I expect that part of the reason the original poster has asked for guidance is because it's already apparent that there is so much to know about classical music. It can be intimidating if one compares oneself with those who seem to be experts on the subject or if one considers just how many books there are on the subject and how much music there is to hear and know something about. It is easy to wonder: Just where do I start?
I, who an not an expert by any means but who have enjoyed a variety of classical music for a few decades, think it can be useful to keep in mind a couple of things that help preclude the intimidation response, for example:
-- all instrumental music, which includes all classical instrumental music, communicates directly to the listener's soul NON-VERBALLY, and exactly how and what it does in that process is not contained in the books and commentaries written by so-called classical music experts. You have to personally experience it to know about that, and, while someone else's knowledge might enhance your experience, somebody else's impression can't substitute for or supersede your own.
-- also the classical music experts, even classical musicians in world-class orchestras, don't always take themselves too seriously. They even tell jokes about conductors, about particular instruments, even about great composers. There's a very silly riddle about the great Ludwig himself that I can't forget and which always brings a smile to me, despite my knowing how silly it is:
Why couldn't Beethoven find his teacher?
.
.
.
He was Haydn.
Okay, one does need to have learned that Haydn sounds the same as "hidin'" and of course like other riddles it is better spoken aloud, but it is funny...and just try to forget it. And just try to forget that Beethoven learned from Haydn.