From the Top

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NPR's From the Top showcases the music, stories, and unique humor of America's best young classical musicians.

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    • Jun 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 44m AVG DURATION
    • 210 EPISODES

    4.7 from 180 ratings Listeners of From the Top that love the show mention: young musicians, full episodes, definitely worth listening, npr, available, top, name, beautiful, inspiring, wish, great show, fantastic, interesting, better, good, best, thank, amazing, love, new.


    Ivy Insights

    The From the Top podcast is an incredible showcase of young musical talent. Each week, listeners are treated to outstanding performances by talented young musicians, as well as interviews that reveal the heart and intellect behind the music. The new host, Peter Dugan, adds a fresh perspective and leads the show with an open heart and keen ear. Overall, From the Top is a breath of fresh air in the world of classical music podcasts.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is undoubtedly the impressive music. The performances by these young musicians are truly inspiring, showcasing their incredible talent and dedication to their craft. It is remarkable to hear musicians under the age of 10 playing better than some adults. The selection of music is also interesting, ranging from classical pieces to new compositions, offering a diverse listening experience. Additionally, the interviews with the musicians provide valuable insight into their journey and passion for music.

    However, one downside of this podcast is that not all episodes are available for streaming or download. Some listeners express a desire for access to older episodes on the website or through the podcast feed. While it's great that recent episodes are available, it would be even better if there was a comprehensive archive of past shows.

    In conclusion, From the Top is a must-listen podcast for any lover of classical music or those looking to be inspired by young talent. The combination of incredible performances and insightful interviews makes for a captivating listening experience. Despite the lack of access to all previous episodes, this podcast remains a shining example of what can be achieved when passion and talent meet on stage.



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    Latest episodes from From the Top

    Music and Wellness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 29:03


    Do you turn to music to feel better? This week we wrap up our programming on the fascinating connections between the brain, wellness, and music. A teen trombonist reflects on the ways in which music helps his mental health. A young violinist performs Schoenfield and talks about how she's trying to reframe the way auditions and competitions can make her feel. This podcast was recorded at the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Music and Memory

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 41:09


    What piece of music sparks a memory for you? This week's podcast continues our journey into the fascinating world of music and the brain. A teen flute duo speaks about how they connect music with memories. A pianist returns to the show to perform Barber and chat about her research on dementia as a neuroscience student at USC. And finally, we hear from a talented 19-year-old baritone who sings Schubert. This podcast was recorded at the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Teen Musician-Scientists

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 26:47


    We continue our journey into the fascinating world of music and the brain. We meet a gifted young pianist who is also an extraordinary scientist doing meaningful research on a rare neurological disorder. We also hear from a teen saxophonist who is exploring how micro-tonal music might impact people with depression. And we enjoy performances of Beethoven and Bozza.This podcast was recorded at the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Music and the Brain

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 40:18


    We're exploring the intersection of music and neuroscience with young musicians who are gifted in both fields! We'll speak with musician-scientists like Zoie, a 15-year-old euphonium player who is researching how music can reduce stress and Jascha, a 17-year-old pianist who says he'd love to peek inside Bach's brain. And of course, we'll hear some thought-provoking and awe-inspiring performances along the way. This podcast was recorded at the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Terrific Trumpeter, Award-Winning Trio, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 59:00


    This week features young musicians studying at the Colburn School in LA. They range from a 14-year-old cellist who shares a mature performance of Beethoven to the winners of a major chamber music competition whose secret to success just might be their musical handshake. We also hear from an incredible trumpeter, a globe-trotting teen violinist, and a 15-year-old pianist performing Mendelssohn.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Eco-Artists

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 30:10


    We're hearing great performances from young musicians who are inspired to connect their artistry with nature and their communities. A teen composer describes working with elementary school kids to create instruments out of trash and we hear from an 18-year-old violinist who reflects on the recent fires in her hometown of Altadena, California. Musicians, educators, eco-artists and sisters Josie and Sophie Davis join as co-hosts.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Music and Nature

