As we immerse ourselves in Women's History Month, the Busy Kids Love Music podcast brings you a compelling episode dedicated to celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of female composers. Today, our spotlight is on the talented and tragically short-lived French composer, Lili Boulanger. **Lili Boulanger: A Melody Cut Short** In this episode, we traverse the life and musical journey of Lili Boulanger, an extraordinary woman whose narrative serves as both an inspiration and a poignant reminder...
Mar 14, 2023•7 min•Ep. 92
Greetings, music enthusiasts! In this episode of the Busy Kids Love Music podcast, we're uncovering the captivating story of a composer whose name may be unfamiliar to many but played a significant role in inspiring one of Beethoven's most renowned compositions. Join me as we shine a light on the life and legacy of George Bridgetower, a biracial violin prodigy whose tale is woven into the fabric of musical history. **The Forgotten Virtuoso: George Bridgetower's Musical Odyssey** While many compo...
Feb 28, 2023•6 min•Ep. 91
Hello, music lovers! Happy Valentine's Day! In this special episode of the Busy Kids Love Music podcast, we're taking a romantic journey into the lives of classical composers and exploring three captivating love stories. 1. Johann Sebastian Bach and Anna Magdalena: A Love Well Composed Our first love story is a tale of pure romance between the renowned Johann Sebastian Bach and his second wife, Anna Magdalena Bach. Join me as we unravel the notes of their harmonious partnership. 2. Robert Schuma...
Feb 14, 2023•10 min•Ep. 90
As our Schubert saga draws to a close in Episode #89, we embark on a riveting exploration of the composer's most famous art song, "Der Erlkönig." Join me on Busy Kids Love Music as we unravel the mysteries of this haunting composition, decipher the essence of an art song, and immerse ourselves in the spine-chilling narrative penned by none other than the legendary Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. **Unveiling the Art Song:** Ever wondered what defines an art song? In Episode #89, I demystify the conce...
Jan 31, 2023•7 min•Ep. 89
Welcome back to Busy Kids Love Music! In Episode #88, we continue our enchanting journey through the world of composer Franz Schubert. This time, we delve into a familiar masterpiece, "Ave Maria," uncovering its original text and the captivating story that shaped its creation. Join us as we unravel the threads of this timeless composition in today's episode, and don't forget to explore our specially curated playlist on YouTube, linked at the bottom of this post. **Exploring the Origins:** "Ave M...
Jan 17, 2023•7 min•Ep. 88
In Episode #87 of Busy Kids Love Music, we embark on a captivating three-episode journey into the life, works, and enduring legacy of one of the most under-appreciated yet greatest composers — Franz Schubert. As we unravel the pages of Schubert's musical story, you'll discover the brilliance of a composer whose name might not be as widely recognized as Mozart or Beethoven but is equally, if not more, deserving of our admiration. **Schubert's Short Yet Prolific Life:** Franz Schubert's life was t...
Jan 03, 2023•9 min
As we embrace the festive spirit of the holiday season, Episode #86 of Busy Kids Love Music promises to be a delightful discovery for both seasoned music lovers and curious newcomers. Today, we're unwrapping the musical treasure of Franz Liszt's Christmas Tree Suite — a charming and unexpectedly accessible collection that captures the enchantment of the holiday season. **A Hidden Gem by Franz Liszt:** One of the joys of producing this podcast is stumbling upon musical gems that are, perhaps surp...
Dec 20, 2022•9 min•Ep. 86
As we find ourselves in the midst of the festive season, Busy Kids Love Music welcomes you to an enchanting celebration of creativity and musical brilliance. In Episode #85, we're unwrapping a musical gem that marries the classical magic of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker with the innovative jazz stylings of the legendary Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. **Embracing the Nutcracker Tradition:** For those who have been on your musical journey with me for awhile, you're likely aware of my deep admirati...
Dec 06, 2022•9 min•Ep. 85
As the season of gratitude embraces us, Busy Kids Love Music invites you to join me in a special celebration of Thanksgiving. In Episode #84, we'll embark on a musical journey to discover the heartwarming melodies and timeless compositions that resonate with the spirit of thankfulness. **A Global Tapestry of Thanksgiving:** Thanksgiving is a cherished time of reflection, appreciation, and joy, celebrated in various forms around the world. In the United States, families gather to share gratitude ...
Nov 22, 2022•10 min•Ep. 84
Greetings, music enthusiasts and families! Today, we're embarking on a delightful journey into the world of a fascinating woodwind instrument—the clarinet. In Episode #83 of Busy Kids Love Music, I'm here to share the magic, versatility, and unique sounds that make the clarinet a standout in the musical realm. **A Musical Chameleon:** Known as one of the most expressive and versatile instruments in the woodwind family, the clarinet has a remarkable ability to imitate the human voice. Composers t...
