Classical Classroom

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There is a rumor going around that classical music is hoity toity. At Classical Classroom, we beg to differ. Come learn with classical music newbie Dacia Clay and the music experts she invites into the Classical Classroom.

Dacia Clay


    • Jul 28, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 285 EPISODES

    Listeners of Classical Classroom that love the show mention: classical music, dacia, beethoven, love classical, music world, funny and charming, composers, clay, opera, classroom, great for anyone, novice, learned something, houston, music podcast, please keep them coming, great music, entertaining and educational, something new every, appreciation.



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    Latest episodes from Classical Classroom

    Classical Classroom Episode 220: Cello, Is It Me You're Looking For? with Joel Dallow

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2021


    Some musicians slide right into a symphony orchestra position like [insert image of smiling child on slide]. Joel Dallow is not one of those musicians. It took him five years of intense work (on top of all of the work he'd already done as a student at the Peabody Conservatory and as a freelancer, etc., etc.,) to get the position he's occupied in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra cello section for 22 years. And now, he's on the other side of that audition table as part of the panel judging would-be orchestra members. Which makes him the perfect teacher for cellists who aim to play with a symphony. And that's exactly what he does as the Cello Sherpa, and on his podcast. In this episode, Joel breaks it all down for us: what it's like to be on both sides of the audition table, what the audition process really entails, and what judges are listening for.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 219: Arranged and Deranged with Joe Burgstaller

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2021 48:02


    Joe Burgstaller may seem like a perfectly normal guy who just happens to have been playing trumpet since he emerged from the womb. But do not be fooled, dear listener. Something is clearly amiss. (See: Joe's music videos, particularly the video we talk about in this episode which took 26 trips through a car wash to get juuust right.) Perhaps it's all of the lip pursing. Or maybe there's something in the brass? Whatever it is has given him a case of hyper-creativity. In this episode, Joe teaches all about arranging music--a creative feat that requires you to commune with dead composers across time.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 218: Peter Dugan on the Magic of Collaboration

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2021 57:12


    When pianist Peter Dugan performed on NPR's From the Top at the age of 18, he had no idea that he would one day host the show. In this episode, Peter talks about how he came to be at the helm of a show that's been going for 25 years juuust before a pandemic began. He also teaches us about love, the magic the binds the molecules of music together. And he illustrates how collaborations between musicians have created that magic throughout history, and on From the Top, even in a global pandemic.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 217: A Brassy, Classy, Yuletide Concert

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2020 43:29


    Ginger Turner is--excuse us--a brassy broad. She was in the Army and the US Army's Field Band for 27 years. So when it came time to put on the annual Holiday Brass Concert for the International Women's Brass Conference (IWBC) during the pandemic, she did not shrink away from the challenge. She leaned right into it. And what resulted was pure, live, holiday magic. Learn about Ginger, the IWBC, and the feats of strength it took to put on a beautiful Christmas concert *safely* during COVID. And how you can watch it!  

    Classical Classroom, Episode 216: Merry Melodica Men-mas!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2020 40:51


    We hope that yule enjoy this holiday-ish show with Tristan Clarke, one half of YouTube sensation, the Melodica Men. In this episode, learn how two Juilliard- and Peabody-trained brass musicians took a detour from their traditional classical music work to play toy instruments on street corners, how they blew up the internet with an 89-second version of "The Rite of Spring," and why they are completely mesmerizing to watch. Also, learn how they distilled "The Nutcracker Suite" down to around 2 minutes of pure Christmas magic.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 215: Très Bien! Stéphane Denève Teaches the History of French Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 71:45


    Conductor and music director Stéphane Denève is a busy guy. He's got at least four jobs on two different continents. But thanks (?) to the pandemic, we caught him sitting still for long enough to teach us the ENTIRE HISTORY of French classical music! He starts at the very beginning with chant, and goes all the way through to contemporary composers. Learn about the pivotal moments in French music history, hear its evolution in musical examples, and learn what defines it--all from one of its biggest fans. Oh! And hear him sing up and down the solfege scale so fast it will make you say, "oui!" (Seriously. It's unreal.)

    Classical Classroom, Episode 214: The Harp Will Go On with Yolanda Kondonassis

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2020 45:58


    When it comes to the harp, Yolanda Kondonassis is kind of a big deal. She’s literally written the book on the topic. In this episode, she teaches all about the history of the harp, describes the different kinds of harp, its mechanics, its repertoire, and about harp music being written today. She also tells the story of her personal history with the harp and how those first few plucks altered her life FOREVAH!