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 48:05


    Today's program offers incredible performances and a window into the lives of young musicians who are intertwining their artistry with their passion for nature, science, and the environment. We meet a teen who has turned scientific data and graphs into music, a composer who is inspired by conservation land in his home state of Maine, and a violinist who worked with elementary school children to turn ideas and artwork into a real garden. Musicians, educators, eco-artists and sisters Josie and Sophie Davis join as co-hosts.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Earth Day Special: Trees and Swans

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 22:15


    We're paying homage to our beautiful planet and the works of art it inspires! A teen harpist from rural California performs Gary Schocker's Memory of Trees, a contemplation on the effects of climate change. Finally, a 17-year-old cellist plays The Swan and speaks of her work in environmental advocacy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Earth Day Special: Clouds and Beetles

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 38:17


    We're celebrating Earth Day with performances that celebrate our natural world. Up first, a young oboist performs a piece inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings of jimson weed and speaks about volunteering in a community garden. We also meet a teen pianist who performs Tan Dun's colorful homage to the Chinese countryside and a composer who connects with nature through the study of insects and shares a work inspired by the Salt Creek Tiger Beetle.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Young Composer's Journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 26:52


    A 17-year-old double-bassist plays an excerpt from a lyrical sonata. We meet a teen composer who writes music based on her life experiences, including her journey with cancer. We hear her work performed by the Seattle Symphony that was inspired by a backpacking trip.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Pacific Northwest Talent with Guest Artist Nathan Chan

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 49:44


    We reconnect with Seattle Symphony's Assistant Principal Cellist and From the Top alum Nathan Chan who joins Peter and our teen cellist for a Shostakovich polka. We also meet an accomplished young violinist who demonstrates some difficult bowing and a teen guitarist from Portland plays a rare duo with Peter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Dvořák, Sax, and Cooking

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 32:05


    A 10-year-old cellist who has only been studying cello for three years performs Dvořák and a 15-year-old saxophonist performs the work of composer Steven Banks, who was also on From the Top as a teen. Finally, a foodie and pianist reflects on the similarities between cooking and music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Chopin, Piano Duo, and Greg Anderson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 38:02


    A teen pianist performs a beautiful Chopin Scherzo and then improvs in his other love, jazz, with Peter. A 17-year-old composer shares his violin fantasy. Finally, we meet a piano duo from Oregon who are surprised by a major influence in their musical lives, From the Top alum Greg Anderson, who is one half of the lauded Anderson and Roe duo.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Celebrating Musicians with Disabilities

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 61:37


    18-year-old violinist and From the Top alum Julia LaGrand co-hosts this special episode dedicated to celebrating the stories and performances of disabled and neurodivergent musicians. Julia, who is blind, also interviews special guest Itzhak Perlman. We meet a 16-year-old double bassist who began studying music when spina bifida made it difficult to keep up with youth sports leagues, a 14-year-old pianist who uses Braille scores to learn his repertoire, a 26-year-old cellist who believes his musical skills are sharpened by his autism, and a 16-year-old pianist with Escobar Syndrome who shares her journey to millions on social media. They perform works by Grieg, Liszt, and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Magnitude, French Love Song, & Shostakovich

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 35:10


    We meet a 16-year-old composer from Chicago who is mentored by composer Jessie Montgomery and is also passionate about architecture. We hear a soprano perform a love song by Debussy. Finally, we meet a teen cellist who performs Shostakovich's dynamic Cello Sonata in D Minor.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Major and Minor

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 37:44


    We explore repertoire from major and minor keys, highlighting how young artists express the character and nuance that each represent. We hear a teen cellist perform a bright and sunny work with ties to both the Baroque and Romantic eras, a young violinist brings a dark and stormy Beethoven Sonata, and a 17-year-old pianist performs a major fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Joy, Classical Guitar, and Beethoven Cello Sonata

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 45:45


    A teen guitarist brings a percussive work by Roland Dyens, an 18-year-old cellist performs a Beethoven Cello Sonata, and a teen soprano sings a work entitled "Joy". We also hear a flashback performance from a French Horn player who was featured on the show back in 2012.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Joyful Island

