Classical Music requires a little more effort on the part of the listener than other forms of music. Although it is entirely possible to turn on a classical radio station and enjoy what you hear, there are ways you can improve your enjoyment of the music quite a lot.

Understand the Context

Most classical music was composed centuries ago by people who lived very different lives than we live today. The music they wrote made sense to their listeners then, but sometimes it requires a little translation for those of us who were raised on rock and roll. Most classical recordings come with liner notes in the CD case that explain the pieces of music and give a little history of the music. Read the liner notes as you listen to each piece so that you can listen for the elements that are noted in the text.

Headphones Enhance the Nuance

Classical music is filled with dramatic sound changes. These shifts from almost inaudible to overwhelming sound are part of the composer’s plan to create intensity and enjoyment in the music. However, the drastic changes from soft to loud can make it very difficult to listen to classical music through traditional speaker systems. If the volume is high enough to hear the softest parts, the loud parts will blast you out of the room. The best way to listen to recorded classical music is through headphones. Usually headphones are sensitive enough to allow you to hear the quietest moments without needing to turn up the volume - which keeps you from being deafened when the orchestra blasts again.

Live Performances

After you’ve listened to some classical music and you have a familiarity with the styles, try to go to a live performance. The difference between hearing recorded music and live music is incredible. You will have the benefit of watching the performers as they play, as well, which can add another element to the musical experience. The conductor will usually give you a short explanation of each piece, and there will be explanations in your concert program as well, so you can understand everything that is going on with the concert as it progresses.

Billy Joel is of 100% Jewish ancestry, so no.

From Wikipedia:

Joel was born in The Bronx, New York and raised in the Levittown section of Hicksville, New York. His father, Howard (born Helmuth), was born in Germany as the son of German-Jewish merchant and manufacturer Karl Amson Joel who after the advent of the Nazi regime emigrated to Switzerland and later to the United States. Billy Joel's mother, Rosalind Nyman, was born in England to a Jewish family (Philip and Rebecca Nyman).

He is not of German,French, English, or whatever other descent someone else claimed.

Friday night I crashed your party
Saturday I said I'm sorry
Sunday came and trashed it out again
I was only having fun
Wasn't hurting anyone
And we all enjoyed the weekend for a change

I've been stranded in the combat zone
I walked through Bedford Stuy alone
Even rode my motorcycle in the rain
And you told me not to drive
But I made it home alive
So you said that only proves that I'm insane

You may be right
I may be crazy
But it just might be a lunatic you're looking for
Turn out the light
Don't try to save me
You may be wrong for all I know
But you may be right

Remember how I found you there
Alone in your electric chair
I told you dirty jokes until you smiled
You were lonely for a man
I said take me as I am
'Cause you might enjoy some madness for a while

Now think of all the years you tried to
Find someone to satisfy you
I might be as crazy as you say
If I'm crazy then it's true
That it's all because of you
And you wouldn't want me any other way

You may be right
I may be crazy
But it just may be a lunatic you're looking for
It's too late to fight
It's too late to change me
You may be wrong for all I know
But you may be right

You may be right
I may be crazy
But it just may be a lunatic you're looking for
Turn out the light
Don't try to save me
You may be wrong for all I know
You may be right
You may be wrong but you may be right (x6, fades away)

[The song is "You May Be Right", from the album Glass Houses, released in 1980, written, recorded, and released by Billy Joel]