Take Note

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 the many roles music plays in our world.

Episodes

Up Helly Aa

Jan 28, 2026

Jan 28, 2026

1 min

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 28, 2026

1 min

Jan 21, 2026

1 min

In this episode, celebrate Mariachi Day by exploring the origins of mariachi music and what led it to becoming widely celebrated today.

Jan 21, 2026

1 min

Jan 14, 2026

1 min

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 14, 2026

1 min

Jan 7, 2026

1 min

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 quintessential genre of music, jazz!

Jan 7, 2026

1 min

Kwanzaa

Dec 30, 2025

Dec 30, 2025

1 min

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 30, 2025

1 min

Christmas

Dec 23, 2025

Dec 23, 2025

1 min

This holiday season, explore rarely-heard contributions to the Christmas playlist from Franz Liszt and Arnold Schoenberg.

Dec 23, 2025

1 min

Saturnalia

Dec 17, 2025

Dec 17, 2025

1 min

This week we’re learning about the ancient Roman winter festival Saturnalia, a time of feasting, merriment, gift-giving, and more.

Dec 17, 2025

1 min

Hanukkah

Dec 10, 2025

Dec 10, 2025

1 min

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 Klezmer tunes.

Dec 10, 2025

1 min

Bodhi Day

Dec 3, 2025

Dec 3, 2025

1 min

December 8th is Bodhi Day, a holiday commemorating the Buddha achieving enlightenment. In this episode, we learn about Tan Dun’s work Buddha Passion.

Dec 3, 2025

1 min

Nov 26, 2025

1 min

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 26, 2025

1 min

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