    Classical Classroom, Episode 213: Orli Shaham Talks Piano (Man)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2020 34:05


    The piano. A seemingly normal instrument. But where did it come from, and how did it get here? Is it a percussion or a string instrument? Is it safe for young people, or will it influence your child to become interested in (gasp!) music, like it did one Orli Shaham? In this episode, Shaham describes how she was helplessly lured by the piano, as well as how this instrument wound up in peoples' homes. She also talks about its repertoire, and how your child can start playing. Listen at your own peril.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 212: All Together Now with Lisa Bielawa

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2020 42:07


    Composer, producer, and vocalist Lisa Bielawa wants you for her project, Broadcast from Home! She's often incorporated community-making and experimental elements into her compositional work, but this project is next level: each week during the pandemic, Bielawa is creating a "chapter"--a piece of music--based on the written and recorded submissions she gets from people all around the globe about their current experience. In this interview, Lisa teaches about other music made in times of plague, and talks about her crazy-ambitious creative process for Broadcast from Home, as well as how you can be a part of it!

    Classical Classroom, Episode 211: Music for (Sacred) Space with Michael Whalen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2020 33:22


    Have you ever wondered what the atmosphere of a space sounds like? Well look no further! In this episode, Emmy Award winning film and TV composer Michael Whalen teaches all about the history of ambient music. He talks about its classical music roots, how circuits and tape collages and German composers had a part in its evolution, and how Brian Eno changed everything. He also talks about his own new album of music for sacred spaces.  

    Classical Classroom, Episode 210: Derek Bermel on Travels with Bartok

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2020 18:23


    Academy Award-winning composer and clarinetist Derek Bermel does a lot of traveling, soaking up the musical traditions as he goes. His recent album, Migrations, received a Grammy nomination in the Best Contemporary Classical Composition category. In this episode, Bermel teaches about composer Bela Bartok who inspired one of the pieces on the album. Bartok moved from his native Hungary to New York City at the outset of World War II, and while a lot of great music came out of his journey, his is also a really human story about being a stranger in a strange land. Bermel also talks about the migration of his own European Jewish family and how it influenced his work.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 209: Alexander Pushkin in Opera, Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2020 37:51


    Dramaturg and Seattle Opera Podcast host, Jonathan Dean has come back to the Classroom for this epic two-episode series about the bazillion operas based on the writing of the Russian author Alexander Pushkin. In part one, we talked all about who Pushkin was, painting a word picture of what a major impact his work had on...everything. In part two, learn about just some of the operas that Pushkin's work inspired!  Also, please keep yourselves safe, and support your local arts organizations as you are able. They love you and so do we!

    Classical Classroom, Episode 208: Alexander Pushkin in Opera, Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2020 19:09


    Weeell, we figured that right about now would be a great time to put out some new episodes of the podcast. We hope that all of you out there in the weirdness are staying nice and safe and quarantined, and that these episodes will be a tiny ray of indoor sunshine for you all. Dramaturg and Seattle Opera Podcast host, Jonathan Dean has come back to the Classroom for this epic two-episode series about the bazillion operas based on the writing of the Russian author Alexander Pushkin. Even though Pushkin died in his early 30s, he was massively, hugely influential. We're talking Shakespeare level. His writing not only solidified the Russian voice and inspired other writers, it inspired lots of other art, including so much opera. In this first episode, we talk about who, what, where, and when Pushkin was (setting the stage for episode 2, which is about just some of the operas his stories inspired). Just a note: We recorded this two-episode series well before any pandemics happened, when the Opera was still putting on live shows with audiences and planning for the season to come. There are some Seattle Opera events that Jon alludes to that are no longer happening, though I'm guessing that you could figure that out! Also, though we say this in the episode, it bears repeating: it's SO IMPORTANT to support your local arts organizations right now. Don't ask for ticket refunds, donate if you can, buy merch! Okayloveyoubye!

    Classical Classroom, Episode 207: Rachel Barton Pine Gets Folksy with Dvorak and Khachaturian

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2020 36:10


    Violinist and Classical Classroom mascot Rachel Barton Pine is back to teach all about the violin concertos of Czech composer Antonin Dvorak and Soviet-Armenian Aram Khachaturian. Learn about their lives and music! Get lost with Dvorak in New York City! Hear about Khachaturian becoming a new father! Find out who threw shade at Dvorak and mucked up his whole concerto composing process, and how Khachaturian wrote his concerto in a blissed-out creative flurry. Also, learn about what makes "folk music" folksy and other music...not. 

