Classical 101

Ever wonder what exactly is an Overture? Or what a daily life of a chamber musician is like?

Explore all things Classical, from in-depth looks into the details of Classical music to inspiring interviews with some of the best musicians today.

Listen to the episodes below and use the activity sheets to deepen your understanding.

Activity Sheets

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Genre

As you listen to the episode, take notes on the characteristic of the genre, as well as what is interesting to you about this kind of music. With your notes, write a description of what the music would be like if you were to compose a piece in that genre!

Teachers/Parents:
Whether the student has experience in music or not, this activity encourages the student to apply themselves creatively and musically, linking together what they learned with their own ideas and inspiration – the very first steps of composition! The activity also unveils the mystery or barrier of how music is written by showing that a mix of theory, tradition, and personal creativity is how music comes together.

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Masterclass

As you listen to our greatest musicians tell their stories, take note on what you think makes them successful. You will then consider your own journey – what are your passions, and how are you pursuing your dreams? Are there any similarities between you and the musician?

Teachers/Parents:
This is an activity of personal reflection and development. Students will hear stories and insight from successful musicians, and consider their own passions, whether it is music or not. By extracting the qualities that might make the musician the best in their field, the student will recognize successful traits they might already share or might want to adapt. 
 

Episodes

  • Wu Han, pianist and cultural entrepreneur

    Wu Han, pianist and cultural entrepreneur

    Episode 2 September 10, 2019

    She might be the busiest chamber musician in the United States. Wu Han is in charge of several music festivals worldwide, has an intense performing schedule, and manages a record label. In this episode, she tells us about her early musical inspirations in Taiwan, how tragedy led her to another career path, where chamber music is headed, and even how to fix wardrobe malfunctions with a stapler.
  • How does a composer actually write music?

    How does a composer actually write music?

    Episode 1 September 10, 2019

    Mozart and Beethoven were genius composers, but they wrote music very differently. Renowned composer from Washington, Alistair Coleman, tells us what made Beethoven and Mozart different and describes his own music writing process.

Support for arts and education programming on WETA comes from the Estate of Toni A. Ritzenberg.