Let's face it, the older we get, the more difficult learning a second language becomes. Except maybe the language of music. Music as a Second Language (MSL) is a series of informative pre-concert chats and lecture-performances about how to listen to classical music, the business of classical music, and the juicy stories about its composers and performers.

Semifinal / Recital Round MSL sessions feature Canadian pianist William Aide as host. Mentor-in-Residence and general “Obi Wan Kenobi” of the piano, American pianist and pedagogue Leon Fleisher is joined by veteran broadcaster Eric Friesen during the Finals / Concerto Round. There are 12 one-hour MSL sessions that precede Competition performances. All MSL sessions take place in the lobby of Jack Singer Concert Hall.