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Musicians of any age can participate as long as they are less than 19 years of age when the show is being taped, and not yet attending a college or conservatory full-time. However, they must submit a CD or tape of their playing demonstrating exceptional proficiency in their instrument or singing. Musicians usually appear as a soloist or as a member of chamber ensemble, although sometimes large youth orchestras or wind groups are featured. Also, composers sometimes perform their compositions.

Each musician or group plays a piece that is about four minutes long (the time limit is slightly longer for chamber groups), and is then interviewed by the show's host, notable pianist Christopher O'Riley , who accompanies the young soloists. O'Riley also plays at the half-way point of each show, usually a transcription of rock music re-imagined as a classical piano solo.

There are also humorous skits throughout the show, often featuring a teenaged Roving Reporter. ''From the Top'' has been on the air since the late 1990s. Its base is in Boston , Massachusetts , but it travels frequently to cities across America. It is made possible by grants from various organizations and the New England Conservatory Of Music . The conservatory also offers a scholarship of $7,500 to each performer on ''From the Top'' upon successful admission and matriculation at the conservatory.


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