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 25:53


    Today's show is particularly joyful! A teen pianist plays Debussy's L'isle Joyeuse (Joyful Island) and a violinist performs Suk's Song of Love and speaks to the importance of connecting emotionally with the music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Romantic Double Bass and Ocean Adventure

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 32:53


    We're back in Kansas City with a 17-year-old double bassist who gives a heartfelt performance of Bottesini's Elegy No. 1. We meet a teen composer and learn about her journey in writing music, including creating an imaginative ocean adventure for the famous Kronos Quartet which you'll hear! Finally, we enjoy a flashback performance by prize-winning violinist Maria Ioudenitch from when she was a teen living in Kansas City.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Rachmaninoff, French Horn, and The Great Train Race

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 43:42


    From Kansas City, we explore the connection between music and math with a 16-year-old pianist who also happens to be a champion swimmer. We hear a majestic performance of Dukas by a teen French horn player. A young flutist performs Ian Clarke's The Great Train Race and describes the technical and artistic challenges of emulating the sounds of a train in this exhilarating work.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Chopin Cello Sonata & Vivaldi Bassoon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 33:44


    Our 25th birthday celebration continues with a dazzling performance of Chopin by a gifted 16-year-old cellist. We are treated to a performance of Vivaldi by a young bassoonist and witness a life-changing surprise. Peter sends us off with a flashback performance from when the legendary Paquito D'Rivera appeared on the show.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Gershwin, Fiddle, & the United States Air Force Band's Heritage Winds

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 47:05


    It's From the Top's 25th birthday! We meet a 13-year-old violinist who is equally accomplished in classical repertoire and fiddling. A 16-year-old pianist from New York performs a brilliant Beethoven Sonata and talks about her incredible experience in publishing. Finally, we reconnect with From the Top alum Yuna Langehennig and learn about her journey to becoming an Airman First Class in the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band. She brings along her ensemble Heritage Winds and they perform a rousing work by Paquito D'Rivera.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Brahms, Wieniawski, and a Young Pianist

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 59:18


    We hear the first work Brahms wrote for a solo instrument and a stunning Wieniawski Polonaise played by a 13-year-old violinist. We also meet a teenage baritone who has been drawn to community activism since childhood, a guitarist who plays an arrangement of Dizzy Gillespie's Night in Tunisia, and a young pianist who shares a special tip she got from piano superstar Lang Lang...play like a grandma!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Beethoven, Rocket Science, & Coltrane

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 60:57


    A pianist speaks of his passion for rocket science and his work with NASA, a talented teen violinist plays Beethoven and shares how an accident transformed his musicianship, a young composer shares a piece inspired by the loss of a loved one, and a versatile saxophonist plays Coltrane.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    More Staff Favorites

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 33:05


    Meet members of our team and hear some fantastic performances that they have hand selected for you, including a flashback to someone special in host Peter Dugan's life!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    favorites peter dugan
    Staff Picks Highlight Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 26:13


    This week we hear some of our team's favorite moments from the program!! You'll hear a thrilling teenage trio perform Beethoven, meet a young cellist with a moving story about the power of music, and enjoy a gorgeous performance of Bach by a social media-savvy teen oboist and violinist Tessa Lark and Peter Dugan.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Schumann, Haydn, and a Joyful Gospel Choir

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 69:58


    Violinist Charles Yang returns as co-host. We meet a bubbly teen violinist, a pianist with a mission to connect with audiences, and a cellist who opens up about mental health. The Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir sing us out with a performance that will have you on your feet and smiling!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Thanksgiving Feast with Orli Shaham

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 35:40


    We're celebrating a musical Thanksgiving with guest host Orli Shaham. Get ready to gobble up some wonderful performances of Tchaikovsky and Chopin by some remarkable teens.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Giving Thanks with Orli Shaham

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 24:58


    Today, we're recognizing the gift of music to inspire and bring people together with guest host Orli Shaham. Settle in for some fantastic performances of Beethoven, Debussy, and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Ravel Quartet & Sibling Dynamics

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 59:16


    Guest Host Orli Shaham finds common ground with a pair of siblings who remind her of growing up with her brother Gil. A lively quartet from Chicago play Ravel. A teen soprano speaks about representation in classical music and connecting with a composer who shares her heritage. A talented young pianist talks about having pianist parents.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Wieniawski, Stage Fright, and Schumann

