Anyone know much about DJs for classical music stations?

Question

Some of my favorite classical music pieces I've discovered through the years were finds from a local radio station, so I tune in as often as possible, hoping to find something I've never heard before that I can't live without.

DJs on CM stations can actually be fun to listen to. Some love to educate, some insert personal opinions, some love to give interviews. What I wonder, though, is what sort of background, educational or otherwise, do people in this profession generally have? Radio broadcasting? Communication? Music? Just simply an enthusiast? All of the above? Is it usually a part-time, second job, or can it be a full-time career? I've always wondered.

Answer 1

One of the nation's finest is WFMT, Chicago. They are available on line (web-stream).

The station's announcers are conservatory trained musicians, singers, etc. They may have minors in communications.



Part of the requirement is to be able to accurately pronounce composer's names and titles in about seven languages, German, French, Italian, Russian and other Slavic tongues, Hungarian, etc. They are all extremely knowledgeable and conversant on music, musicality, music history, discography, old and new.



This radio station's staff have a core who are full-time employees, and additional programmers who are part time, or have weekly feature programs.



best regards, petr b.

Answer 2

I posted a lengthy 4-5 paragraph response to your question last night; and I have no idea what happened to it. Though I do recall last night and this morning early, Yahoo was behaving as if it were going to become an-------------what comes after "octo", like in "octomom"?---"mom".



There use to be a radio program "way back when", sponsored by American Airlines called "Music till Dawn". Its initial broadcast was out of Chicago with a DJ called Jay Andreas(sp-?). Didn't begin till mid-night, but well worth staying up late to listen to.



He was very personable and seem to be into classical music somewhat; but one of only a few I can recall that knew the difference between Bach and Bullwinkle.



And suppose I should insert here, that I've never lived in the eastern U.S., so I'm not qualified to express an opinion about the stations there. I've lived in San Francisco however for quite a long time; and then there were two 24 hrs. CM stations.



One whose DJ's seemed fairly knowledgeable about the contents being broadcast, the other - probably had the musical taste of a Michael Jackson. Lived in St.Louis, Mo. for many years, and knew a CM DJ; but his service was completely voluntary and he also and to provide all the recordings.



As far as the radio media nowadays, it seems to me that those appointed to act as DJ's over many if not most stations that broadcast CM, need not have any relevant qualifications whatsoever: just be in line for a job slot, and a higher up says, "okay, got something for you": and that's about it.



You know, if I could afford it, would like to move to Europe; seems it values the "arts" much more than the powers that be in this county.



Alberich

Answer 3

As Petr B states, being able to listen to these charming and erudite people via streaming is my SALVATION when away from home. Sometimes, on vacation, we find ourselves in parts of the US that have ONLY *red-neck radio*, or inflammatory talk shows, or YEE-HAH country cone-pone drivel. To be able to listen a familiar - or a new - intelligent voice, and then the classical music we love, is a relief. We also will play out mp3 players thru my laptop when we have to - but I *like* Fm radio, always have (grew up with WGBH in Boston - now listen to WAMC in Albany, and WMHT and other NYC stations).



If youa re interested in this, then I would find a college that had BOTH an excellent music department AND communications department. Ithaca College in NY would be one - Boston University (My grad alma mater) is another -there are many more. You can also work on the radio station of your college - you can be trained, and take the FCC tests. I am VERY sorry that I did not do this when I had the chance! I wish you much luck in this field - many stations are cutting back, because there are fewer listener to classical Fm, then there are to gassbags like Limbaugh - another instance of the dumbing-down of America.

Answer 4

That's very true. For one reason parents don't let their kids experience classical music at a young age. Most of the people that did listen to classical music many many years ago just didn't pass it on to their kids when a new style came about. Second mainstream society portrays it as boring. Any kid who hears the words "classical music" automatically thinks "boring". 3rd it isn't taught in many schools and the schools that do teach it, teach it in a way that portrays it as any other subject: work that needs to be completed, not as a hobby. If schools had a classical music class where the music was to be listened to, enjoyed, discussed, and not tested maybe kids would enjoy it more. For the most part the only children interested in classical music are the ones whose parents had them take instruments at a young age. Sadly the music that kids listen to now is garbage.

Answer 5

I don't really have any experience in radio, but I certainly love Portland, Oregon's classical radio station, 89.9 All Classical. Of the classical radio stations I'm familiar with, this one is one of the best in my opinion. If I were you, I'd start by reading some of the bios of the staff for the radio station at the website below. Maybe that can point you in the right direction?



http://www.allclassical.org/pages/aboutus_staff.php5