Nov 08, 2022•8 min•Ep. 83
Get ready for a captivating episode as Busy Kids Love Music delves into the rhythmic world of a legendary American composer, Duke Ellington. In Episode #82, we uncover the brilliance behind the man known for his innovation, experimentation, and a vast library of musical masterpieces. **Early Beginnings: A Musical Odyssey:** Our journey begins in the early life of Duke Ellington, born Edward Kennedy Ellington. Introduced to the piano at the tender age of seven, Duke's musical odyssey took root, l...
Oct 25, 2022•9 min•Ep. 82
Hello, fellow music explorers! Join me for a remarkable finale as Busy Kids Love Music wraps up its enlightening four-part series on the major periods of music history. In Episode #81, we step into the present, exploring the diverse and expansive landscape of the Contemporary Era. **The Contemporary Kaleidoscope:** Our musical journey has led us to the era we currently inhabit—the Contemporary Era of music. In this episode, prepare to be immersed in a vast array of styles, ideas, and innovations...
Oct 11, 2022•6 min•Ep. 81
Join me for another enchanting episode of Busy Kids Love Music as we continue our exploration of the four major periods of Western classical music. Today's spotlight is on the Romantic Era, a captivating period from 1830 to 1900 that ushered in a wave of expressive and dramatic compositions. **A Symphony of Emotions:** As we delve into the Romantic Era, the music takes on a new dimension, filled with intensity and passion. Episode #80 unravels the threads of this evocative period, where composer...
Sep 27, 2022•6 min•Ep. 80
As our musical journey through the epochs of Western classical music continues, we find ourselves immersed in the refined elegance of the Classical Era. In Episode #79 of Busy Kids Love Music, we unravel the secrets of this period that defined an age and shaped the works of renowned composers like Mozart and Beethoven. **Demystifying the Terminology:** Before we dive into the symphonies and sonatas of the Classical Era, let's clear up a common misconception. While we often use the term 'classica...
Sep 13, 2022•6 min•Ep. 79
Greetings, music enthusiasts! Get ready for a captivating journey through the annals of Western classical music as we embark on a four-part series, starting with the grandeur and opulence of the Baroque Period. In Episode #78 of Busy Kids Love Music, we dive headfirst into the ornate world of Baroque music, unraveling the secrets that make this era truly distinctive. **Baroque Extravaganza:** If you have a penchant for the extravagant and fancy, then the Baroque Period is your musical haven. Joi...
Aug 30, 2022•8 min•Ep. 78
Hello, fellow musical globetrotters! Can you believe it? We’ve reached the final destination of our extraordinary journey – Newfoundland and Labrador. In this concluding episode of our “Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music” summer series, we dive into the rich artistry of folk music that echoes through the charming landscapes of this Canadian province. **Collect Your Final Stamp:** As we bid adieu to our global exploration, make sure to grab the last stamp for your musical passport. Downlo...
Aug 16, 2022•9 min•Ep. 77
Greetings, music explorers! I’m delighted to welcome you back for the penultimate stop on our summer series, “Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music.” In each bi-weekly episode, we’ve been jetting off to a new destination, immersing ourselves in the diverse and vibrant world of folk music. **Collect Stamps for Your Passport:** As we approach the finale of this musical journey, don’t forget to collect stamps for your passport. This interactive experience allows you to build a global repertoir...
Aug 02, 2022•6 min•Ep. 76
I'm thrilled to have you join me for the third stop on our global exploration with Busy Kids Love Music - the summer series special, "Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music." In each bi-weekly episode, we transport you to a new destination, unraveling the vibrant tapestry of folk music from around the globe. **Collect Stamps for Your Passport:** As you join us on this musical escapade, don't forget to collect stamps for your passport. This interactive experience allows you to build a global ...
Jul 19, 2022•7 min•Ep. 75
Greetings, music explorers! Welcome to the second stop on our global adventure with Busy Kids Love Music - the summer series special, "Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music." In each summer episode, which airs every two weeks, we transport you to a new destination, unveiling the vibrant artistry of folk music from around the globe. **Collect Stamps for Your Passport:** As you join us on this musical journey, don't forget to collect stamps for your passport. This interactive experience allow...
Jul 05, 2022•9 min•Ep. 74
Welcome back to Busy Kids Love Music , and get ready for another summer of musical adventures! I’m so excited to kick off the second season of our special series, Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music . Every other week this summer, we’ll travel to a new country and explore the folk music that makes it unique. 🌍 Grab Your Passport! Each stop on our musical journey comes with a special passport stamp you can collect. Just download your free passport below, listen to each episode, and add yo...
