From the Top
From the Top
NPR
Music and stories from America’s best young classical musicians.
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
Jun 1
36 min
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
May 25
40 min
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
May 18
34 min
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
May 11
41 min
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
May 4
28 min
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
Apr 27
37 min
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
Apr 20
31 min
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
Apr 13
33 min
13-year-old Pianist and an Award-Winning Sax Quartet
A young pianist describes how she finds inspiration in nature and performs Liszt’s Transcendental Etude. A saxophone quartet from North Texas share how winning the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition has boosted their confidence. Our Flashback Finale revisits the teenage performance of Vienna Philharmonic violinist, Lucas Stratmann.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
Apr 6
29 min
Playing with Emotion
We meet an imaginative 13-year-old oboist who draws on colors, shapes, and stories in her performance of Marcello’s Oboe Concerto. An 18-year-old violist draws on his multicultural background in his performance of Bach and shares how he’s using music to help others. A 17-year-old guitarist showcases her adept technical skills and describes how volunteering with animals has impacted her musicianship. 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
Mar 30
36 min
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