Discussing the origins of three schools of contemporary American music, their influence upon each other, and the new directions composers are taking with their music with composer and trombonist Bill Russo.

Terkel comments and presents a musical performance of the Kronos Quartet

Rilla Bergman, Lou Fant, and Bill Reese converse with Studs about The National Theater for the Deaf and the production they are presenting. Two of the actors Ms. Bergman and Mr. Reese discuss what it took to learn, as hearing people, the best ways to express themselves with sign language. They all talk about how much more expressive the actors in the Deaf Theater have to be to convey the message of the piece they are presenting.

Terkel comments and presents a musical performance by the Loop Group

Studs Terkel interviews composer Ned Rorem. They discuss Rorem's childhood, music, poetry, languages, and religion.

Merce Cunningham, choreographer and John Cage musician and composer speak about music and dance. The two gentlemen discuss with Studs how music and dance come together to create the avant-garde of art in both worlds (music and dance).

In Mary Lynn Kotz's book, "Rauschenberg, Art and Life," Kotz recounts the works and story of 20th century art pioneer Robert Rauschenberg. They survey his career beginning in Port Arthur, TX, discussing his Depression-era upbringing which caused him to reuse and salvage virtually any object and transform it into art, his studies in Paris, made possible by the G.I.

Laurie Anderson discusses her album "Big Science" and talks about he creative process. Talks briefly about her transition from plastic arts to performance artist and her perspective of the world after World War II and her collection of short stories and songs called "United States"

Considered one of the most influential 20th-century composers, John Cage and musician/composer Peter Gena discuss their upcoming performance at the Rubloff Auditorium. Cage's pieces will be featured at this performance, including Hymnkus.

John Cage and Merce Cunningham discuss their collaborations of choreography and music. They discuss their influences and careers. Includes a clip of an earlier interview with John Cage.

Harry Partch - the composer, music theorist, and University of Illinois professor - shares his thoughts about composing, blending artforms, and inventing new musical instruments.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Interviewing composer Frank Abbinanti and pianist Peter Gena.

Fela Sowande discusses his career, music, and compares African culture and music to Western culture and music. Includes two songs that are sung by tenor Max Worthley. Includes a clip of a Nigerian Youth song. Includes performance by a Nigerian skiffle band. Sowande was inspired by [Anthony Gregascoigne], an English poet he met in England.