seiji Ozawa.
For Kids, Parents and Teachers
Broadway Musical Home
For the wanna be Broadway star in your home. Click into each of the show pages for everything you'd ever want to know about a specific production. Full production credits, lists of all musical numbers with links for download, a synopsis, links to videos, merchandise and even ticket sales.
For Adults - In-depth
Carnegie Hall Interactive Performance Guides
These in-depth guides effectively allow you to create your own master class with pianist Leon Fleischer and the Emerson String Quartet. Useful for musicians as well as serious listeners who wish to watch and listen, while reviewing musical scores for Schubert’s late piano sonatas and Bartok’s string quartets.
For Kids, Parents and Teachers
Carnegie Hall Listening Adventures
Learn about sound, music notation, text, and instruments in a fun, interactive exploration of musical repertoire. Although designed primarily for those aged 6-12, these engaging games allow both kids and adults to experience great music while learning music concepts in a stimulating environment.
For Adults - In-depth
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Radio Archive
Complete CSO radio broadcasts are available for streaming for six weeks following their air date. Artist interviews and other audio features from the programs continue to be available from their archives at: Listen and Watch. Their main radio page can be found here.
For Kids, Parents and Teachers
Christmas Songs: All Your Favorite Music
For the kid in all of us at Christmas. This site offers Christmas song lyrics, sheet music, and online trivia quizzes. Research the best Christmas CDs by classical, jazz and pop artists.
For Adults - General
Classical Archives
A repository of thousands of midi sound files of great classical works. While the synthesized sound is less than desirable, this is a good resource for "naming that tune"--learning and identifying repertoire. Some fees apply after a trial period.
For Kids, Parents and Teachers
Classical Chops
An interactive site enabling teen participation in classical music. Learning resources include videos of artists, and an opportunity to ask them questions, post your own videos or chat on the discussion board. Created by the Creative Kids Education Foundation and Classical KUSC Radio.
