Busy Kids Love Music

  Episode #28 of Busy Kids Love Music marks the exciting beginning of a three-part composer series, shining a spotlight on the legendary Baroque maestro, Johann Sebastian Bach. Join me as we journey into the intriguing life, dynamic family, and distinctive composing style of this musical genius. In today's episode, we'll unravel stories that showcase Bach's humanity, the richness of his familial t...

Episode #27 of Busy Kids Love Music invites you to explore the profound and uplifting world of music created during times of pandemics. As we navigate through the challenges of our current global situation, today's episode sheds light on how composers throughout history have responded to adversity with beauty, creativity, and resilience. Join me on this musical journey as we discover the stories b...

  Hello, young dancers and music enthusiasts! Episode #25 of Busy Kids Love Music invites you to take a graceful leap into the enchanting world of ballet. Building on our explorations of iconic ballets like Nutcracker and Swan Lake in previous episodes, today's episode delves deeper into the heart and soul of ballet itself. Join us on this rhythmic journey as we unravel the origins, evolution, and...

Episode #25 of Busy Kids Love Music invites you on a whimsical safari into the enchanting realm of musical compositions inspired by the animal kingdom. Join me in this episode as we explore the playful melodies, captivating tales, and surprising stories behind three delightful pieces that showcase the harmonious connection between music and the fascinating world of animals. Embark on a musical adv...

  Episode #24 of Busy Kids Love Music invites you to embark on a deep, resonant journey into the heart of the orchestra—the mighty double bass. If you're all about that bass, this episode is tailor-made for you. Join me as we uncover the secrets, versatility, and captivating presence of the largest and lowest-pitched string instrument that anchors the symphony orchestra. Dive into the world of the...

  As we bid farewell to the month of June and the celebration of African American Music Appreciation Month, Episode #23 of Busy Kids Love Music takes center stage with a tribute to one of the most iconic composers in American music history—Scott Joplin. Join me in this episode as we unravel the fascinating story of the "King of Ragtime" and explore the musical legacy that has left an indelible mar...

  Episode 22 of Busy Kids Love Music wraps up our Tchaikovsky series with one of the most famous ballets of all time: Swan Lake . In this episode, we step into the magical world of ballet and discover how Tchaikovsky used music to tell a powerful story of love, mystery, and transformation. You'll hear how Swan Lake was very different from the ballet music dancers were used to at the time. When Tch...

  Episode #21 of Busy Kids Love Music unfolds the majestic curtain on one of Tchaikovsky's most iconic compositions—the explosive and triumphant "1812 Overture." As we continue our exploration of the Russian composer's genius in this three-part series, today's episode invites you to delve into the grandeur, drama, and historical significance of this renowned musical masterpiece. Step into the worl...

Episode #20 of Busy Kids Love Music marks the beginning of an enchanting journey into the life and compositions of one of the Romantic era's greatest musical minds—Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. As we embark on this short series dedicated to the Russian maestro, our inaugural episode aims to unravel the captivating tales and influences that shaped the life of the man behind the melodies. Step into the...

  As spring blossoms around us, Episode #19 of Busy Kids Love Music is here to celebrate the season's vibrant renewal with a musical bouquet inspired by nature's awakening. Join me on this melodic journey as we explore three timeless compositions that capture the essence of spring, brought to life by renowned composers from the past and present. Step into the enchanting world of Antonio Vivaldi's...

Episode #18 of Busy Kids Love Music is here to celebrate the crowned champion of musical versatility—the trumpet. In this episode, we journey into the vibrant history and captivating sounds of the trumpet, exploring its dynamic role in various genres and unraveling the mysteries behind this exceptional instrument. Discover the historical significance of trumpeters in ancient battles. From alerting...

Episode #17 of Busy Kids Love Music is about to shake off the dusty image of classical composers and introduce you to the mischievous and humorous side of one iconic figure from the past—Franz Joseph Haydn. Forget the white wigs and fancy clothes; Haydn was a musical prankster extraordinaire, and in this episode, we're about to uncover the delightful tales of his real-life jokes and musical mischi...