    Classical Classroom, Episode 33: Cracking “The Nutcracker” with Michael Remson and Shelly Power (RERUN)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2019 40:11


    No tickets to see The Nutcracker this year? No problem! Experience basically almost the entire thing in this episode from the Classroom Wayback Machine with musical expert Michael Remson (San Diego Youth Symphony, formerly of AFA) and dance expert Shelly Power (Pennsylvania Ballet, formerly of Houston Ballet Academy). Hear the music and the story and learn all about the history of dance and behind the scenes tricks of the trade as you listen. It's like four levels of entertainment at once. Just like Tchaikovsky intended*.    *We assume.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 206: John Luther Adams Walks Through "Become Desert"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2019 38:27


    With Become Desert, composer John Luther Adams is done "Become"-ing (learn why in this episode). First, there was the Pulitzer- and Grammy-winning Become Ocean. Then, there was Become River. Finally, in 2019, Adams put his feet on solid ground, in a terrain he's much more comfortable with. And now there's Become Desert. Here, Adams talks about what the deceptively simple pieces of the Become trilogy are, both musically and conceptually, about Desert in particular, and about why music > politics will ever be at saving the world.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 205: Nicholas McGegan on Rameau and Music that Stands the Test of Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2019 17:07


    Conductor Nicholas McGegan, of San Francisco Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra fame (and so much more) is an expert in conducting Baroque music. To some of us at the podcast, this sounds as obscure as being a modern day village cobbler or ironing one's hair with an actual iron. But in this episode, McGegan explains his love for this music and why it - and other kinds of music - will continue to be relevant for centuries to come. He illustrates his point by teaching about an opera by the composer Rameau with a snarky text (aka, libretto) by Voltaire which is still making audiences laugh today. Ch-check it out. All music in this episode from Rameau: Le Temple de la Gloire, released July 2018 on Philharmania Baroque Productions.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 204: A Peculiar Harry Partch Primer, with John Schneider

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2019 35:58


    Guitarist John Schneider is clearly obsessed. In the best, passionate-music-geek kind of way. And the thing is that the object of his obsession - Harry Partch and his work - just engenders that kind of response in people. It probably comes from the fact that Partch himself who was monomaniacally focused: he was so absorbed with the idea that music should be more than just the traditional twelve notes that he invented new musical notation, new notes, new instruments to play said notes, and new music for those instruments. In this episode, John Schneider of the Grammy award-winning PARTCH Ensemble teaches all about the adventurous life and obsessions of Harry Partch, and talks about the PARTCH Ensemble's latest release, Sonata Dementia. Music in this episode:  

    Classical Classroom Special Assembly with Itzhak Perlman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2019 32:47


    Going to class is a major part of being a classical musician. But have you heard of a "master class"? One student at a time gets up and performs a piece in front of a class, and then the "master" leading the class critiques said performance. Sounds nerve-wracking (read: ...like the stuff of nightmares) to us. Gather 'round for this special assembly in which Classroom's first substitute teacher, Maggie Molloy, talks to Maestro Itzhak Perlman about the history and importance of the master class, and how his new addition to the MasterClass online series makes it possible for even those of us not attending conservatory to take a class from him.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 203: Jason Vieaux and Jonathan Leshnoff, Musical Frontiersmen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2019 23:54


    Jason Vieaux is not just a Grammy-winning classical guitarist - he's a pioneer, taking on new works that have never been performed or recorded before, like those of composer Jonathan Leshnoff. Leshnoff is an adventurer, too, writing virtuosic material for instruments he's never played, like the guitar. Find out how these fearless frontiersman find the fortitude to forge foreign... uh...how they make and play brand new stuff. The end.  Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough. 

    Classical Classroom, Ep 137: Summer Music – Music Academy Of The West! The Second Nature Of Matthew Aucoin (Rerun)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2019 24:59


    In our second annual Classical Classroom Summer Music Festival Series, we hit the (sound)waves at the Music Academy of the West in sunny Santa Barbara, California! The third installment of our MAW series features composer, conductor, and pianist, Matthew Aucoin. Aucoin is a resident at that Music Academy of the West, and a sort of serial residentialist elsewhere (like the Peabody Essex Museum and soon, the Los Angeles Opera). He talks about what a “residency” is, and how it informs a composer’s creative process; plus, he gives us a sample of what he’s been busy creating while at the Music Academy. Music in this episode: Selections from Matthew Aucoin’s Second Nature, performed at the Music Academy of the West Audio production by Todd “The Bartered Todd” Hulslander with pirouettes by Dacia Clay and assistance from Mark DiClaudio. Thanks to the Music Academy for their help with this series, and special thanks to Kate Oberjat (oh-bur-yacht) without whom this series simply would not. Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough. 

