Take Note is a ninety-second weekly dive into music history where we choose topics based on music’s intersection with national and international cultural celebrations. Highlighting diverse topics within the history of music, Take Note aims to promote inclusivity in the world of classical music. Each Take Note episode has its own focus whether fun or educational so that listeners from all backgrounds will find something to enjoy from week to week. From holidays like Cinco de Mayo and the 4th of July to World Day of Social Justice and National Eisteddfod, Take Note covers a breadth of topics displaying th...
Listen in the Podli app 🎧
Follow your favourite podcasts, listen offline and in the car with CarPlay and Android Auto, and always pick up where you left off. Free to try.
Sep 30, 2026 · 1:30
September 29th is Broadway Musicals Day, and we’re celebrating with what some enthusiasts and scholars consider the first example of a staged musical production: The Black Crook.
Sep 23, 2026 · 1:30
This week, we’re recognizing the Korean holiday of Chuseok, the harvest festival that falls from September 24th to 26th. Among Chuseok observances, a significant historical…
Sep 16, 2026 · 1:30
It is Hispanic Heritage Month! And on Take Note, we’re celebrating with a string quartet by Peruvian Jewish American composer Gabriela Lena Frank.
Sep 9, 2026 · 1:30
On this episode, we ring in the Ethiopian and Eritrean New Year, which is marked by the end of the region’s rainy season. Ge’ez New Year is also called Enkutatash in Amharic and…
Sep 2, 2026 · 1:30
Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. The celebration falls on Friday, September 4th and is celebrated with…
Aug 26, 2026 · 1:29
August 26th is Women’s Equality Day, and on Take Note, we’re celebrating an important composer in the fight for women’s equality: Amy Beach.
Aug 19, 2026 · 1:30
In this episode we celebrate National Radio Day by taking a look back at the history of classical music aired on radio.
Aug 12, 2026 · 1:29
This August 11th, marks the 3rd annual National Hip-hop Celebration Day! Listen to learn about this iconic American genre - its influences and its place in significant American…
Aug 5, 2026 · 1:29
On this week’s Take Note, we’re honoring the Hindu holiday of Ker Puja, which occurs on August 7th. It’s a solemn celebration primarily observed in the Northeastern Indian state…
Jul 29, 2026 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re honoring the Theravada Buddhist festival Asalha Puja, which commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon. We’ll hear traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist music…
Jul 22, 2026 · 1:29
As we wrap up the month of July, let’s celebrate the Fiesta de Santiago, a day that honors Spain’s patron saint St. James the Apostle. We’ll observe this holiday with 12th…
Jul 15, 2026 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re observing World Listening Day, a time to recognize the importance of sound in our lives and its role in shaping our understanding of the world…
Jul 7, 2026 · 1:29
July 7th is Tanabata, or the Star Festival, in Japan. It is derived from the Chinese Qixi Festival. In this episode, we’ll hear the traditional Tanabata song.
Jul 1, 2026 · 1:30
In honor of America 250, let’s learn about the music and the instruments that created the soundscape of the Revolutionary War.
Jun 24, 2026 · 1:30
In this episode, we celebrate pride month with the story of Tchaikovsky, and we discuss why it’s important to acknowledge musicians’ sexuality.
Jun 17, 2026 · 1:30
In this episode, in honor of Juneteenth, we learn about the life of Blind Tom Wiggins, who is sometimes referred to as the “last American slave.”
Jun 10, 2026 · 1:30
June is African American Music Appreciation Month, and in this episode we cover the various popular music genres with African American roots and take a look at three very…
Jun 3, 2026 · 1:30
Celebrated annually on June 1st and 2nd, Gawai Dayak is the Harvest Festival celebrated in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia on Borneo. This week, we learn about the dance Ngajat…
May 27, 2026 · 1:29
May 25th is Africa Day! This week on Take Note learn about two of Africa's premiere musicologists, Akin Euba and J. H. Kwabena Nketia.
May 20, 2026 · 1:29
May 23rd is Luilak, a Dutch holiday designed to energize the lazy. Learn about this clangorous celebration this week on Take Note.
May 13, 2026 · 1:29
This week on Take Note we celebrate San Isidro’s Feast Day, a Catholic celebration that originated in Seville. We learn about Mozarabs and the history of Mozarabic chant.
