When she is not busy with her biomedical engineering studies, University of Wisconsin–Madison junior Presley Hansen enjoys playing the bassoon. She performs with the UW Symphony Orchestra and the Magnolia Quartet.
Playing music helps her use her creative side. It balances the analytical work she does in engineering. She makes sure to take at least three credits of music courses each semester.
“It’s a way for me to relax and take a break from the STEM side of things,” Hansen said. “It also lets me work with other people in a way I usually don’t. Plus, it helps me grow my creative side because I don’t always get to do that.”
Classical music has existed for centuries. It remains strong at UW–Madison. Music majors and students from other fields come together to study and perform classical music in many ensembles throughout the year.
“You see music differently when you play it instead of just listening,” Hansen said.
UW’s School of Music was founded in 1895. It offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in areas like voice, brass instruments, and conducting.
For some students, classical music is a creative outlet. It balances their academic work. Through solo performances, lessons, and chamber groups, classical music helps students build discipline, collaborate with others, and express themselves. Many find it a refreshing break from tough coursework and enjoy sharing music with others.
“I think music is something you enjoy yourself, and when you share it, others enjoy it too,” said pianist Megan Angriawan. “That’s why I love what I do.”
Angriawan is working on a Doctoral of Musical Arts degree in piano performance and teaching. She grew up learning piano and violin. She played both in ensembles during college but now focuses mainly on piano performance and pedagogy — teaching piano to others.
Classical music covers many centuries and styles. Composers range from baroque to romantic to modern. This variety lets performers explore different styles and add their own touch to the music.
“Playing music is like reading a book or watching a movie,” said Blake Curtis, a junior who plays oboe. “You get to experience different worlds and people. When you play different pieces, it’s like meeting the composers and learning from them.”
Curtis is a music and psychology major. He has played the oboe since fourth grade. He believes classical music will not disappear. But he thinks many people don’t know much about it or have not experienced it fully. He says live performances are the best way to discover classical music.
“The silence after finishing a piece, just before the audience claps, is one of my favorite parts of performing,” Curtis said. “There is nothing else like it.”
How to get started with classical music
If you want to start listening to classical music, try movie scores or video game soundtracks. Many are recorded by orchestras and have elements similar to classical music. Sometimes symphonies play these soundtracks live while the movie is shown.
If possible, see a live performance. Hearing music live is very different from listening to recordings. Start with pieces and composers you already know, then explore more.
Recommended pieces to listen to:
Bach – Cello Suites, The Well-Tempered Clavier
Beethoven – Symphony No. 5
Bernstein – Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
Borodin – Polovtsian Dances
Brahms – Academic Festival Overture
Chopin – Preludes and Etudes (Etude Op.10 No. 4), Nocturnes
Debussy – Claire De Lune, La Mer
Dvorak – String Quartets (No. 12 “American”)
Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue
Holst – The Planets
Mozart – Papageno’s Aria from The Magic Flute
Prokofiev – Piano Concertos
Rachmaninoff – Piano Concerto No. 2
Tchaikovsky – 1812 Overture, Piano Concerto No. 1
Related Topics
