> The barrier to entry is so large. One way to start might be to break it down, as you have with pop, into periods. Start at say 1780, late Mozart, to 1900 or

> The barrier to entry is so large. One way to start might be to break it down, as you have with pop, into periods. Start at say 1780, late Mozart, to 1900 or so (six 20 year periods). Listen widely - in a good collection for example - to several famous composers whose popular works fell within each period. (Less famous composers from the same period will sound similar.) Decide which period you like best, and mine that more thoroughly. (Quieter:piano works, quartets, vocals. Louder, more dynamic:orchestral.) For example, if you like stuff around 1800, then it's Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven. (Largely German) On the other end are Dvorak, Ravel, Debussy, Grieg. As you listen you might find one or two conductors whose style you like. Some are strong in one period in particular. See where they lead you!