May 6, 2026 · 1:29
On May 5th we celebrate children with Kodomo-no-hi, a Japanese holiday. Learn about the koinobori and its musical companion this week on Take Note.
Apr 29, 2026 · 1:29
In Hawaii, May 1st is Lei Day, a time to celebrate the Aloha spirit and honor Native Hawaiian traditions. In this episode, learn about hapa haole music and how to let it inspire…
Apr 22, 2026 · 1:29
Happy Organ Day! This week on Take Note, celebrate this glorious and versatile instrument with Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 in C Minor and Larsen’s Aspects of Glory.
Apr 15, 2026 · 1:29
The Thai New Year Songkran brings many celebrations and water related festivities. Listen to this episode to hear the song Ram Wong Wan Songkran by innovative composer Eua…
Apr 8, 2026 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we're honoring the Jewish holiday of Passover that begins on April 1st and lasts until the 9th. We'll hear Erich Wolfgang Korngold's poignant work, A…
Apr 1, 2026 · 1:30
Celebrate the movable feast of Easter with some orchestral music and hot cross buns here at Take Note!
Mar 25, 2026 · 1:30
Happy Greek American Heritage Month! This week on Take Note, we learn about one iconic Greek American diva of the stage, Maria Callas.
Mar 18, 2026 · 1:30
In this episode, celebrate Eid Al-Fitr by exploring the Arabic song that came to be associated with the holiday.
Mar 11, 2026 · 1:30
Happy Women’s History Month from us here at Take Note! In this episode we hear about two compositions that align with this year’s Women’s History Month theme: “Leading the…
Mar 4, 2026 · 1:30
Holi, or the Festival of Color, takes place on March 4th this year, celebrating the start of spring, new beginnings, and the triumph of good over evil. This week’s episode…
Feb 24, 2026 · 1:29
February is Black History Month, and today we're learning about two remarkable composers: William Grant Still and Valerie Coleman.
Feb 18, 2026 · 1:29
Celebrated this year between February 12th and 17th, Carnival is one of the most widely varied holidays in the Christian tradition; and this week on Take Note, we’re learning…
Feb 11, 2026 · 1:29
What is more romantic than Shakespeare? This week on Take Note, it’s Romeo and Juliet in honor of Valentine's Day.
Feb 4, 2026 · 1:29
February 2nd is Ukulele Day, and this episode is all about the small but mighty instrument most commonly associated with Hawaii.
Jan 28, 2026 · 1:29
Join us in celebrating Up Helly Aa, a time marking the end of the Yule season. In this episode, we learn about Scottish folk music.
Jan 21, 2026 · 1:29
In this episode, celebrate Mariachi Day by exploring the origins of mariachi music and what led it to becoming widely celebrated today.
Jan 14, 2026 · 1:29
January 13 is Korean American day! On this episode we listen to Juri Seo’s Toy Store, a work that draws inspiration from her Korean and American musical and cultural influences.
Jan 7, 2026 · 1:29
January is Music American Heritage Month. On this episode of Take Note we take a closer look at the often overlooked contributions that Muslim Americans have made to America’s…
Dec 30, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re celebrating Kwanzaa and the music that plays an important role as one of the binding forces bringing African and African American cultures together.
Dec 23, 2025 · 1:29
This holiday season, explore rarely-heard contributions to the Christmas playlist from Franz Liszt and Arnold Schoenberg.
Dec 17, 2025 · 1:29
This week we’re learning about the ancient Roman winter festival Saturnalia, a time of feasting, merriment, gift-giving, and more.
Dec 10, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re honoring the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah that begins on December 14th and lasts until the 22nd. We’ll hear a traditional blessing plus some rousing…
Dec 3, 2025 · 1:29
December 8th is Bodhi Day, a holiday commemorating the Buddha achieving enlightenment. In this episode, we learn about Tan Dun’s work Buddha Passion.
Nov 26, 2025 · 1:29
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we’re highlighting the first Native American composer to win the Pulitzer Prize for music: Raven Chacon.
Nov 19, 2025 · 1:29
We’re celebrating this year’s Latvian Independence Day by learning about composer Jāzeps Vītols who played a vital role in nurturing the musical culture of the newly independent…
Nov 12, 2025 · 1:29
Celebrate this Veterans Day with a full-scale work by Patrick Hawes dedicated to those who lost their lives in the first World War.
Nov 5, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re honoring Puerto Rican Heritage month by learning about the musical traditions of the archipelago and well-known contemporary artists.