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 26:32


    A teen clarinetist who found a home-away-from-home surrounded by music and art at the Interlochen Arts Academy performs Schumann's Three Romances. We also meet a 15-year-old violinist who found a way to transform her performance anxiety into an act of generosity.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Figaro, Spanish Lullaby, and Self-Taught Trumpeter

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 33:07


    A teen violinist performs the memorable Figaro from The Barber of Seville and a mezzo soprano sings a gorgeous lullaby from a Venezuelan composer and shares her passion for singing works in Spanish. We also hear from a teen trumpeter and decorated Eagle Scout who turned to YouTube and the world's best trumpeters to help get his start on his instrument.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    All About that Bass

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 29:10


    A teen cellist performs Beethoven with Peter Dugan and speaks about training for pole vaulting. We meet a double bassist from North Carolina who in addition to being an incredible musician has a nose for cologne scents!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Lush Rachmaninoff and Sprightly Harp

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 44:08


    A fantastic young pianist from the oldest town in Texas performs Rachmaninoff, an 18-year-old bassoonist reflects on how summer music programs changed him as a musician, and a talented teen from Indiana shows off the range of the harp.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    11-Year-Old Pianist & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 59:18


    We meet a sensational 11-year-old pianist and a self-directed flutist who describes the mouthwatering food he finds in his hometown. A teen violinist shares a moving piece inspired by the Holocaust and a young harpist speaks about how exploring her creativity on her Youtube Channel.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Dramatic Cello & Saxophone Elegy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 27:07


    We meet a teen cellist from a large musical family who performs a theatrical piece by Cassadó. An 18-year-old saxophone player with a commitment to community engagement delivers a moving Elegy by Fauré.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Romance & Silence

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 41:14


    A dedicated teen violinist and poet performs Amy Beach's passionate Romance. A clarinetist describes a moment discovering complete silence out in nature and how he draws on that feeling in his performance of Debussy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Musicians and Leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 62:36


    New York Philharmonic President and CEO Deborah Borda joins Peter Dugan as co-host and shares insights into her iconic career at the helm of the country's leading orchestras. She speaks with an inspiring 16-year-old violist who is an emerging leader in her own right. We also meet an articulate young composer who wants her music to bring people joy and healing, a teen clarinetist who has traveled the world with his musical parents, and a pianist with a passion for acting. They give incredible performances of Prokofiev, Enescu, Kovács, and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Vibrant Young Guitarist & Heavenly Harp

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 34:37


    Philadelphia Orchestra's Principal Bassist Joseph Conyers is back as co-host as we meet a bright teen harpist whose commitment to her instrument is so strong she commutes weekly from Virginia to New York for lessons and a vibrant 12-year-old guitarist plays a fiery work by Roland Dyens and talks about his love for fishing, movies, and performing with his sisters. Peter Dugan and Joseph Conyers open the program with a moving interpretation of Florence Price's Adoration.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Rhapsody in Philadelphia

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 50:42


    We're in Philadelphia where we meet a local teen composer who aspires to create more opportunities for fellow Black composers and learn how co-host Joseph Conyers, Philadelphia Orchestra's principal bassist, is making an impact through his service to the community. We also hear a young violinist perform a phenomenal work by contemporary composer Jessie Montgomery.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    50 Years of Walnut Hill

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 59:19


    We're meeting some phenomenal musicians from the Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, Massachusetts. The school is celebrating 50 years as an arts high school and sharing their talented teens with Guest Host Orli Shaham. Enjoy performances of Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Victor Wooten, Bach, & Gospel Marching Band

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 42:51


    Grammy Award-winning bass player Victor Wooten joins us for our exciting musical journey out of Nashville. A talented teen flutist plays an elegant Bach Sonata and then improvises on that same work with Victor Wooten and Peter Dugan. We meet the drum major from Tennessee State University's Aristocrat of Bands and hear selections from their Grammy Award-winning album. And if that's not enough, we are treated to a special collaboration between our hosts!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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