    Classical Classroom, Episode 202: It Was All New Music Once, with Richard Scerbo and David Alan Miller

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2019 40:26


    There's a reason that great works in classical music have stuck around for so long. Once upon a time, it was all music composed by  groundbreaking artists, churning out new sounds and ideas never heard before. But at some point, it's like someone somewhere decided that the canon was complete. Why? In this episode, National Orchestral Institute director Richard Scerbo and recent GRAMMY nominee/past winner David Alan Miller (Albany Symphony Music Director) talk about the groundbreaking composers of the past and present.   Music in this episode:     Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough. 

    Classical Classroom, Episode 75: The Democracy of Chamber Music with Cantus (Rerun)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2019 31:41


    One of the distinguishing characteristics of chamber music is its inherent “democracy” – each part is of equal importance. Aaron Humble and Paul Rudoi of the Cantus Vocal Ensemble explain how it works when everyone involved in making the music is a special snowflake. Audio production by Todd “Sir Toddsalot” Hulslander with unflagging devotion to somethingerother by Dacia Clay. Music in this episode, all by Cantus: From A Harvest Home – “My Journey Yours” “How Can I Keep from Singing?” “The Pasture” “Fiddle Tune” “Eventide” From On the Shoulders of Giants: “Zikr”

    Classical Classroom, Episode 201: Practicing Rachmaninoff in Public with Tiffany Poon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 37:02


    There's a good chance that you've heard of Yale School of Music grad student and rising classical pianist, Tiffany Poon. Her YouTube vlogs have over 11 million views. In them, she talks casually with fans as she travels to gigs and invites them into the practice room. Her openness about her musical life and process has tapped into something for which fans are hungry. In this episode, Tiffany talks about Rachmaninoff 3 and about the community she created by prepping publicly for a performance of the piece.   Music in this show:  

    Classical Classroom, Episode 84: JoAnn Falletta Shares Scheherazade (Rerun)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2019 35:35


    JoAnn Falletta is celebrating her 20th anniversary as Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, so we've gotta give her a shout out with this old gold from the Classroom vault! By the way, did you know that a 2014 survey found that in a list of the 150 top conductors in the world, only five were women? New episode topic? --------- Who was Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and why does he have two last names? And why would a 19th century Russian composer write a symphonic poem based on a collection of West and South Asian folk tales written in Arabic in the 16th century? What does it all mean?? Most* of these questions and more are all answered within by Buffalo Philharmonic/Virginia Symphony Orchestra conductor, guitarist, music advocate, and all around amazing lady, JoAnn Falletta. Music in this episode from the Buffalo Philharmonic’s recording of Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Sheherazade,” conducted by JoAnn Falletta. Audio production by Todd “Twister” Hulslander with high kicks by Dacia Clay and editing by Mark DiClaudio.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 200: Top 10 Countdown!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2019 34:49


    It's been nearly six years since we started the Classical Classroom podcast in a small shed that also housed producer Todd's lawn mower. Since then, a lot has happened. We've learned so much from our amazing guests, traveled to music festivals, had parties and game show quizzes, talked to the dead, had trumpet lessons, and we moved into a storage unit behind KING FM in Seattle. Todd also got a new lawn mower.  In this episode, we'll revisit some of our favorite moments from the last 200 episodes and hear from some friends of the show along the way. Join us, won't you?  

    seattle countdown classical classroom
    Field Trip to the Opera: Carmen in 3D

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2019 67:34


    When you think of opera, words like "grandiose," "extravagant," and "whoa" come to mind. Those words all describe Georges Bizet's Carmen. Singing, dancing, costumes, sets, orchestras, fight scenes, wigs, drama! How on Earth does something with so many moving parts even get to the stage? Much less, successfully and entertainingly?! We wanted to know. And as it happens, the Seattle Opera was staging Carmen right down the street. So, we went on a field trip to see the show and - because we're us - badgered the cast and crew about their parts in bringing this magnificent beast of an opera to life. Learn all about the story - the one the audience sees and the one behind the stage - in this special Classical Classroom/Seattle Opera Podcast crossover episode.  All music in this episode from Seattle Opera's performances of Carmen.     P.S., The Seattle Opera is performing Carmen from May 4 - 19, 2019! Learn yet more about it (and hear more podcasts about it).

