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, online media, a national tour of live events, and education programs, From the Top shares the stories and performances of pre-collegiate musicians 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 on NPR, hosted by Christopher O’Riley, is heralded as “contemporary culture’s feel-good success story,” (San Francisco Chronicle) and reaches more than 700,000 loyal listeners 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 200 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

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. 

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, Denise Graves, Béla Fleck, Joshua Bell, and more.

From the Top and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation have invested more than $1 million in scholarships to high achieving pre-collegiate musicians with financial need.

From the Top’s Arts Leadership Program encourages and mentors young performers to share their music with new audiences and give back to their communities.

Each year, 10,000 students across the country experience the power of From the Top role models through classroom visits,  media, and lesson plans.

In markets as diverse as Boston, Iowa, Hawaii, and Newark, From the Top is making 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.