In The Key of Z: Classical

Born after the year 2000, Gen Z takes a new approach to
everything by default. But how does this contrast against the long-
established canon of music history?

In the Key of Z: Classical explores this question through the eyes of five students whose devotion to their craft defies generational trends.

WXXI’s  In the Key of Z: Classical is a dynamic digital-first series that
celebrates the emerging classical talent of the Rochester region.
Through captivating live performances and insightful interviews, the series introduces audiences to the next generation of classical performers. These
talented artists share their musical foundations and aspirations for the future.

In addition to the video segments, an audio version of each will air on WXXI Classical and stream live on WXXIClassical.org.

A native of Herndon, Virginia, Steve first came to Rochester as a student at the Eastman School of Music. He has loved classical music and public media since his youth, when he was inspired by the radio broadcasts of Rob Kapilow on his local NPR affiliate. He pursued this love through college, having earned his Bachelor’s in Music Education and Master’s in Musicology at Indiana
University and, most recently, his Ph.D. in Musicology at Eastman. His Alfred Mann Award-winning dissertation discussed the relationship between nationalist politics and opera in North Korea.

Steve has advocated for classical music on social media for years. He got his start on YouTube with his award-winning web series The Listener’s Guide and collaborated with the Dallas Opera on their series Opera in Brief that gave synopses of their productions through humorous stick-figure sketches. Now, he is active on TikTok and Instagram promoting WXXI programming every day— be sure to follow him for all the latest content (@stevetomjon)!