    Classical Classroom, Episode 16: From Schubert to Gaga, the Unfinished Symphony with Jade Simmons (Rerun)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2019 32:16


    We love celebrating our alumni here at Classical Classroom, and Jade Simmons is one of our faves. This episode is from way back in 2013 when Jade was merely a very successful woman. Now, she's the host of iTunes #1 music podcast, Decomposed. A podcast rock star. We couldn't be more stoked for her. And we're kind of riding on her coattails by posting this rerun. Just a little.  -------------- Artists as entrepreneurs, Lady Gaga, horror movies, and Schubert! In this episode, concert pianist, author, lecturer, Huffington Post contributor, and probable superhero, Jade Simmons chats with Dacia about how Schubert's "Unfinished" Symphony changed her life. Audio production by Todd “ToHu” Hulslander with knowing winks of encouragement from Dacia Clay. Music from this episode includes: Schubert, Symphony, No. 8 in B minor D.759, aka the “Unfinished Symphony”

    music audio huffington post lady gaga artists simmons symphony schubert unfinished jade simmons schubert's unfinished symphony dacia clay classical classroom
    Classical Classroom, Episode 89: Awadagin Pratt on Brahms, Brunge, and Beards (Rerun)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2019 37:16


    We're rerunning this episode with Awadagin Pratt basically because we felt like it. But we don't think you're going to mind, as he is awesome. Let his dulcet tones wash over you as Pratt teaches you all about why Brahms is one of the Big Daddies of classical music, what it has to do with Edith Bunker, and how the beard made it all possible. All music in this episode from Awadagin Pratt and Zuill Bailey’s CD “Brahms Works For Cello And Piano”. Audio production by Todd “Are You There Todd? It’s Me, Dacia” Hulslander with Tiger Eyes by Dacia Clay and editing by Mark DiClaudio. Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough.

    special audio pratt brahms edith bunker big daddies tiger eyes zuill awadagin pratt dacia clay
    Classical Classroom, Episode 79: The Women of Classical Guitar with Valerie Hartzell (Rerun)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2019 34:21


    April is International Guitar Month! In honor of that, we're bringing back this episode with one of our fave guitarists, Valerie Hartzell, creator/director of the Classical Minds Festival and Competition. Valerie talks about the ladies of classical guitar. Who are they? Why did their numbers diminish over time? And what can we do about it?? Audio production by Todd “Not Tony Danza” Hulslander with editing by Mark DiClaudio and bossing by Dacia Clay. Music in this episode: "Valerie Loves Me," by Material Issue “Rosita” by Francisco Tarrega. Played live in studio (also available on Valerie’s Ex Tenebris Lux CD). Chaconne in G Major by George Frideric Handel. Played by Ida Presti and Alexandre Lagoya.   Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 199: Jack of All Emotions - the Music of Elliott Carter with the JACK Quartet

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2019 43:27


    "Classical music is relaxing." "I listen to classical music because it's soothing." "I turn on classical music when I want to concentrate." These are all things we're guessing very few people have said about the composer you're going to learn about in this episode. Elliott Carter's music is about something much more vast and complex than chillaxing: it's about the full range of human experience. If you've been alive for long enough to read this, you know that being a person is not always easy - that, in fact, ease can't exist without difficulty. It's a thing that we expect other art forms to reflect. And in this episode, Austin Wulliman and Christopher Otto of the JACK Quartet teach all about a composer who used this music to convey It All, too. PS, You can go see the JACK Quartet perform the music of Elliott Carter, or go check them out at the Ojai Festival this summer. Find out more here. Music in this episode: Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 198: Music Education Month - Idyllwild Arts

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2019 34:17


    In the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains, southeast of Los Angeles, is a place that is basically the ultimate experience in music and arts education: Idyllwild Arts Academy. It's a residential arts high school where young people are immersed in their chosen practice every day. Here, music students learn alongside peers studying visual arts, dance, and more, and collaborate with them. One hundred per cent of Idyllwild grads go off to college. What does the dream of music education look like? What could music education be like? And how does it impact young people? President and head of the school Pamela Jordan and faculty piano instructor Doug Ashcraft tell all in this episode.  Music in this episode:   Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 197: Music Education Month - The Village School

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2019 33:39


    Neither Sarah Perkins nor Michael Barber ever intended to become music and arts educators. No, they both had their sights set on the Big Time - performance and Broadway. But life presented each with opportunities to teach music to young people, and before they knew it, they Sarah and Michael were hooked. Now they're both staffers at a unique school in Houston, Texas called the Village School. In this episode, learn about what makes teaching music and the arts so rewarding, and about a school so amazing that even the dazzling lights and dizzying heights of Broadway can't lure educators away. Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough. 

