From the Top

4.7 (200)
MUSIC
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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

4D AGO

Ravel's Birthday and Ellington

We're celebrating Ravel's 150th birthday with outstanding young musicians from the Boston area. We hear a septet of teens perform Ravel's Introduction and Allegro and a teen pianist treats us to one of Ravel's most iconic piano works. We also meet a talented young saxophonist who finds inspiration in Duke Ellington. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

45 min
JUN 2

Music and Wellness

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

29 min
MAY 26

Music and Memory

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

41 min
MAY 19

Teen Musician-Scientists

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

27 min
MAY 12

Music and the Brain

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

40 min
MAY 5

Terrific Trumpeter, Award-Winning Trio, & More

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

59 min
APR 28

Eco-Artists

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

30 min
APR 21

Music and Nature

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

48 min

See All (50)

4.7

out of 5

200 Ratings

Magnificent

06/26/2022

DC Wash

The music is incredible. The interview with the musicians reveal the heart and intellect behind that music. Impressive for sure.
The host!

01/09/2022

JuilliardVoice

The new host Peter Dugan makes this show even better! So happy he’s at the helm leading the new generation with an open heart and keen ear.
An institution

06/29/2021

Pete Trg

Great show, esp the Christopher O’Reilly episodes before 2018
I wish I could here the episodes of From the Top with Christopher O’Riley

11/24/2021

canie bug

I would like to hear the older episodes of From the Top. I like the new ones but the old ones would hear me good to hear to from the past I wish I would put the rest of the seasons on there I wish Y’all would put the older episodes own here the new ones are great wish I could here the older eppsodes episodes