Jun 21, 2022•8 min•Ep. 73
In this episode of Busy Kids Love Music , we’re honoring a song that has carried generations through struggle, hope, and celebration. Often called “The Black National Anthem,” Lift Every Voice and Sing is more than just a piece of music—it’s a powerful symbol of resilience, unity, and pride. 🎶 Celebrating African American Music Appreciation Month June is African American Music Appreciation Month—a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black musicians and composers to our shared m...
Jun 07, 2022•8 min•Ep. 72
Get ready for a brassy adventure as Episode #71 of Busy Kids Love Music takes us on a deep dive into the captivating world of the trombone. In our exploration of various instruments, we've traversed strings, woodwinds, and percussion, and now it's time to celebrate the versatility and power of the trombone—a musical gem that demands skill, precision, and a whole lot of bravado. 1. **Construction and History of the Trombone:** In this episode, we unravel the fascinating tale of the trombone, a br...
May 24, 2022•8 min•Ep. 71
Hello, music enthusiasts! In Episode #70 of Busy Kids Love Music, we embark on a heartwarming journey through the melodies that honor and celebrate the eternal bond between composers and their mothers. Just as nature, weather, and various inspirations have fueled the creative minds of great artists, today we explore the captivating stories behind three compositions that were inspired by the mothers of remarkable composers. 1. **Empress of Night Op.2, No.3 by Amy Beach:** We begin our musical exp...
May 10, 2022•8 min•Ep. 70
As we march towards the grand finale of our Sousa Series in Episode #69 of Busy Kids Love Music, get ready for a musical journey that culminates with the stirring anthem of the United States Marine Corps – "Semper Fidelis." In our last exploration of John Philip Sousa's repertoire, we dive into the history and significance of this iconic march, a testament to Sousa's enduring legacy and his ability to craft music that transcends borders. "Semper Fidelis" stands as one of Sousa's most celebrated ...
Apr 26, 2022•7 min•Ep. 69
In Episode #68, we're diving deep into the heart of one of John Philip Sousa's most iconic compositions – "The Stars and Stripes Forever." Get ready for a musical journey that unveils the story behind this legendary march and explores the enduring legacy Sousa left within the structure of traditional military band marches. "The Stars and Stripes Forever" stands as a testament to Sousa's unparalleled ability to capture the spirit of America in musical form. This patriotic masterpiece was not only...
Apr 12, 2022•8 min•Ep. 68
Episode #67 of Busy Kids Love Music marks the beginning of an exciting new series as we delve into the life and legacy of a musical luminary known as the March King – American composer John Philip Sousa. In past episodes, we've explored titles such as the King of Ragtime and Father of the Symphony, and now it's time to unravel the captivating story of the man behind the magnificent marches. John Philip Sousa's musical journey took root in his role as the Director of the United States Marine Band...
Mar 29, 2022•8 min•Ep. 67
In Episode #66 of Busy Kids Love Music, we step into the rich artistry of Women's History Month to celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Florence Beatrice Price, a trailblazing female composer of African descent. Born in 1887 in Little Rock, Arkansas, Florence Price's remarkable journey, blending European classical music with the traditions of the Black church, resulted in a repertoire of unique and incredible masterpieces. Florence's musical roots were nurtured by her parents. This support laid...
Mar 15, 2022•9 min•Ep. 66
As we embark on the final chapter of our three-part series on George Frideric Handel, join me in Episode #65 of Busy Kids Love Music as we set sail through the enchanting world of "Water Music." This iconic collection of orchestral works, composed by Handel for a royal audience, promises to be a delightful finale to our exploration of the maestro's genius. Water Music, a suite comprising three orchestral suites, had its grand debut on a magical July evening in 1717. Picture this: King George, fo...
Mar 01, 2022•6 min•Ep. 65
Welcome back to Busy Kids Love Music, where we're diving into the resplendent world of George Frideric Handel in our three-part series. In Episode #64, prepare to be transported to a time when music met pyrotechnics in a dazzling display of grandeur – Handel's Fireworks! Close your eyes and envision a grand event, the most expensive and spectacular fireworks display ever witnessed. Now, imagine this majestic spectacle set to the music of the era's most popular musician – the maestro himself, Geo...
Feb 15, 2022•7 min•Ep. 64
Hello, music enthusiasts, and welcome back to Busy Kids Love Music! In Episode #63, we're embarking on a captivating journey into the life and legacy of one of the Baroque era's most illustrious composers – George Frideric Handel. Known for his iconic oratorio "The Messiah" and revered as one of the most recognizable figures in classical music, Handel's life is as fascinating as his compositions are timeless. As we delve into the first part of our three-part series on Handel, I aim to peel back ...
Feb 01, 2022•8 min•Ep. 63