Oct 29, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re celebrating National Immigrants Day by learning about Carlos Simon’s orchestral work, This Land, a musical tribute to this nation’s ideals of hope…
Oct 22, 2025 · 1:29
This week we are observing the Hindu celebration of Diwali. Along with traditions used to celebrate the festival, no Diwali is complete without dance and song.
Oct 15, 2025 · 1:29
October is Italian American Heritage Month, and we’re celebrating with the music of Henry Mancini, one of history’s most prolific composers of film and television soundtracks.
Oct 8, 2025 · 1:29
October 10 is National Trumpet Day, and you can celebrate with trumpet music on Take Note. As aired on KBACH on October 7.
Oct 1, 2025 · 1:29
It is Hispanic Heritage Month! And on Take Note, we’re celebrating with a string quartet by Peruvian Jewish American composer Gabriela Lena Frank. As aired on KBACH on September…
Sep 24, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re honoring International Week of the Deaf with famous deaf musicians and a special music program for deaf children. As aired on KBACH on September 23.
Sep 17, 2025 · 1:29
International country music day was established in the 1950s and is a time for country music enthusiasts to appreciate their favorite music. And today we’re celebrating by…
Sep 10, 2025 · 1:29
In honor of Brazil’s independence day, we’re learning about Brazilian music like samba and bossa nova. As aired on September 9th.
Sep 3, 2025 · 1:29
September 1 was World Letter Writing Day, and on Take Note, we’re learning about two particular letter writers whose correspondence we can read today. As aired on KBACH on…
Aug 27, 2025 · 1:29
August 26th is Women’s Equality Day, and on Take Note, we’re celebrating an important composer in the fight for women’s equality: Amy Beach. As aired on KBACH on August 26th.
Aug 20, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we learn about the Festival of Obon, a Japanese tradition dating back over 500 years. In this episode, we will dive into the folk music behind this…
Aug 13, 2025 · 1:29
August 12 is National Vinyl Record Day, and on Take Note, we’re explaining how this classic medium works. As aired on KBACH on August 12.
Aug 6, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, it’s British Columbia Day. You probably didn’t even know some of these famous artists are from British Columbia! As aired on KBACH on August 5.
Jul 30, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re celebrating bagpipe appreciation day by learning all about this ancient instrument and its uses over the years. As aired on KBACH on July 29th.
Jul 23, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note we’re learning about traditional Japanese hayashi music in honor of the Tobata Gion Yamagasa Festival. As aired on KBACH on July 22.
Jul 16, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re observing World Listening Day, a time to recognize the importance of sound in our lives and its role in shaping our understanding of the world.
Jul 9, 2025 · 1:29
This week in honor of Nunavut Day, learn about kattajaq, a form of throat singing practiced by Inuit musicians. As aired on KBAQ on July 8.
Jul 2, 2025 · 1:30
In this episode we celebrate the 4th of July as it is an American holiday that celebrates the passage of the declaration of independence. As aired on KBACH on July 1st.
Jun 25, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re learning about the traditional religious festival of the Andes region known as Inti Raymi. As aired on KBACH on June 24.
Jun 18, 2025 · 1:29
In honor of Juneteenth, we’re taking the opportunity to examine the life of the newly rediscovered composer and fiddle player Sawney Freeman, who was perhaps the first Black…
Jun 11, 2025 · 1:29
This special Father’s Day episode is all about the fathers in classical music history. As aired on KBACH on June 10.
Jun 4, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month with the music of Erollyn Wallen and Bob Marley. As aired on KBACH on June 3.
May 28, 2025 · 1:29
This week’s Take Note dives into the composers behind the US Armed Forces songs in honor of Memorial Day. As aired on KBACH on May 27.
May 21, 2025 · 1:29
May 20th is National Band Director’s Day, and we’re taking the time to honor band directors and the support they provide for young musicians. As aired on KBACH on May 20th.
May 14, 2025 · 1:29
In this episode we explore Jewish music and the impact it has had on American culture in honor of Jewish Heritage Month. As aired on KBACH on May 13th.
May 7, 2025 · 1:30
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and here on Take Note, we’re celebrating by hearing from a few music teachers who tell us about their passion for music education. As…
Apr 30, 2025 · 1:29
April is National Poetry Month, and this week on Take Note, we’re celebrating with two classical works that draw on poetry for their inspiration. As aired on KBACH on April 29.
