Attention to Detail: The Classical Music Listening Guide

Latest Episodes:

Form, Part 2 Oct 31, 2019

Show notes

We continue our discussion of form with an overview of three of the most common formal archetypes: sonata, theme and variations, and rondo. Although we throw out a bit of musical jargon in this episode, we encourage you to wade through the technical details - you'll come out the other side prepared to listen to entire movements of pieces!

www.attentiontodetailpod.com

Form, Part 1 Oct 25, 2019

Show notes

We start our two-episode exploration of form with by discussing what musical form actually is, how to listen to decisions that composers have made, and going on long, non-musical tangents. We also introduce a first for this podcast, assigning our listeners some homework! Link to the recording is here: https://youtu.be/NdSKxPwf6Ek

www.attentiontodetailpod.com

Rhythm Oct 11, 2019

Show notes

We're back with our final episode on the nuts and bolts of music, and this time we're talking about rhythm! We discuss what rhythm actually is, why we all know exactly when our favorite DJ is going to drop the beat, and how music is unique in the way it unfolds over time.

For a list of techniques, playlists of what we listen to on the pod, and more, visit www.attentiontodetailpod.com.

Harmony Sep 27, 2019

Show notes

What is harmony, and why is it so important? In this episode, we will continue to break down the nuts and bolts of music, discussing the reasons why we have harmony, what to listen for in your favorite pop songs, and why classical music is the best cure for the adult version of chicken pox, shingles.

www.attentiontodetailpod.com

What Makes a Great Melody? Sep 10, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, we explore one of the most important parameters of music: melody. We discuss what makes a great melody, why it's difficult to sing the national anthem in tune, and who are the best composers of catchy tunes!

www.attentiontodetailpod.com

Summer Review! Aug 29, 2019

Show notes

We're back! After our brief hiatus, we've returned with a discussion of our summers, the difference between American and European conducting styles, and what plans we have on the horizon!

www.attentiontodetailpod.com

Composer Pairings Jul 15, 2019

Show notes

Who are your favorite composers and why? Whether you are a music buff and can answer this question with the strongest of opinions, or you have no clue, this episode is for you! We talk about some of the most famous composers in the classical music world, and connect them and their styles to other things in our lives that might be more familiar.

To give us your own favorite composer pairings, contact us at www.attentiontodetailpod.com!

Live Performance Series #2: Musical Decisions Jul 01, 2019

Show notes

In our second episode on live performance, we tackle the question of how to listen for musical decisions. We'll listen to how a performer's choice of tempo, dynamics (loudness), and articulation can change the entire meaning of the piece.

For more information, visit www.attentiontodetailpod.com!

Live Performance Series #1: Technique Jun 17, 2019

Show notes

On our next three episodes, we will discuss listening to live performance and how to identify and appreciate the many choices that performers make. On this episode, the first in our three episode series, we will introduce this mini-series, and discuss the technical execution required to make music with our colleagues Roger Roe and Kent Cook!

www.attentiontodetailpod.com

Why Listen to Classical Music? Jun 03, 2019

Show notes

On this episode, we tackle the tough question of why we should listen to classical music at all. We discuss why art is important, if there is meaning behind music and how to find it, and end up talking way too much about birds!

For more information, visit www.attentiontodetailpod.com!