Classical music is having a moment, and this time it’s capitalizing on a younger generation in the digital era.
According to a 2025 survey of 2,000 people conducted by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, more people under 35 were listening to orchestral music (65%) daily than individuals aged 55 or older (57%). For the first time, young people are more likely to listen to this genre of music than their parents.
The rise in younger listenership is fueled by several reasons, most notably social media platforms that promote the soothing sounds of classical music. Talented violinists, organists and other instrumentalists flood TikTok, Instagram and other short-form spaces. The hashtag #classicalmusic on TikTok has surpassed over 2 billion views.
Down-to-earth musicians like violinist Ray Chen provide fans with unfiltered and personal access on their social channels, building a tight connection to this genre of music. Generation Z has embraced classical music as a mindful aesthetic, taking advantage of their preference for mood-based listening habits.
Greg Jones serves as the Associate Dean of Engagement at the Florida State University College of Music. An experienced trumpet soloist and conductor, Jones has performed with the Kansas City Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Fort Wayne Philharmonic and several more. His efforts as an instructor have helped the FSU College of Music be named the No. 6 best college for music in America, according to Niche.
Jones thinks streaming platforms have boosted young people’s interest in classical music.
“The soundtrack for video reels sets the mood for the visuals in the same manner it does in movies and television,” Jones said. “Streaming platforms, the primary delivery system for younger listeners, offer the opportunity to match AI-sorted music according to mood and listening history. If you select something from a movie soundtrack, for example, the platform will continue your playlist with similar selections.”
Media interested in the resurgence of classical music may reach out to FSU College of Music Associate Dean of Engagement Greg Jones via email at Greg.Jones@fsu.edu.
Greg Jones, associate dean of engagement, College of Music
What about classical music do you feel helps it connect so well to the younger generations like Gen Z?
Although younger generations do not differentiate between musical genres to the degree that preceding generations do, they tend to find comfort and connection from acoustic instrumental sounds, beautiful melodies and the naturalness of classical music. Over-produced and tech-heavy music in later styles cannot replicate the personal emotional responses and sense of naturalness that classical music stimulates.
Classical music has enjoyed a resurgence, sparked by expanded interest from a younger demographic. In what ways have you witnessed this shift?
We find that the younger demographic is drawn to classical music through participation in ensembles in junior high and high school and in festivals and camps like the ones we host annually in the College of Music. Others find a love for this style of music as it is still prevalent in movie soundtracks like How to Train Your Dragon, Star Wars and countless television series.