National Classical Music Month

What Is National Classical Music Month?

Every September, the United States observes National Classical Music Month, a nationwide celebration of the history, artistry, and cultural impact of classical music. The observance dates back to 1994, when President Bill Clinton designated September as Classical Music Month through Presidential Proclamation 6716. In his proclamation, Clinton described classical music as "a celebration of artistic excellence," noting that it reflects the American spirit — a mixture of discipline and improvisation, and of strong individual voices working together.

 

The month-long observance is dedicated to appreciating classical music's rich history and diverse forms, honoring the composers, conductors, and performers who keep the tradition alive for new generations.

A Brief History of Classical Music

 

Classical music's roots stretch back many centuries, long before the modern "classical" label existed. The tradition traces its origins to the patronage of churches and royal courts across Western Europe. As musical instruments developed and ensembles grew larger, the music evolved into the elaborate compositions performed by full orchestras today. Classical music is often defined by formal, complex structures, including polyphony — two or more independent melodic lines occurring simultaneously.

 

Music historians typically divide the tradition into several broad eras:

• Medieval Era — Church-influenced music dominated this period, including early forms such as Gregorian chant and organum. Notable figures include Hildegard von Bingen and Guillaume de Machaut.

• Baroque Era — An ornate style that introduced musical forms like the concerto, cantata, oratorio, and sonata, alongside major advances in instrument design. Key composers include Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Antonio Vivaldi.

• Classical Era — Composers favored simpler, cleaner textures with a strong emphasis on melody and dynamics, and the woodwind section was formally added to the orchestra. Major figures include Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Joseph Haydn, and Ludwig van Beethoven (often regarded as a bridge into the Romantic era).

• Romantic Era — This period emphasized emotion and expressiveness, with expanded brass and woodwind sections. Composers include Frédéric Chopin, Richard Wagner, and Johannes Brahms.

 

The invention of the printing press during the Renaissance also played a pivotal role in the genre's spread, allowing composers to print and circulate their works far beyond their home regions for the first time.

 

Why We Celebrate It

Celebrating Classical Music Month helps preserve the legacies of great musicians while introducing the genre to new audiences. Classical music remains a living, evolving tradition rather than a museum piece — each new performance, orchestra, or chamber ensemble brings fresh interpretation to works that are centuries old.

 

Ways to Participate

National Classical Music Month is designed to be accessible to lifelong fans and newcomers alike. Educators, community organizations, and individuals can mark the month in several ways:

1. Attend a live performance. A concert can be a grand event at a major symphony hall or something as simple as a soloist's recital at a local library. Local newspapers, orchestra websites, and music school listings are good places to find upcoming performances.

2. Bring the music to your community. Community organizations, libraries, or town arts councils may be willing to host a community concert or listening event.

3. Encourage music education. Supporting a young person — or an adult learner — in taking music lessons is a lasting way to mark the month; research consistently shows cognitive and social benefits from learning an instrument.

4. Listen actively and broadly. Try listening to at least one classical work a day, sampling different composers across different eras to hear how the music evolved over time.

5. Explore online. The internet makes it easy to discover both favorite composers and lesser-known works. Newcomers are just as welcome to dip a toe in as lifelong fans.

 

Additional Resources

Learn the History & Theory

• Britannica: Classical Music — overview of the Classical era and the broader genre

• IMSLP / Petrucci Music Library — free public-domain sheet music and scores

• Naxos.com — classical music reference site with composer biographies and recordings

Listen

• NPR Music: Classical — news, features, and streaming classical content

• Classical WCRB (Boston) — local classical station and blog

• Carnegie Hall — listening guides and resources on major works and composers

Organizations & Advocacy

• League of American Orchestras — national association supporting U.S. orchestras

• Boston Symphony Orchestra — performance schedules and educational programs

• National Endowment for the Arts — Arts Education — federal arts and music education initiatives

Background on the Observance

• National Day Calendar: Classical Music Month

• Days of the Year: Classical Music Month

• Classical WCRB: "September is National Classical Music Month!"