From the Top

NPR

4.7 (205)
Music
Updated Biweekly

Music and stories from America’s best young classical musicians.

3d ago

West Side Story, Ragtime and a Teen Composer

We hear a variety of American music from Bernstein’s West Side Story to ragtime piano and a young composer’s jazz-inspired saxophone performance. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

36 min
May 25

Bach, Popper, and Saint-Saens

A trio of middle schoolers deliver impressive solo performances of Bach, Popper, and Saint-Saens with host Peter Dugan. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

40 min
May 18

Beethoven and Singing Trombone

A teen pianist shares her passion for Beethoven, and the son of professional vocalists falls in love with making the trombone sing. Plus we’re treated to a flashback finale featuring a Brahms horn trio. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

34 min
May 11

Film Scores to Brahms Viola

A teen violinist takes her love of film scores to new heights, a young flutist shares how he got his start watching online videos, and a passionate violist performs Brahms. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

41 min
May 4

Celebrating Musicians with Disabilities 2026: Part II

Co-hosted by violinist and disability activist Julia LaGrand and host Peter Dugan, this week’s episode spotlights the perspectives and artistry of young musicians with disabilities and is part of a broader initiative by From the Top to increase inclusivity and transparency for disabled artists. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

29 min
Apr 27

Celebrating Musicians with Disabilities 2026: Part I

Co-hosted by violinist and disability activist Julia LaGrand and host Peter Dugan, this week’s episode spotlights the perspectives and artistry of young musicians with disabilities and is part of a broader initiative by From the Top to increase inclusivity and transparency for disabled artists. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

38 min
Apr 20

Talented Teen Soprano & Violinist plus Etta James Tribute at FAME Studios

We’re back at the famous FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. A teenage violinist performs Kreisler and a young soprano who shares her journey from Gospel to classical voice. Plus, guest artist KJ Willis, a talented soul singer who is currently featured on NBC’s The Voice, joins with host Peter Dugan and the young performers to pay tribute to Etta James, one of the legendary musicians who recorded at FAME in the past. We close with a flashback finale, featuring an Alabama native who is now an ICU doctor chronicled by the New York Times for bringing music into her hospital. Thanks to Focusrite and ADAM Audio for making From the Top’s recording at FAME possible. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

32 min
Apr 13

From FAME Studios: Bluegrass Banjo, Amy Beach & more

FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama has played a role in some of the most iconic recordings in American popular music history. Today it hosts From the Top and the next generation of classical musicians. We meet a 13-year-old bluegrass banjo player with a talent for improvisation. We hear from a 16-year-old pianist performing Amy Beach and learn about the challenges and rewards of the French Horn. Thanks to Focusrite and ADAM Audio for making From the Top’s recording at FAME possible. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

33 min

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4.7

out of 5

205 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