Performing artist and songwriter Tenille Townes discusses her career, the importance of balancing encouragement and autonomy for teen musicians, and her approach to collaboration and mentorship in songwriting. Lisa makes connections between her research and Tenille’s experiences of family musicking. See Tenille Townes on the Tour: tenilletownes.com/#tour Listen to Tenille's new song "Thing That Brought Me Here (Truck Song)" : https://tt.lnk.to/TTBMH Listen to Tenille’s song “As You Are” :...

Country music artist Alex Hall shares his musical journey, including the roles that supportive adults played in his early career and how becoming a father has impacted his songwriting. Tami Draves, Professor of Music Education at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, connects her research on mentoring and observations of songwriting as an expression of musical identity to Alex’s experience. Alex Hall’s music Listen to Alex’s “Dad Now”  Lisa’s new book, A Family Guide to Parenting...

Katherine Palmer, Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, joins us for a conversation on what country music is, the importance of listening to diverse musics, and how to model expansive music listening for children. She shares how she facilitates musical interactions both at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Taylor Swift Education Center and in her prior work with the Fred Rogers Institute. Country Music Hall of Fame and...

Announcing Season Four of Parenting Musically! We’re excited to collaborate with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum this season! Season Four features conversations with country musicians paired with responses from music education researchers, exploring topics from musical meaning to the role of music in family interactions. Listen to the trailer to find out what is ahead for this season. Parenting Musically is supported by Case Western Reserve University. The podcast is hosted by...

In the final episode of Season 3, we are joined by Madison Wise, PK-8 music teacher at a Boston public charter school. Madison describes the joys and benefits of elementary general music education along with the importance of approaching children’s music learning with curiosity. Link to Inclusive Cabaret class: https://www.allnewton.org/inclusivecabaret Link to Joy of Music class: https://www.allnewton.org/toddlers-and-youth Parenting Musically Episode 3.5, Music for Now, Music for...

Christopher Clark, Director of Choral Activities at Case Western Reserve University, discusses how parent involvement helped him build a thriving choral music program in a small town school district. He shares successful advocacy strategies along with ways to cultivate children’s love of singing. Dr. Lisa Huisman Koops’s book, Parenting Musically 

In this episode we hear from music educator Elizabeth Tracy, Director of the Community Music School at Heidelberg University and adjunct instructor at Heidelberg University and Terra State Community College. Elizabeth shares strategies that parents can use to support their children in their musical theater and private lesson participation. We also explore the importance of giving children space for musical creativity on their own terms. Dr. Lisa Huisman Koops’s book, Parenting Musically 

Alberto “Al” Rodriguez, Case Western Reserve University alum and orchestra director, piano instructor, and music technology teacher at Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, Virginia talks about turning challenges into strengths in his music program. Al shares how families can support children in their music making, and how school music making can grow a child’s sense of community. Dr. Lisa Huisman Koops’s book, Parenting Musically 

Episode 17 is a conversation with music educator Erin Hopkins, elementary general music educator and current PhD candidate at Case Western Reserve University. Erin shares her thoughts on engaging with and advocating for children with autism and ADHD in family and school musicking based on her lived experience, teaching experience, and research. Erin Hopkins’s website, Neurodivergent Music Education  Neurodiversity Week Resources for Parents and Teachers Gigi's Playhouse Dr. Lisa Huisman...

In this episode we hear from music educator Kristopher Morron, director of the Contemporary Youth Orchestra (CYO). CYO is a premiere youth orchestra in residence at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland that draws young musicians from throughout Northeast Ohio. Kris shares his approach to teaching middle and high school aged musicians and his advice for how families can support their children in music ensemble participation. Contemporary Youth Orchestra Cleveland Junior Honors Band Dr....

Episode 15 is a conversation with music legend Rosanne Cash on motherhood, joy, guilt, and connection. Rosanne shares stories from her motherhood, from early days through now, and how she uses music to connect with her children and grandchildren. Rosanne Cash Website - includes music, books, tours Rumble Strip Records site - more details on Rosanne’s music and tours Link to Parenting Musically Episode 11, Chelsea Crowell, Rodney Crowell, and Laura Cirelli Dr. Lisa Huisman Koops’s book,...

Announcing Season Three of Parenting Musically! We’re excited to share a conversation with music legend Rosanne Cash and a series of interviews with music educators from around the country, all of whom have a connection to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Listen to the trailer to find out what is ahead for this season. Parenting Musically is supported by Case Western Reserve University. The podcast is hosted by Dr. Lisa Huisman Koops, professor of music education at Case...

Kathryn Clusman, Manager of Community and Family Programs at the Rock Hall, and Erin Hopkins, Rock Hall intern and CWRU doctoral student, join Lisa to recap Season 2. They discuss the season themes of music as sonic experience, the central role of family in our episodes this season, and the examples of staying true to artistic voice. Kathryn shares an important epiphany and Erin responds with connections to music education. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Free online education resource...

Guest co-host Julia joins Lisa to interview Amanda Saldano and Abner Ramirez of JOHNNYSWIM. We hear about their commitment to staying true to themselves through their music and other artistic endeavors, as well as examples of their children sharing music with the family. Beatriz Ilari, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning at the University of Southern California, responds with examples from her research with children and families...

Learn more about the scope of the Rock Hall, from the smallest moments to the biggest stages, with Risa and John Goerhrke. Risa Goehrke is the Director of Brand & Content Strategy at the Rock Hall. She guides the organization's owned media channels and leads the team of creative designers and producers in crafting engaging content for fans. As Director of Fan Engagement & Onstage Experience, John helps create a world class experience for rock and roll fans all over the world through...

Singer-songwriter Chelsey Crowell, granddaughter of Johnny Cash, joins her father, GRAMMY-award winning singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell, to talk with Lisa about parenting musically in the context of their families of professional musicians. Laura Cirelli, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto, Scarborough responds with connections from her research studies about how infants and toddlers perceive music. Chelsea’s Music Rodney’s Music Rodney’s Songwriting...

songstress jo (Tiffin University ‘23; Rock Hall Resident Rocker 2022) and their mom, Nicole Ochenduski, share a conversation about songwriting, supporting teen’s musical development, and the role of unconditional family support. Nate Kruse, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Music Education at Case Western Reserve University, shares his research on informal music learning and vernacular musicianship. Nate comments on the role of songwriting, musical expression, and supportive adults in young...

Mandy Smith, Ph.D., Director of Education at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, walks us through the educational programs at the Rock Hall. She shares a description of the resources available free online, designed for families as well as teachers. We explore the importance of considering the context of the music we hear. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Free online education resource for teachers and families through Rock Hall EDU

Justin Andrews, grandson of the legendary Otis Redding, shares the vision of the Otis Redding Foundation, particularly as it serves young people through musical engagement year-round and during summer camps. We hear about the impact these pre-professional experiences have on young people and the need to provide more access.  David Thompson, Ph.D., founding instructor of Career Tech Music Production at GlenOak High School in Plain Township, Ohio responds with links to research emphasizing the...

In this episode we hear from Jaon Hanley, Ph.D., Vice President of Education and Visitor Engagement at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Jason describes the many programs, spaces, and performances that comprise the Rock Hall, highlighting the interactive nature of visiting the Rock Hall. He encourages families to listen deeply to music - for enjoyment, for expression, for learning, and for understanding. His book, We Rock! (Music Lab): A Fun Family Guide for Exploring Rock...

Announcing Season Two of Parenting Musically! We’re excited to partner with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for Season Two. Our theme for Season Two is exploring how encountering music in new ways can help us as families make music an important and meaningful part of our lives. Listen to the trailer to find out what is ahead for this season. Parenting Musically is supported by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Case Western Reserve University. The podcast is hosted by Dr. Lisa Huisman...

We are joined in this between-seasons bonus episode by Jody Guinn and her mother Caryl Guinn. Jody is a professional harpist and harp teacher, and Caryl taught elementary general music and piano lessons for decades. We talk about how Parenting Musically isn’t just about our direct family members. The important adults in our life outside of our family play an instrumental role in our musical growth and learning.

In this between-seasons bonus episode, Lisa talks with James Rhodes, professional violist and music educator, about making music lessons work for your family. We cover topics including practicing, child-teacher-parent relationships, and reflecting on the value and importance of music lessons.

In this mini-episode, the production team behind Parenting Musically recaps Season 1. Kelsey Giotta, a band director for Plain Local Schools in Ohio, is Social Media Coordinator for the podcast. Her daughter, Margaret, is almost 3. Davey Berris, audio engineer for the podcast, is Lead Digital Video Specialist for MediaVision at Case Western Reserve University. Davey’s son Blake is four months old. In this mini-episode, Kelsey and Davey weigh in on their favorite moments of Season 1, how they...