  As we continue our celebration of Women's History Month, Episode #16 of Busy Kids Love Music delves into the fascinating stories of trailblazing women who shattered the glass ceiling in the world of classical music. Join me in this special episode as we uncover the remarkable achievements and enduring legacies of these extraordinary women who paved the way for generations to come. Prepare to be...

As we celebrate Women's History Month, Episode #15 of Busy Kids Love Music pays tribute to a remarkable and often overlooked figure in classical music history – Fanny Mendelssohn. While her brother Felix Mendelssohn is widely known, Fanny's brilliance as a composer and pianist has remained somewhat hidden. Join me in this episode as we uncover the story of Fanny Mendelssohn, an extraordinary talen...

  As we celebrate Black History Month, Episode #14 of Busy Kids Love Music is dedicated to exploring the rich tapestry of African-American Spirituals and Gospel Music. Join me on a melodic journey that pays tribute to the immense contributions of Black artists to the world of music, transcending time and leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. Discover the gospel song that resonated d...

It's just a few days before Valentine's Day here in the United States -- so in today's podcast, we're talking about famous love songs in classical music. Don't worry -- I promise not to get too mushy on you!  Instead, join me as we unravel the intriguing tales behind three timeless love songs that transcend the ordinary. In this episode, we'll embark on a journey through the dreamy landscapes of F...

While Haydn may be considered the Father of the Symphony, Beethoven's symphonies are perhaps the most well-known -- and groundbreaking -- symphonies of all time. In today's episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we are going to take a look at each of these symphonies and learn more about the famous and flawed composer himself as we do.

In Episode 11, we embark on an enlightening journey into the heart of classical music as we unravel the mysteries of the symphony. This episode not only defines this often-heard term but also lays the foundation for our upcoming exploration of Beethoven's nine symphonies in Episode 12. "Symphony" is a term frequently tossed around in the world of classical music, but what does it really mean? In E...

Episode #10 of Busy Kids Love Music promises to be a symphony of sounds as we explore the fascinating world of the saxophone. This iconic instrument, known for its expressive and versatile nature, has carved its own unique niche in the vast landscape of musical instruments. Join me on a journey through time and genres as we unravel the history, components, and extraordinary variations of the saxop...

The Nutcracker is perhaps the most well-known of ballets, and chances are, you're hearing some of this famous music quite often during this holiday season! Episode #9 of Busy Kids Love Music is a special treat for your ears and imaginations as we delve into the enchanting world of "The Nutcracker." This time, we're taking a storytelling approach, weaving the magical narrative of this timeless ball...

Episode 8 of Busy Kids Love Music is a thrilling exploration into the grandeur of Handel's Messiah, one of the most celebrated and iconic compositions in the world of classical music. Join me on a majestic musical journey as we unravel the genius of George Frideric Handel, decipher some fancy musical terms, and immerse ourselves in the timeless beauty of Messiah. Before we dive into the enchanting...

There's something about the cello. Whether I'm rocking out to a mash-up of pop tunes played by piano/cello duo The Piano Guys or listening in awe of Sheku Kanneh-Mason's emotional performance of Elgar's cello concerto, I truly love listening to the cello play just about anything.  Episode 7 promises to be a captivating exploration into the rich, resonant world of the cello. Join me as we uncover t...

On August 3, 1990, President H. W. Bush declared the month of November National American Indian Heritage Month. (We refer to it now as Native American Heritage Month.) While certainly any month is the perfect month to learn about and celebrate Native peoples, November is a time especially encouraged to do so. With that in mind, we're exploring some of the instruments often used and treasured in in...

The opera is one of those things that people seem to really love...or really not love. There are so many different styles of opera music, so many composers who have arranged opera music, and so many skilled vocalists who have performed opera music. All this to say, even if you might think you DON'T like opera music, there's a variety of opera music out there. Maybe -- just maybe -- you'll find an...

It's time to embrace the spooky season with open ears as Busy Kids Love Music presents Episode #4 - a spine-chilling exploration of some of the eeriest and most thrilling pieces in classical music. Get ready for ghostly melodies, haunting harmonies, and an auditory journey into the macabre! Our musical expedition begins with Edvard Grieg's "In The Hall of the Mountain King." Brace yourselves for a...