From the Top

For the past decade, From the Top has been the preeminent showcase for America’s best young musicians. Through award-winning NPR and PBS programs hosted by Christopher O'Riley, online media, a national tour of live events, and education programs, From the Top shares the stories and performances of pre-collegiate musicians ages 8 to 18 with millions each week. Each program provides a compelling and entertaining window into the world of a diverse group of young people, who pursue life with passion, determination, and joy.

Fast Facts

From the Top is an independent non-profit organization based in Boston.

From the Top on NPR, hosted by Christopher O’Riley, is one of the most popular weekly music series on public radio and is heralded as “contemporary culture’s feel-good success story,” (San Francisco Chronicle). The show reaches more than 700,000 loyal listeners on over 200 stations each week. 

From the Top’s Emmy Award-winning PBS television series was launched in 2007. The show connects with a broad audience and is praised by teachers and parents as “accessible, educational and entertaining,” with “real kids” and “real value.”

From the Top has taped more than 230 radio broadcasts in America’s premier concert halls – reaching more than 200,000 live audience members in 33 states. Find out more about how to bring From the Top to your community.

From the Top’s Center for the Development of Arts Leaders (CDAL) prepares and mentors young musicians across the country to be instruments of change in their communities.

All From the Top performers participate in an arts leadership orientation that challenges them to reflect on the role that music can play in making a difference in their communities; define what makes artists and leaders effective; and motivates them to share themselves and their music with others.

In Boston, 20 young musicians are working in five community partner sites as part of the CDAL Boston pilot.

2,000 young artists ages 8-18 from nearly all of the 50 states have been featured on From the Top’s radio and television programs and participated in From the Top's arts leadership orientations.

Over the years, From the Top has featured prominent guest artists on its radio and television programs including Yo Yo Ma, Hilary Hahn, Bobby McFerrin, Midori, Béla Fleck, Joshua Bell, Sir James Galway, Michael Feinstein, and more.

From the Top and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation have invested more than $1.4 million in scholarships to high achieving pre-collegiate musicians with financial need.

Each year, students across the country experience the power of From the Top role models through classroom visits offered in conjunction with From the Top's national tour. In addition, parents and teachers utliize From the Top's media and lesson plans to inspire their students.

In markets as diverse as Boston, Iowa, Hawaii, and Newark, From the Top has made a deeper impression through long-term residency programs.

Millions of second through twelfth graders learn about From the Top performers in music textbooks and listen to their radio performances on companion CDs through From the Top’s collaboration with Macmillan/McGraw Hill Publishers.

Mission Statement

From the Top celebrates the passion, dedication and personal stories of the nation’s outstanding young classical musicians. Through entertaining radio and television broadcasts, online media, and a national tour of live events and outreach programs, these performers inspire the pursuit of excellence, and encourage participation in the arts as an integral part of a vibrant and civil society. From the Top’s training and mentorship programs prepare young musicians to connect with new audiences, serve as positive peer role models, and give back to their communities in many ways.