All-Star Orchestra

This course is a part of Arts & humanities partners, a 11-course Topic series from Khan Academy.

The All-Star Orchestra encourages greater appreciation of classical music as a living tradition. Top orchestral players from across the United States meet once-a-year in New York to record masterpieces and new works with Music Director Gerard Schwarz. Come behind the scenes, meet the musicians, attend an open rehearsal, gain a conductor's perspective, and have a first-person encounter with the music.

This course contains 4 segments:

Music basics

The basic principles of music are explained in plain language with helpful graphics and live video demonstrations. If you have ever wondered “How does music work?” then you’ll find answers here. Presented by the All-Star Orchestra music director Gerard Schwarz.

Band instrument lessons

Learn about band instruments from expert musicians with the United States Marine Band. Lessons include warm-ups, excerpts, and helpful advice. Established by an Act of Congress in 1798, the United States Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. The Marine Band performs at the White House an average of 200 times each year, and also presents annually an indoor concert series, summer concerts on the National Mall, and a national concert tour.

Masterpieces old and new

Discover what makes a masterpiece by learning how classical works are composed. Music Director Gerard Schwarz explains the history, context and compositional techniques behind famous orchestral works, from Beethoven to leading composers of the present day.

Instruments of the orchestra

Learn about the different instruments of the orchestra as they are presented and demonstrated by principal players from famous symphony orchestras.