    Classical Classroom, Episode 40: Simone Dinnerstein Goes Bachpacking (Rerun)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2019 32:00


    March is Music Education Month on the Classical Classroom, but it's also Bach's birthday month. So, it's obviously the perfect time to revisit this episode with Simone Dinnerstein in which we discuss a music education program she started about the music of Bach. (Bam. Venn diagram intersection = achieved!) Learn about the music of Bach, and perhaps, take some cues from Simone on bringing music ed to your own community. Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough.

    special education bach bam venn simone dinnerstein dinnerstein classical classroom
    Classical Classroom, Episode 196: Joyce DiDonato - When Musical Worlds Collide

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2019 23:21


    People are pretty much never just one thing. Each person is made of the stuff in their individual history, including the music. That includes Grammy-winning opera singers. Mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato recently completed a project that brought the disparate parts of her own musical history together. And because she's Joyce DiDonato, this meant bringing top notch performers from across the musical spectrum into the studio to work together. In this episode, she talks about the fascinating process of bringing jazz and Baroque together, and the surprising connections between the two.    Music in this episode: Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 195: Music Education Month - Washington Performing Arts

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2019 24:53


    March is Music Education Month! This month, we'll look at a range of people and institutions throughout the music education world in search of the real scoop: Is music ed, along with the rest of arts education, being eaten alive by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), thereby creating robotic, soulless drone humans instead of people? Or is music ed experiencing a renaissance, reaching populations who've never had it before and providing an essential dimension to the educational experience with innovative programs? Listen and learn, peeps! In this episode, Michelle Hoffmann, Director of Education and Community Engagement at Washington Performing Arts in DC, gives her perspective on music ed and talks about the amazing things the WPA does.    Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 194: Mason Bates on the Opera-fication of Steve Jobs

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2019 33:36


    Grammy-nominated composer Mason Bates is also a bona fide DJ. As DJ Masonic, he brings classical music and electronica together on the dance floor. As a composer, he brings the sounds of electronica to classical music in places like the Kennedy Center. So it's fitting that Bates' first opera is about tech guru Steve Jobs. But can it really work to tell a decidedly 21st century story using a 400-year-old medium? Turns out, yes. In this Seattle Opera Podcast crossover episode, Bates explains why Jobs' story and opera go together like iPhones and jelly. Wait... Music in this episode:   Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough. 

    Classical Classroom, Episode 193: Bach in the Underground with Cellist Dale Henderson

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2019 28:52


    To get ready for Bach's March birthday, we bring you the fascinating story of a man on a mission to bring Bach to the people. Bach's music changed cellist Dale Henderson's life. Though the concert hall was a fab venue for sharing this music, Dale wasn't satisfied to stop there. Bach's music, he felt, was for everyone  - not just classical music fans. So he schlepped his cello down into a New York City subway, and started playing "pop-up" concerts (for free). And thus, Bach in the Subways was born. The ongoing project now spans more than 40 countries where hundreds of musicians participate in their own cities' public spaces. Check out a video of Dale playing Bach at Classical KING FM (home of the Classical Classroom)! Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough.   

    Classical Classroom, Episode 192: The Hilarious History of Classical Music with Igudesman and Joo

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2019 39:55


    Aleksey Igudesman and Hyung-ki Joo make up the classical music comedy duo, Igudesman and Joo. And though they will crack you up with their performances (which you can watch on their YouTube channel along with millions of other viewers), when they talk about why they do what they do, the two musicians become surprisingly serious. They firmly believe that classical music was always meant to be fun. In this episode, they talk about the history of humor in classical music (even Beethoven was funny!), the forces that conspired to make it stuffy, and what they're doing to change that, including their upcoming performance, The Clone, with Yuja Wang.  Music in this episode: Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough. 

