ClassicalMusicCity.com is a new and innovative web site devoted to the classical music industry. It is the most comprehensive, free source of classical music information on the web that includes information resources in the form of video, articles, news, reviews and listings. It has everything from video of masterclasses, an archive of famous classical music cartoons, classical music composer’s biographies, sheet music, youth orchestra audition notices, recordings and concert announcements. All content goes through administrative approval, so it is a safe and fun place for children to roam and discover the wonders of classical music. Lots of informative content for parents too.
With over 10,000 pages and growing, you can easily find what you need. Search by keyword, topic, type of content or even by regions from as large as “worldwide” to as small as a state. It offers the traditional navigation via tabs at the top of the page which includes audio, auditions, jobs, events, articles, video, blogs and more. It also features a list of over 30 directories in the left hand column for everyone and everything from music teachers, musicians, ensembles, schools, venues, to medical professionals who specialize in treating injuries to musicians.
The real innovation comes in the form of a clever and colorful map of the CITY. Each building is a whimsical design based upon musical symbols and instruments and iconic classical music images. The buildings are topical, so when you click on the image you are taken to content (video, announcements, news, links, articles, etc.) that is related to the “theme” of that particular building. The map is colorful and bright and especially enticing to younger users. (Go to main page at www.ClassicalMusicCity.com)
Just scroll down the page and below the map are slider boxes that contain the latest additions to the site, including featured members, video, articles, news, links, sheet music, auditions and jobs.
Here is a quick overview some of the buildings and what each contains.
MUSIC SCHOOL - Looks like a french horn and contains content for pre-college level students, parents and teachers. Includes directories for accompanists, pre-college teachers, music schools, and student performing groups. Also has information on competitions for pre-college students, Early Childhood Music, Games, Kid’s Corner, Music History, Music Theory, Parent’s Lounge, Pedagogy, Practicing Tips, Recital Hall, Summer Programs, Video of Performances.
CAFE - Looks like a violin and features the “lighter” side of classical music including Alternative Music Styles, Comedy, Folklore and Anecdotal Tales, Interesting and Outrageous Ideas, Let’s Talk About, People in the News, Reviews of Concerts.
MOVIE THEATER – Has a bass clarinet on the front of the building and it contains 100′s of theaters showing all the video contained on the site. Includes concert footage of all types including folk and alternative styles, Cartoons, Comedy/Satire., Documentary, Educational “how to” video and classical music masterclasses. Also famous film footage from Hollywood, tips on Health and Wellness for musicians and classical music in the form of Performance Art.
CONCERT HALL – Looks like a piano and is the logo for the site. Directories for musicians, both professional and amateur, as well as performing ensembles like orchestras, bands and choirs, and composers and conductors. Also find Audition Repertoire Lists, Concert Announcements, Educational resources for kids, Major Artists, Program Notes, Recital Hall, Reviews , Summer Festivals, Venues for Instrumental/Choral Concerts, Video.
HOUSE OF WORSHIP – Information on sacred music including recordings and video and directories for churches, choir directors, ensembles.
LIBRARY – Audio/MP3 Recordings (Free), Biographies, Book Reviews, Directory of Industry Professionals, Discography, Dissertations and Papers, Educational Resources, Libraries and Collection, Periodicals, Podcasts, Rare and Unusual Instruments, Reference Materials, Videographies.
OPERA HOUSE – Contains directories for opera companies, venues and opera musicians, a Children’s Corner, composer and conductor biographies, Educational resources, Libretti, video of Major Artists and reviews.
MARKETPLACE – Merchant Directory that includes retailers, service providers (like accountants, entertainment lawyers) musicians for special occasions, music publishers. Visitors can buy or sell sheet music, instruments, and music accessories.
PROFESSIONAL CENTER – Music related information on Taxes, Accounting, Appraisals, Career Counseling, Financial Planning, Insurance, Legal Services, Travel.
CAREER CENTER – Alternative Career Paths, Artist Management, Audition Advice, Career Development, Opera, Orchestra auditions , Resume Tips.
RECORDING STUDIO – Directory of Industry Professionals and Recording Studios, Discographies, Recording Equipment, Industry Issues, New Releases, Recommended Recordings, Reviews of Recordings, Software, Technical Advice, and video.
COMMUNITY CENTER – This building is for the people who support classical music in a non-performance capacity. Find a directory for Arts Administrators and Arts Patrons and services organizations like unions and teacher’s associations. Also news on Arts Advocacy, Awards, Economic Impact Studies, Grants, Scholarships