Parenting Musically

In our final episode of season 7, Lisa interviews Joan Ellison, songstress and revivalist of the Great American Songbook. Joan is known internationally for her restoration and revival of Judy Garland’s repertoire from her golden Hollywood years, live concerts, studio recordings, and television shows. Joan shares how she became a part of the “Judy Garland Family” and reflects on the importance of musical places in her own musical journey, from Judy Garland’s childhood home to Severance Hall. Co-host George Blake picks up the themes of musical place in Joan’s conversation within the fabric of the concepts of “home” and “away” in “There's No Place Like Home” and “Over the Rainbow” in The Wizard of Oz.Thank you to our audio engineer Davey Berris, Lead Digital Video Specialist at MediaVision at CWRU for his work as audio engineer on this podcast. We’re grateful to CWRU PhD student Lauren Hodgson for her work behind the scenes with editing transcripts. Thanks to CWRU Music Dept. chair Nate Kruse for his departmental support. Gratitude to CWRU for supporting this season of Parenting Musically. Joan’s Website Joan’s Facebook and Instagram Joan’s Touring Schedule Joan Ellison sings “Over the Rainbow” Joan Ellison Sings "Chicago" in the National Concert Hall in Dublin James Rhodes Parenting Musically podcast episode (discussed in Episode 51)

Joining Lisa this week is daughter-father duo Theresa J. May and James May. Theresa is a professional trumpeter, educator, and advocate from Shaker Heights, Ohio. James May is a native Clevelander and was the founder, music director and bandleader of Gabriel’s Horns®, a 21-piece inter-generational community jazz-praise big band from 2002 -2023. Theresa and James discuss the importance of joy in musicking, Theresa’s work with Afrofuturism, and reflect on mentoring young musicians. Season 8 co-host George Blake expands on themes of autonomy, fun, and blossoming brought up in the interview.Mid-episode music credit: “Afrofuturism: Black Lives Will Exist in the Future,” performed by Theresa J. May and Megan Denman, composed by Shanyse Strickland. Additional performance credits listed at link. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1luwWjOISvQ Theresa’s website Theresa’s Facebook and Instagram Youtube video of Theresa’s Afrofuturism project Accompanying context on Afrofuturism project Gabriel's Horns performs at Trinity Cathedral (Cleveland, 2021) Cleveland.com article about Gabriel's Horns and the Salvation Army Gabriel’s Horns Facebook page

In Episode 49, Lisa interviews Jason Patrick Meyers, Cleveland-based singer-songwriter, music liaison to Cleveland’s Brite Winter Festival and radio host of NEORocks on WJCU 88.7 FM. Jason shares stories of key musical places in his artistry, from stage to hospital to festival to radio. We also explore ways to be engaged in music that go beyond the expected. Season 7 co-host George Blake extends the reflections with context on musical places such as the Grog Shop and the Beachland Ballroom. Together we discuss the power of music-evoked autobiographical memories. Jason’s Website YouTube video of Jason’s song NICU (And I See You) Brite Winter Festival - February 21, 2026 Roots of American Music - Cleveland Jakubowski & Ghosh (2021) article “Music-Evoked Autobiographical Memories in Everyday Life”

Joining Lisa this week is Talise Campbell, Associate Professor of Music at Oberlin College & Conservatory and Executive Founding Artistic Director and Choreographer of Djapo Cultural Arts Institute. Djapo Cultural Arts Institute is a professional performing arts company specializing in the preservation and understanding of African diasporic works through performances, school assemblies, residencies, and workshops. In today’s episode, Talise reflects on the theme of musical place through her artistic work as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and leader. Season 7 co-host George Blake provides context on musical influences and places Talise describes. He also connects Talises’s insights about the importance of broadening children’s and family’s musical exposure to the ideas of musical hopes and dreams in parenting musically. Episode 48 Shownotes Djapo Cultural Arts Institute website Youtube, “How dances are created at Cleveland’s Djapo Cultural Arts Institute to honor West Africa” Youtube, Talise Campbell - "Talent is nothing without character" Karamu House Archives housed @ CWRU The Cultural Arts Center @ Disciples Christian Church (Cleveland Heights)

In Episode 47, Lisa is joined by Beata Begeniova-Fedoriouk and Alexander Fedoriouk. They are two members of the ensemble Harmonia, which is a Cleveland-based ensemble presenting Eastern European folk music through concerts, festivals, workshops, media appearances, and recordings. Beata is the vocalist of the group and Alexander specializes in the cimbalom. In their interview, Beata and Alexander speak about the people and places central to their artistic journeys as well as reflecting on the role of musical place in their performances today. Season 7 co-host George Blake discusses the power of musical connection and provides further context on some of the instruments featured in the ensemble Harmonia.. Harmonia’s website Youtube video featuring Alexander Fedoriouk on cimbalom Youtube video featuring Beata Fedoriouk’s vocals Harmonia recordings Harmonia Facebook page