Apr 23, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note we’re celebrating Earth Day by acknowledging the beautiful red Italian spruce trees that have given us some of the world’s most famous violins. As aired on…
Apr 16, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note: Jazz Appreciation Month, a time to celebrate the popular American genre that has influenced so much of today’s music. As aired on KBACH on April 15.
Apr 9, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re celebrating Ramadan by learning about adhan, the call to prayer. As aired on KBACH on April 8.
Apr 2, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, it’s the lesser-known April 1st holiday: National Trombone Player’s Day. As aired on KBACH on April 1.
Mar 26, 2025 · 1:29
March 25 is a day to honor the memories of those affected by the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and today on Take Note we’re taking the opportunity to recognize composer Joseph…
Mar 19, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note we’re celebrating International Teach Music Week with the sounds of Tchaikovsky. As aired on KBACH on March 18th.
Mar 12, 2025 · 1:30
This week on Take Note, we’re celebrating the Blue Dragon Festival--known in Mandarin as Lóng Táitóu (龙抬头)--and celebrated each year on the second day of the second month of the…
Mar 5, 2025 · 1:29
March 4 is Dance the Waltz Day, and we’re celebrating with waltz music by “The Waltz King” himself: Johann Strauss II. As aired on KBACH on March 4.
Feb 26, 2025 · 1:29
It is National Friendship Month, and what better way to celebrate than to recognize a few iconic musical friendships throughout history. As aired on KBACH on February 25.
Feb 19, 2025 · 1:29
February is Black History Month, and today we’re learning about two remarkable composers: William Grant Still and Valerie Coleman. As aired on KBACH on February 18.
Feb 12, 2025 · 1:29
February 11 is National Guitar Day, and here on Take Note, we’re learning all about the history of the guitar. As aired on KBACH on February 11.
Feb 5, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re celebrating Chinese New Year, which took place on January 29th. We’ll hear traditional music that accompanies the dragon and lion dance as well as a…
Jan 29, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re learning about polka in honor of National Polka Music Month. As aired on KBACH on January 28th.
Jan 22, 2025 · 1:29
In this episode celebrate Mariachi Day by exploring the origins of mariachi music and what led it to become widely celebrated today. As aired on KBACH on January 21st.
Jan 15, 2025 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re celebrating the Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti while learning about traditional Indian instruments. As aired on KBACH on January 14.
Jan 8, 2025 · 1:29
In this episode we celebrate International Creativity Month by recognizing the creative process and how it is important to musicians and composers. As aired on KBACH on January 7th
Jan 1, 2025 · 1:29
For our final episode of the year, we’re celebrating Omisoka, the Japanese New Year’s Eve tradition. As aired on KBACH on December 31.
Dec 25, 2024 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re honoring the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah that begins on December 25th and lasts until January 2. We’ll hear a traditional blessing plus some rousing…
Dec 18, 2024 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re celebrating the Christian holiday tradition of Las Posadas with Spanish carols. As aired on KBACH on December 17.
Dec 11, 2024 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re celebrating Santa Lucia Day, a winter holiday observed in Sweden, Norway, and parts of Finland on December 13th. As aired on KBACH on December 10.
Dec 4, 2024 · 1:29
On this episode of Take Note, we’re celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities by learning about the ways in which music can be an inclusive space for everyone.…
Nov 27, 2024 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, we’re celebrating Thanksgiving with Leonard Bernstein’s “Turkey Trot”! As aired on KBACH on November 26.
Nov 20, 2024 · 1:29
This month is Native American Heritage Month, and to honor this celebration, we’re learning about Native composers Louis W. Ballard and Dawn Avery. As aired on KBACH on November…
Nov 13, 2024 · 1:29
This week on Take Note, in honor of the Cambodian Water Festival, or Bon om Touk, we’re taking a dive into the music traditions of Cambodia. As aired on KBACH on November 12.
Nov 6, 2024 · 1:29
On this episode of Take Note, we’re honoring Japanese Culture Day, a holiday dedicated to celebrating the music, art, and academics of the Japanese people. As aired on KBACH on…
Listen in the Podli app 🎧
Follow your favourite podcasts, listen offline and in the car with CarPlay and Android Auto, and always pick up where you left off. Free to try.
Your podcast? Get the Podli badge for your site