    Classical Classroom, Episode 191: Talkin' About the Blues (Dialogues) with Rachel Barton Pine

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2019 28:20


    Violinist (and veteran Classical Classroom guest) Rachel Barton Pine talks all about her Music by Black Composers initiative, a project that's been in the works for 15 years, and the companion album she recently released called Blues Dialogues, Vol. 1. She discusses why projects like this are important, especially in the classical music world, advocacy vs. cultural appropriation, and talks about the great music on the album. Music in this episode: Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 190: Piazzolla Party! with the Neave Trio

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2019 20:52


    Astor Piazzolla was a bandoneon player and a composer in Argentina who lived during the 20th century. He changed both classical music and tango music by bringing the two together. The Neave Trio, who recently came out with an album of Piazzolla's work, teaches all about who he was and how his genre-hopping changed music.  Music list:   Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 76: MusicWorks - How Sonya Got Her Opera On (Rerun)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2019 30:40


    We love it when Classroom alums get recognized for their awesomeness. Such is the case for soprano Sonya Yoncheva. In addition to receiving the Opera Award by the Chilean Art Critics Circle, Sonya is on the cover of the Metropolitan Opera's wall calendar this year. We thought this was a great occasion to rerun her episode of Classical Classroom and to say, "You go, gworl." -------------------- In our first MusicWorks episode (that's our storytelling-centered subseries), soprano Sonya Yoncheva tells the story of how she happened upon her passion – singing opera – by being true to herself (and listening to her mother) and by practicing her buns off. This put her in a position to be ready when she got that call from the Met to fill in at the last moment. And the rest, as they say, is in the podcast. Audio production by Todd “Totally” Hulslander with awesomeness by Dacia Clay. Music in this episode: Giacomo Puccini: La Boheme – Donde lieta usci Charles Lecocq: Les Cent Vierges, Act III, No. 10 Je soupire et maudis le destin Giuseppe Verdi: La Traviata – Sempre libera Claudio Monteverdi: L’incoronazione di Poppea – “Pur ti Miro” (Sonya Yoncheva & Max Emanuel Cencic) W. A. Mozart: Il Re Pastore – “L’Amero saro costante” (Sonya Yoncheva & Marc Minkowski) Charles Gounod – Faust Final Trio – Anges Purs – Sonya Yoncheva, Joseph Calleja & Bryn Terfel Learn about composer George Heathco’s piece, “ReGifting Lions”, part of our MusicWorks intro, and oh-so-much more about him at www.georgeheathcomusic.com.   

    Classical Classroom, Episode 189: Once More with Healing feat. Brooklyn Rider

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2019 34:19


    String quartet Brooklyn Rider has a new project called Healing Modes which they're currently touring. While they were in Seattle, we coaxed them into the KING FM studio with the promise of snacks. Just kidding! They came in willingly like most of our guests. In this episode, they talk about Beethoven's Opus 132, the piece at the center of this project, and about the 5 new pieces they commissioned to play alongside it. They also talk about why music is healing, and why we need it to do its magic now. Music in this episode:    Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 188: Paddling to the Sea with Third Coast Percussion

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2019 34:19


    Third Coast Percussion makes amazing music by hitting stuff. Okay - it's a little more complicated than that. But the Grammy-winning ensemble does spend a lot of time, both at Home Depot and with percussion mentors from other countries, searching for things to hit, bash, tap and so on. Their latest project, Paddle to the Sea, is a beautiful and moving distillation of all of that searching and bashing - one that has a rich history, dating back to a children's book of the same name from 1941. In this episode, Third Coast's Sean Connors and Peter Martin talk about Paddle to the Sea and what exactly a percussion ensemble is. Music in this episode:   Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough.   

    Classical Classroom, Episode 187: Rachel Barton Pine Talks Bruch and Elgar

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2018 32:59


    What do Max Bruch and Edward Elgar have in common? Violinist Rachel Barton Pine! In this episode, RBP talks about the two composers and their very different violin concertos. Discussed herein: Did Edward Elgar invent Post It Notes? How is Max Bruch like Milli Vanilli and Iron Maiden? And, who was the mystery woman to whom Elgar dedicated his violin concerto (hint: it wasn’t his wife!)? And so much more. Music in this episode:     Special thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 112: The Ugly Christmas Sweaters Of Classical Music, With Alecia Lawyer (RERUN)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2018 34:22


