Classical Music Listening Online

Classical Music Listening Online

On the one hand, you can go to online music stores and purchase the MP3 files for your Apple iPod. On the other hand, there is a huge selection of radio stations across the nation that are dedicated to providing you with a wide selection of classical music, spanning not only the generations, but also the centuries!

It is much easier today than it has ever been to enjoy classical music listening online. Before you go ahead and seek out these radio stations -- the majority of which have "real life" counterparts that you can find either on the AM or FM dial -- you may need to download some specialized software. Fear not, classical music fans, it's not nearly as complicated as you may think.

Computer Programs for Music Listening

Different websites and different online radio stations can oftentimes use different software to provide you, the end user, with an online music listening experience. In general, there are only three standards or so that are used, so if you download them all ahead of time -- don't worry, they're free -- you won't have to bother with the whole downloading and installation process later on. Each installation is quite easy and only takes a couple of minutes.

If you are on a Windows-based PC, your computer likely came pre-installed with Windows Media Player. For you to access some online radio stations, you'll need the latest version of WMP and you can get this directly from Microsoft by clicking here. Windows Media Player works best with files of the following formats: MP3, WMA, AAC.

Other music stations have opted for the Real Player standard. Developed by RealNetworks, this computer application functions much the same way as Windows Media Player. You can download it here. Typical file formats supported here include RA, RM and RAM. Some have said that Real Player is better suited for Online Music Tips streaming music.

Last but not least is Apple QuickTime. If you've ever gone to Apple's website to watch movie trailers, chances are that you've already downloaded this software (available here). QuickTime is used more often for streaming video, but it is also used for audio purposes, like listening to music online.

Examples of Free Classical Music Stations

If you only stick to your radio stations that within your immediate physical vicinity, you will probably only find one or two that cater to the classical music audience. By contrast, when you open you catchment to the entire United States, you find much more variety and plenty of opportunities to enjoy everything from Bach to Beethoven, baroque to romantic.

Here are a few internet radio stations that focus on classical music.

• WCPE 89.7FM: The domain name says it all. Hosted at TheClassicalStation.org, this radio station promises "great classical music, 24 hours a day." They give you several options for how you want to listen to their tunes, including MP3, Ogg Vorbis, Real Audio, Windows Media, and QuickTime. The short guides on what you need are quite helpful.

• 89.9 KBPS: Much like the station mentioned above, these guys have also purchased a very appropriate web domain: allclassical.org. Choose from Windows Media, MP3, or Real.

• Contemporary Classical Internet Radio: To our knowledge, this internet radio station does not have an AM/FM "real life" equivalent. Instead of focusing on "the classics", this station "celebrates the diversity of 20th (and 21st) century classical music."

• KVOD Classical Music: Run by Colorado Public Radio, you have the choice to listen via Windows Media, aacPlus, or MP3. They sometimes offer Colorado Symphony live broadcasts.

• Classical 89.7 KCNV: This Nevada Public Radio station has all sorts of news for people in the area that is oftentimes better known for being full of gambling, drinking, and other excesses. Kick back with some classical music, enjoyed via Real Player.