Neo-classical expresses the virtues of classical music, yet is also informed by more modern musical principles. Neo-classical can express an extension of a given composer's style, such as neo-Mozart, neo-Chopin, or neo-Debussy. Neo-classical can include newer musical influences, such as jazz, minimalist, new-age, or folk music.

The distinctions between these newer styles and classical music are obvious, yet the listening test for defining music as neo-classical is this: If there is a general feeling of classical music, though the proper structure of classical music is not evident, then it is likely that the music is in the neo-classical category. Clear examples of this are in the new-age category, in which the composers often create in an extemporaneous, fairly free-form manner, yet do so attempting to create a feeling of classical music.