    It's Christmas Eve. Chances are, you've heard a lot of beautiful music. If you're looking for more of that, you've come to the wrong place. Welcome to Jingle Hell, where bad songs are born, and good songs come to die. Alecia Lawyer, founder, artistic director, and principal oboist of River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO) talks about the worst musical offerings of the season, and what makes them so bad. Songs that include entire scales? Check. Songs with completely bizarre lyrics that we sing along with anyway? Check. Wookiees? Yeah. This episode has all of that and oh so much more. Listen if you dare! And, uh, merry Christmas. You're welcome. Music in this episode:   “Dominick the Donkey.” Ray Allen, Sam Saltzberg and Wandra Merrell. “I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas.” John Rox. Performed by Gayla Peevey. “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” Randy Brooks. Performed by Elmo and Patsy. “White Winter Hymnal.” Written and performed by Fleet Foxes. From their self-titled album. “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.” By John Frederick Coots. Performed by the Cheeky Monkeys. “Ding​-​a​-​ling​-​a​-​ring​-​a​-​ling.” Written and performed by Sufjan Stevens. From Silver and Gold. “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Frank Loesser. Performed by Zooey Deschanel & Leon Redbone. From the Elf movie soundtrack. “Vader Did You Know?” Vic Mignogna. “What Can You Get a Wookiee for Christmas (When He Already Owns a Comb?).” From Star Wars and Other Galactic Funk. “Mary, Did You Know?” Lyrics written by Mark Lowry and music written by Buddy Greene. Performed by Pentatonix. Greensleeves. London Festival Orchestra. “Joy to the World.” Isaac Watts. “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.” Performed by the Bach Choir. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Performed by Celtic Woman. “Good King Wenceslas.” John Mason Neale. “Angels We Have Heard on High.” Performed by Sandi Patty. “The Cherry-Tree Carol.” Performed by King’s College Choir.     Audio production by Todd "Good King Wencelastodd" Hulslander with two eyes made out of coal by Dacia Clay and editing by Mark DiClaudio.   Special Thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 186: Kim Kashkashian on the Persistence of Bach

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2018 24:07


    We know what you're thinking: Another episode about Bach?! That's what we said! In fact, in this episode we ask Grammy-winning violist Kim Kashkashian to explain why classical musicians play and record the same music repeatedly, and specifically, why it's often the music of Bach. Her answer is totally fascinating! We also address the elephant in the room, i.e., whether or not it would have been okay with Bach that she played his Cello Suites on viola on her new album. Music in this episode:   Special Thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough.

    Classical Classroom, Episode 185: On Discovering Hidden Classical Gems with Marc-André Hamelin

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2018 29:14


    Marc-André Hamelin is many things: a renowned pianist, a composer, an Officer of the Order of Canada, and a record collector of major proportions. The hands-on, no robots or algorithms, no safety net, digging in dusty bins in record shops variety. In fact, hunting for classical music diamonds in the rough is part of his creative process, and he loves bringing lesser-known works that he finds out into the light before audiences. In this episode, Hamelin talks about how (and why) he finds music that's new to him, about a few pieces he's found that he loves, and gives advice on how you, too, can go a-(record)hunting. Music in this episode:  https://youtu.be/ZlrHX8muIYA  https://youtu.be/qnzjGbhPpfI Aurea Carmina Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  Special Thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough.   

    Classical Classroom, Episode 184: Working Hard with Hilary Hahn

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2018 23:01


    Violinist Hilary Hahn has achieved more at just 39 years old than most of us will in a couple of lifetimes: multiple Grammy awards, 1594 concerts (so far), 20+ albums, 2 episodes of the Classical Classroom podcast, 2 kids, and a talking violin case. In this episode, Hahn talks about how much practice it actually takes to be her, her #100daysofpractice challenge on Instagram, and about how much work went in to her latest album, Hilary Hahn Plays Bach: Sonatas 1 and 2 Partita 1.  Music in this episode:   Special Thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough. 

    Classical Classroom, Episode 183: All-Star Ashley Bathgate's Primer on New Classical Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2018 42:07


    If you've ever wondered how playing bowls of water is related to traditional classical music, this is the episode for you. Cellist Ashley Bathgate (of Bang on a Can All-Stars fame) was classically trained at Yale University School of Music, educated in the structured musical worlds of Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. But today, she moves in a tangent universe of the classical music world, filled with effects pedals, prepared instruments, living composers, and sometimes members of indie rock bands. In this episode, she talks about what took her on this path, and in doing so, gives a legit primer on contemporary classical music [

    Classical Classroom, Episode 182: Fantastic Bell - Joshua Bell on Max Bruch's "Scottish Fantasy"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2018 22:45


    Sometimes composers just make stuff up. That is the lesson that Grammy-winning, super duper famous violinist Joshua Bell teaches in this episode of Classical Classroom. He also talks about how this is not just okay - it can be great, as it is in the piece "Scottish Fantasy" by composer Max Bruch. Learn about who Bruch was and where this piece came from (spoiler alert: not Scotland). Music in this episode:  Special Thanks to Todd Reynolds for his music, Taskforce: Farmlab from Outerbourough.  

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