Welcome to episode 121 of the Busy Kids Love Music podcast! In this episode, we'll kick off a special 3-part composer series all about the incredible Sergei Prokofiev. Get ready to dive into the life and musical contributions of this legendary composer! Episode Highlights: Discover the life of Sergei Prokofiev, a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor born in 1891. Learn about Prokofiev's early musical talent, including composing his first piece at age five and an opera by age nine....

Welcome back to Busy Kids Love Music! I'm thrilled to continue our Solar Eclipse series with Episode 120, where we'll explore the enchanting world of songs inspired by the moon. 🌙 **Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven:** We kick off our lunar journey with Beethoven's iconic "Moonlight Sonata". Discover the hauntingly beautiful melodies and the emotional depth that has captivated listeners for centuries. 🌙 **"Song to the Moon" from Rusalka by Antonín Dvořák:** Join me as we delve into the world of...

Welcome to Episode 119 of Busy Kids Love Music! As we eagerly anticipate the celestial spectacle of the 2024 Solar Eclipse, we embark on a two-part journey through the realms of classical music inspired by the sun and the moon. In this inaugural episode of our series, we set our sights on the sun. Across centuries, composers have drawn inspiration from the majestic glow and celestial dance of our nearest star, crafting masterpieces that capture its essence in musical form. Join me as we...

  In Episode 118 of the Busy Kids Love Music podcast, we delve into the life and works of Fanny Crosby, an influential figure and prolific hymn writer. This special episode not only pays homage to her remarkable talent but also highlights the importance of recognizing the often-overlooked contributions of women in music history. Fanny Crosby, born in 1820, lost her sight as an infant due to a medical mishap. Despite this early adversity, she went on to become one of the most productive hymn...

In Episode 117, we're immersing ourselves in the rich and intricate world of Baroque music, shining a spotlight on the genius of Georg Philipp Telemann. Get ready to embark on a musical adventure as we unravel the life and melodies of this Baroque maestro. Georg Philipp Telemann, a name that echoes through the corridors of musical history, was not just a composer; he was a virtuoso of his time. Born in 1681, Telemann's legacy extends far beyond his era, leaving an indelible mark on the...

In the spirit of honoring Black History Month, Episode 116 is dedicated to the remarkable Nina Simone – a soulful force, a musical genius, and an iconic figure in the world of music. Prepare to be captivated as we delve into the extraordinary life and enchanting music of the incomparable Nina Simone. Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, was more than just a singer; she was a storyteller, an activist, and a pianist extraordinaire. Her career spanned genres, blending jazz, blues,...

Today marks the grand finale of our captivating three-part series on the influential American composer, Aaron Copland. We’ve delved into the world of Copland’s ballets, embarked on a musical journey through the Wild West, and now, we’re set to explore a piece that stands as both powerful and patriotic—the iconic “Fanfare for the Common Man.” Composed in 1942, right in the heart of World War II, Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people....

  I'm thrilled to present the second part of our three-part series dedicated to the maestro himself, Aaron Copland. In Episode 114, we're turning our attention to the dance floor, exploring the breathtaking world of ballet through the genius compositions of Copland. **🕺💃 The Balletic Odyssey of Aaron Copland 💃🕺** In this enchanting episode, I invite you to join us on a dance-filled journey through three iconic ballets that have etched Copland's name into the annals of musical history. From...

Welcome, dear listeners, to our first podcast episode of the new year — Episode 113 of the Busy Kids Love Music Podcast! In this captivating installment, we embark on the first part of a fascinating series delving into the life and musical legacy of one of America’s most iconic composers: Aaron Copland. **🎶 A Prelude to Genius 🎶** Aaron Copland, a name synonymous with the soulful sounds of American classical music, left an indelible mark on the world of composition. Join us as we uncover...

We're about to embark on a global musical journey that transcends borders and celebrates the diversity of holiday traditions. In this special episode, we'll be delving into the rich tapestry of sounds and rhythms that accompany festive celebrations around the world. Join us as we explore the enchanting traditions of Las Posadas, Diwali, Oshogatsu, Carols by Candlelight, and St. Lucia's Day. As we explore these holiday musical traditions from around the world, I invite you to open your ears...

  Today on the Busy Kids Love Music podcast, we're diving into the festive world of sleigh bells, those magical jingling companions that add a sprinkle of holiday cheer to our favorite tunes. In this episode, we'll be unwrapping the history, craftsmanship, and musical significance of sleigh bells, exploring how these small but mighty instruments have become an iconic symbol of the holiday season. Whether you're a budding musician or simply someone who appreciates the magic of the holiday...

I'm thrilled to invite you to listen today's podcast episode, all about embracing the beauty of the harvest season through the enchanting power of music. Get ready to be transported to a world of rustic charm and heartwarming melodies. As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold, and the air becomes crisp with the promise of autumn, we're delving into the rich musical traditions that celebrate the harvest. In this episode, we'll explore the stories and sentiments behind three timeless...

Get ready to embark on a captivating musical journey as we dive into the rich tapestry of Native American Musical Storytelling in honor of Native American Heritage Month. For centuries, Native American communities have passed down their traditions, stories, and cultural heritage through the power of music. In this episode, we'll explore the mesmerizing world of Native American music, a form of storytelling deeply rooted in history, tradition, and the natural world. Together, we'll embrace the...

Today on the podcast, we're stepping into the mesmerizing world of Giuseppe Verdi's grandest and most opulent operatic masterpiece, "Aida." In this episode, we'll unveil the secrets behind the creation of this timeless work, exploring the intricate characters, lavish settings, and the unparalleled musical genius that brought ancient Egypt to life on the operatic stage. Join me on a voyage through the epic love story of Aida and Radamès, set against a backdrop of war and jealousy, as we...

In the realm of classical music, few composers have left as indelible a mark on the world as Giuseppe Verdi. His name resonates with the grandeur of opera, and his compositions have stood the test of time, captivating audiences for generations. In this podcast episode, we embark on a captivating journey through the life and works of the maestro himself, exploring the melodies and stories that have made Verdi an icon in the world of opera. Join us for the first of our 2-part series as we delve...

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15h), we'll be learning about Mexican trailblazer Carlos Chávez in our episode today. A composer, conductor and educator, Chávez had a busy and fulfilling life and career. I think you're very much going to enjoy learning about his musical contributions to the global stage as well as listening to his exciting and unique music that was so influenced by the indigenous peoples of his beloved home country. Links Mentioned in...

Today we're learning about an instrument from the brass family -- the French horn. As we do whenever we have an episode about a particular kind of instrument, we'll learn about the "anatomy" of the instrument and how it's played, the kinds of music the instrument plays and, of course, we'll listen to lots of exciting French horn music while we do all of this learning! Musical Samples You'll Hear in this Episode: Winner of Tchaikovsky competition 2019 Yun Zeng French horn Annamia...

Let's finish up our 2-part series on Baroque composer Johann Pachelbel by learning about his most famous piece -- and perhaps one of the most well-known classical pieces of all time -- Canon in D Major. In this episode, we'll talk about what as musical canon is and how this piece soared to popularity in the 1970's. Be sure to check out the listening schedule I've linked below to hear different interpretations of arrangements of this famous melody from so long ago. Links Mentioned in this...

We're kicking off a new school year here in the U.S., and I thought I'd kick off the back-to-school season with a brand new composer series on famous Baroque composer Johann Pachelbel.  Today we'll learn about his life, style and legacy. In two weeks, be sure to tune in again when we dig in deep about one of his most famous pieces, Canon in D Major. Links Mentioned in this Episode: Membership info for Busy Kids Do Piano Membership info for Busy Moms Do Piano Musical Samples You'll Hear...

You've reached this summer's FINAL destination on our Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music tour! We're heading to Turkey and learning about the enchanting, beautiful folk music there. Don't forget to print your passport stamp and check out the YouTube playlist at the bottom of this post, where you can see the instruments we discuss in today's episode. Links Mentioned in this Episode: Print the Passport Print Turkey Stamp Visit Scotland (Episode 98) Visit India (Episode 99) ...

Episode 101 takes us to Australia to explore the rich and varied folk music of the people in the land "down under". In this episode, you'll hear instruments and songs of the Aboriginal people, toe-tapping polkas and the unofficial national anthem of this beautiful country. Don't forget to print your passport stamp and check out the YouTube playlist at the bottom of this post. You'll have a chance to SEE all the dancing and instruments that we discuss in today's episode. Links Mentioned...

Welcome to the ONE HUNDREDTH episode of Busy Kids Love Music! This podcast is one of my favorite things I do in my business, and I'm so grateful to all of you who support our little corner of the Internet by listening to and sharing about this podcast with others. Thanks for being here! In today's brand new episode, we are visiting our 3rd country in our annual summer series, Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music. We'll be learning about the rich and vibrant folk music of Jamaica. You...

Welcome back to our second episode in the Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music summer series. I absolutely loved researching this episode all about the folk music of India. Don't skip out on the playlist I've put together for you below! There are so many beautiful and fascinating instruments that we'll learn about in today's episode, and I would love for you to SEE them being played and performed in the video clips. If you're new here, here's how Around the World with Busy Kids Love...

Welcome to our THIRD annual summer series, Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music! If you're new around here, here's how it works: With each new episode (new episodes air every 2 weeks), we’ll be traveling to a new country and learning about that particular place’s folk music. As you listen to each episode, you’ll collect a stamp to add to your passport while you work your way around the globe and learn about the incredible artists, cultures and communities that have contributed to folk...