In Episode 46, Lisa interviews Mari Sato, a Cleveland-based violinist who has enjoyed a rich and varied career as a solo, orchestra and chamber musician. Mari shares her reflections on the role of musical place in her career as well as thoughts on how being a professional musician influenced her parenting. In the second half of the episode, Season 7 co-host George Blake sets the stage for our exploration of musical place this season. He also provides further context on composer John Luther Adams and his work with musical place. YouTube video of performance of John Luther Adams’s work “The Wind in High Places”- No Exit New Music Ensemble String Quartet with special guest Mari Sato YouTube video of performance of Margaret Brouwer’s work “All Lines Are Still Busy” for solo violin and narrator

Join us for a Bonus Episode with singer/songwriter Garreson! Garreson shares reflections on the role of songwriting in his musical and personal journey, along with the profound impact of caring adults on a child’s creative development. We also celebrate Garreson’s brand new album, Monte. Katurah Christenury, senior lecturer of music therapy in the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University, responds by connecting Garreson’s perspectives on songwriting to her clinical work and research on the role of songwriting in music therapy with children and adolescents. Spotify link to stream Garreson’s music Garreson’s Youtube channel Garreson’s website Katurah Christenbury’s research American Music Therapy Association Songwriting apps and sites: Garage Band, Groove Pad, Chrome Music Lab, Groove Pizza, Spectrogram, etc

Announcing Season Seven of Parenting Musically! Parenting Musically is supported by Case Western Reserve University. The podcast is hosted by Dr. Lisa Huisman Koops, professor of music education at Case Western Reserve University.

Join Lisa for a conversation with Patricia Shehan Campbell, Professor Emeritus at the University of Washington, as they explore the many ways children engage with music; formally and informally, locally and globally. Lisa and Patricia’s multifaceted relationship illustrates how mentorship can happen across time, space, and roles through writing, dialogue, shared events, and reciprocal inspiration. In this episode, Pat reflects on decades of research, teaching, and cross-cultural partnerships, offering insights into how music shapes human experience from childhood on. Highlights include stories behind her influential book Songs in Their Heads, ideas for encouraging children's spontaneous musicality, and the importance of listening to children’s voices, literally and metaphorically, in music education and parenting. Patricia’s book, Songs in Their Heads Lisa’s book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically

This week, Lisa welcomes Dr. Michael Largey, Professor of Musicology at Michigan State University's College of Music. Michael is an ethnomusicologist and folklorist who specializes in the music and culture of Haiti, particularly Haitian classical and religious music. Michael shares stories from his career studying Haitian music and culture, discusses the importance of intergenerational musical experiences, and reflects on how ethnography can build deeper connections between teachers, students, and communities. Together, Lisa and Michael also dive into how parents can help their children find mentors and musical communities, offering practical ideas for fostering meaningful relationships and experiences. Michael’s book, Vodou Nation: Haitian Art Music and Cultural Nationalism Lisa’s book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically

In this insightful episode, Lisa sits down with Sarah Alleman, parenting musically aficionado and mother of five, to reflect on what parenting musically has looked like for her family over the years. Sarah has participated in multiple research studies with Lisa, including their co-authored study “Mama’s Turn: A Mother’s Musical Journey.” This study documents Sarah’s musical experiences and how her own musical study influenced her young children. Join Lisa and Sarah for an inspiring conversation about the joy of having a front-row seat to a child’s musical development. Lisa, Sarah, and Christa Kuebel’s article, Mama’s Turn: A Mother’s Musical Journey Lisa’s book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically

Join Lisa as she reconnects with two of her former cooperating teachers, Jackie Sonderfan Schoon—now in her 34th year of teaching elementary music at Meadow Brook Elementary in Forest Hills Public Schools—and Dr. James Borst, whose remarkable career spans forty years in education. Together, they discuss the role and impact of mentoring student teachers. The trio also reflects on the life, influence, and legacy of Dale Topp, sharing memories, lessons, and the profound impact he had on their teaching and their students. Tune in for heartfelt stories, wisdom from decades of experience, and a celebration of the enduring power of mentorship in music education. Lisa’s book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically

Listen to Lisa’s conversation with Cynthia (Cindy) Crump Taggart, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Music Education at Michigan State University. Lisa studied with Cindy at MSU for master’s and PhD degrees, with Cindy chairing Lisa’s thesis and dissertation committees. In today’s podcast, Cindy and Lisa discuss the multifaceted role of a doctoral advisor, consider the importance of play in learning for children as well as adults, hear the results of Cindy’s research with children with language delays in music classes, and reflect on the generations of students and children Cindy has taught as well as continues to influence through her work. Video presentation, “Empowering Young Children Musically” - your own at-home music workshop with Cindy! (filmed in 2021) Cindy’s collaborative research study on early childhood music and children with language delays, co-authored with Jenny Alvarez and Kathy Schubert Cindy’s co-authored curriculum for early childhood music, Music Play: The Early Childhood Music Curriculum Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Caregivers Lisa’s book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically

In this episode, Lisa welcomes back music therapist Deforia Lane, PhD, MT-BC, and retired Director of Music Therapy at University Hospitals in Cleveland. Deforia reflects on her impactful career and shares insights into her ongoing work with nonprofit organizations and educational initiatives. Together, they explore the profound role of music in personal growth, family dynamics, and therapeutic settings. From the importance of early exposure to music to the power of crafting personalized songs for healing, Deforia’s stories are a testament to the transformative power of music. Join Lisa and Deforia for an inspiring conversation about nurturing connections and finding joy through music. Deforia Lane’s Ted Talk “Music Therapy & Medicine: A Dynamic Partnership” Lisa’s book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically

Announcing Season Six of Parenting Musically! Parenting Musically is supported by Case Western Reserve University. The podcast is hosted by Dr. Lisa Huisman Koops, professor of music education at Case Western Reserve University.

In this final recap episode of Season 5, Lisa is joined by Karen Heitlinger, the Chair of Early Childhood at The Music Settlement, Sydney Miller, The Music Settlement’s Director of Marketing, and Jessica Gallagher-Steuver, a Music Education PhD Candidate at Case Western Reserve University. Karen, Sydney, and Jessica discuss their favorite moments of the season, how this season’s guests inspired them to think about family and music in new ways, musical accessibility, implications for music education, and how The Music Settlement can foster connections and lifelong musical learning. Karen & Sydney’s bios from The Music Settlement Jessica’s website Lisa’s new book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically

Joining Lisa this week is Katherine “Kiki” Kilburn, conductor and Assistant Professor of Music and Assistant Director of Orchestras at Michigan State University School of Music. Kiki discusses her early life exposure to the professional and academic world of music, how she provides her children with that kind of musical exposure at home, and how other parents can do the same. Lisa also welcomes Julie Ballantyne, Associate Professor in Music Education in the School of Music at the University of Queensland, Australia. Julie gives her thoughts on Kiki’s experiences and how they relate to her studies of identity in a person’s career, and especially how it relates to teacher identity development. Katherine’s conducting website Julie’s recent research paper, “Spiralling Engagement Experiences of Creativity (SEEC): A process of research-led arts creation for facilitating experiences of flourishing in participants’ lives” in Psychology of Music Lisa’s new book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically

In Episode 36, Lisa is joined by Pamela Maben, music specialist and preschool teacher at The Music Settlement. Pam shares her connection to The Music Settlement beginning at a young age and continuing through her adult life, ways in which she incorporates music into her teaching, and how parents can introduce their children to a variety of music in a way that prepares them to love it as they grow up. Music therapist Deforia Lane, PhD, MT-BC, also joins to discuss how she uses music to connect to her patients, the importance of musical role models, and how parents can overcome challenges that arise from behavioral or sensory issues when exposing their children to a variety of live music. American Music Therapy Association Deforia’s book, Music as Medicine Deforia’s TedX Talk, Music Therapy & Medicine: A Dynamic Partnership Lisa’s new book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically

Joining Lisa this week is Obed “Obie” Shelton, violinist, broadcast media professional, Board Member at The Music Settlement, and Executive Director of the Association of African American Cultural Gardens. Obie shares memories from his childhood and the impact of growing up in a musical household on his life as an adult. Dr. George Nicholson, Visiting Assistant Professor of Music and Music Education at Columbia University’s Teachers College, reflects on Obie’s musical versatility and connects Obie’s work to multi-style string pedagogy. Obed Shelton’s YouTube channel, with violin recordings George Nicholson’s article on multi-style string pedagogy Lisa’s new book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically

Lisa is joined by Maura Rogers, singer/songwriter and programming director at Cleveland Rocks, Past, Present, and Future. In addition to her connection to The Music Settlement, Maura tells us about the impact that music had on her life growing up, how she passes on that joy to her children, and the close connection she has with her band family. Maura also discusses the work of Cleveland Rocks, Past, Present, and Future to foster a supportive environment for local music makers and the many ways that Cleveland residents can support music in their own community. Dr. Cathy Benedict, Lecturer for Curriculum and Teaching at the Teachers College, Columbia University, connects Maura’s work to her research in music education philosophy, and poses philosophical questions for preservice music teachers: Music is everywhere - what does that mean? What constitutes music? What does it mean that it's everywhere? Who gets to or does not get to play it everywhere? Who is rewarded for playing it? Cathy also emphasizes the importance of manifesting joy through music-making. Maura Rogers’s website: www.maurarogers.com Maura Rogers’s Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/@maurarogersandthebellows Spotify Link to Stream Maura Rogers & the Bellows Maura Rogers & the Bellows’s latest single from Live EP: Anything at all, LIVE Dr. Cathy Benedict’s book, Music and Social Justice: A Guide for Elementary Educators Lisa’s new book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically