Want to read the life story of a composer featured at a concert? Or hear a piece by your favorite soloist? Or learn what "andante" means? All things classical are a click away on these selected sites.

Art of the States
This contemporary music site features complete works of American music with program notes, artist biographies and related links. The site spans American repertoire from orchestral music, chamber music, and electronic jazz/rock-influenced and experimental pieces. Almost a third of the pieces on the site are unavailable on commercial CD.

Classical Music Initiative
The majority of classical audiences first connect with music through the radio. Minnesota Public Radio's new Classical Music Initiative wants to take advantage of this entry point to nurture the next generation of classical music lovers, while exploring new ways to use emerging technologies.

Classical Online Radio
Links to classical music radio stations the world over, many of which broadcast live concerts. Want to hear a live concert from Budapest? Bartók Rádió is a click away!

From the Top
You can visit the web to download audio programs of this engaging Public Radio International show featuring amazing young musicians. The site also includes information on how to audition or to learn more about the Sound Waves education project, which uses From the Top performers to connect with other students through classroom lessons and activities.

Global Music Network
This site offers CD sales, free music downloads, and a radio station that alternates daily between classical music and jazz.

National Public Radio
Listen to NPR from your computer desktop with NPR Program Stream, or check out what's on next on "Performance Today," the Peabody Award-winning program that focuses on classical music made in concert-from established stars to promising young artists.

Naxos
Deemed "The World's Leading Classical Music Label," the Naxos website not only features extensive listings of its recording repertoire, but news, history, quizzes and educational tools.

NewMusicBox
Want to make sense of today's classical music scene? The American Music Center's webzine boasts thought-provoking original content devoted to contemporary classical music and trends.

Unheard Beethoven
Over 11 hours of Beethoven's seldom-heard music is available on this site, with comprehensive links to other sites on one of history's greatest composers.

Wisconsin Public Radio
Our home state's leading source for classical music and NPR news.

Arts Journal
The leading comprehensive source of news regarding arts, culture and ideas. Sign up for daily or weekly email news digests. Check out the popular blog of Andrew Taylor, the Director of UW-Madison's Bolz Center for Arts Administration.

ClassicsToday
For those who just have to have their daily CD review, this site offers daily reviews, some classical world news and monthly updates on the latest in technology information. Most information is free, but you can also join as a member and receive special bulletins and personalized CD recommendations.

Gramophone Online
The classical music industry's definitive magazine has a companion website filled with intriguing content. Notable sections under the Features link include "Reputations" and "Masterclass," which examine classical music personalities, compositions and issues with a critical, inquisitive eye.

Musical America
The industry annual online offers visitors daily headlines and access to industry press releases and selected feature articles for free.

Americans for the Arts
The nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America provides ideas and support on how to get involved and support the arts locally.

Artful Learning
The GRAMMY Foundation's Leonard Bernstein Center for Learning (LBC) launched this site to honor the impressive legacy of Maestro Leonard Bernstein and explain the intricacies of the Artful Learning methodology, which stimulates and deepens academic learning through the arts.

Classical Arts Showcase
This site provides details on how you can access Classical Arts Showcase, a free cable television program designed to bring the classic arts experience straight to your home.

League of American Orchestras
From the official trade association of American symphony orchestras, formerly known as the American Symphony Orchestra League, an invaluable resource for those wishing to enter the field of symphony administration. Includes news and government affairs affecting the industry.

Meet the Music
A website by the American Symphony Orchestra League that acquaints you with a new featured piece every two weeks. Includes links to live performances around the country and recordings.

MUSIClassical
This site launches you all over the web in search of artists, books, concert dates and more. There's even a link to Musician's Physicians for musicians with nagging music-related ailments.

Musical Terms Glossary
From adagio to vivace, find out what those musical terms mean, and enhance your concert experience.

National Endowment for the Arts
Keep abreast of the latest information on programs and initiatives, guidelines and applications, or to find music-specific resources and links to foundations.

Portal Wisconsin Search Engine
Search for upcoming Wisconsin arts events by keyword.

Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau
Sign-up to receive a FREE VisitorPass for special discounts on Madison Symphony Orchestra concerts.

Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce

Guidebook America - Wisconsin
US travel directory, travel news, area guidebooks and much more.

University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music

Ward-Brodt Music Mall
"Wisconsin's Premier Full Service Music Store" for over 75 years. Check out their blog at bignotepress.com.

Wisconsin Union Theater
World-class artists perform regularly on the Wisconsin Union Theater's renowned series.

ClassicalLounge.com
A new online networking site for professional and amateur classical musicians.

Madison Area Piano Teachers Assoication
A membership organization for local piano teachers designed to support continued growth for teachers in the company of colleagues and friends.

Polyphonic.org
An online forum edited and curated entirely by orchestra musicians, for orchestra musicians.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra "DSO Kids"
A national award-winning site to get youngsters (and their teachers) more involved in classical music.

New York Philharmonic "KidZone"
A fun, behind-the-scenes glance at the world-famous orchestra. The Composer's Workshop lets kids compose their own music.

Playmusic.org
The American Symphony Orchestra League's site for kids.

San Francisco Symphony "SFS Kids"
Kids can see and hear the instruments of the orchestra, send a musical e-card, and play Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik with the "Performalator."

SphinxKids
The Sphinx organization is dedicated to building diversity in classical music. Their new website for kids includes games, videos, music, and special focus on minority composers and musicians.

The Symphony: An Interactive Guide
Developed by two teenagers from Australia, this site offers older kids interactive ways to learn about instruments, the orchestra and composers.