Parenting Musically

In this week’s episode, Lisa interviews Florence K, award-winning musician, author, and mental health advocate. Florence talks with Lisa about her experience growing up in a musical household and the bond of touring musicians. She also addresses the challenges of being a professional musician. In her current work as a PhD candidate in clinical psychology at the University of Quebec in Montréal, she explores the complex link between mood, creativity, and well-being in the performing arts. Joining in the conversation is Dr. Aimée Gaudette-Leblanc. Aimée is a professor and researcher whose work focuses on early childhood development, parent-child relationships, and the role of arts and culture in family well-being. Aimée shares insight into the family ensemble, sensitive and responsive parenting, and the joy of observing your children musicking. Florence K’s artist page Florence K shares “My Story” in The Catalyst, publication of The Mental Health Commission of Canada. Florence K’s co-authored article, “Exploring the well-being of professional female musicians: a self-determination theory perspective” in Frontiers in Psychology Aimée’s co-authored article, “The implications of participating in a Music Early Learning Program for parental sensitivity and socioemotional functioning in children aged 2–5 years: A randomized control trial” in Psychology of Music Aimée’s faculty homepage Sesame Street song “Put Down the Duckie” discussed in episode

Joining Lisa in episode 55 is Dr. Helena Rodrigues, Artistic Director of Companhia de Musica Teatral (CMT), an organization championing musical experience and the arts for social and human development. Dr. Rodrigues founded the Laboratory of Music and Communication in Childhood and is a professor in the Faculty of Social and Human Sciences at the University of Lisbon. She talks with Lisa about CMT, community engagement, and the influences of Gordon’s Music Learning Theory and Trevarthen’s Communicative Musicality on her work in Portugal. Joining in the conversation are Vivian and Tiago Madalozzo. Vivian Madalozzo is a PhD candidate in Childhood Studies at the University of Minho and Dr. Tiago Madalozzo is Assistant Invited Professor at the Department of Arts, School of Education, at the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança and at the Department of Education, at the Douro Higher Institute of Educational Sciences. Both are researchers and educators focusing on early childhood music and teacher training. The Madalozzos discuss their experience engaging their community through early childhood music education in Brazil. They also reflect on Helena’s work with CMT and share personal insights about parenting musically in Portugal. Episode 55 shownotes: Companhia de Musica Teatral (CMT) webpage Companhia de Música Teatral - BebéBabá video (Youtube) Companhia de Música Teatral Bebé-Plim-Plim video (Youtube) Helena’s co-authored article, “Music for mothers and babies living in a prison: A report on a special production of ‘BebéBabá’” Further articles and books about Helena’s work and the work of CMT Tiago’s article, Childhood cultures and early childhood music education: A driving axis for creActive music listening Vivian’s co-authored article, Intersections between music education and the sociology of childhood in Brazil: Searching for children’s agency and musical protagonism

Joining Lisa in episode 54 is Josiah Birai, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Cheza Music School, a Nairobi-based in-home music school dedicated to helping children and families experience music in a joyful, structured, and confidence-building way. Josiah speaks about the way he and his colleagues support their students’ musicking and performing. Kenyatta University Senior Lecturer Dr. Elizabeth A. Andang’o responds with insights on music education in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of considering how music supports children’s identity and self-knowledge. Elizabeth also shares her research working with grandmothers in Kenya, highlighting the grandmothers’ deliberate use of music to cultivate relationships with their grandchildren as well as to pass along religious values. Episode 54 shownotes: Cheza Music School, Nairobi Web Page Josiah Birai’s faculty page Cheza Music School Facebook Cheza Music School Instagram Elizabeth A. Andang’o’s faculty page Elizabeth A. Andang’o’s article, “The role of music in shaping children’s self-knowledge and identity: Perspectives from an African setting”

In Episode 53, Lisa interviews pianist, cross media artist, and music educator, Dr. Fang Ting Huang. Fang Ting creates immersive new-media installations and interactive musical experiences that integrate technology, arts, and music. Fang Ting reflects on her musical childhood in Taiwan, her studies in Europe, and her career as a cross media artist and musical collaborator. Responding to Fang-Ting’s interview is Dr. Melody Liao, a professor of early childhood education, practitioner of Dalcroze Eurythmics, and advocate for early childhood music education. Melody shares insight from her exploratory music-making as a child in rural Taiwan and her current research on the use of loose parts in early childhood music spaces. Episode 53 Shownotes: Fang Ting Huang’s YouTube channel Fang Ting Huang’s new media performance of "On My Way” Fang Ting Huang’s performance of Debussy’s “L’isle Joyeuse” on location by the sea Behind-the-scenes video of filming “L’isle Joyeuse” on location Melody LIao’s webpage with more information on her research Melody Liao’s research on loose parts in early childhood education, “The Possibilities of the In-Between Space: A Case Study on Creating a Music Environment in a Preschool Setting”

In our first episode of season 8, Lisa interviews Margaret Fagan. Margaret Fagan is a folk musician and former early childhood Montessori music teacher. Margaret and her husband, folk guitarist Bob Fagan, are the founding members of Australia’s pre-eminent folk music family, “The Fagans.” Margaret reflects on her own musical childhood and describes ways children in Australia are included in community musicmaking. Drawing from her experience as an early childhood teacher, music educator and children’s author, Dr. Amanda Niland responds to Margaret’s interview with insight from her long career in early childhood education. Amanda joined the Early Childhood team at the University of Sydney in 2016 where she currently serves as Senior Lecturer and Program Director of the Master of Teaching Early Childhood. Episode 52 Shownotes Margaret & Bob Fagan “Landmarks on the Journey” album Margaret & Bob Fagan join son James Fagan, host, on “Sheffield Live TGIF” radio show (2024) Youtube Recording, Margaret & Bob Fagan at 2022 National Folk Festival in Canberra, Australia Youtube Recording, The Fagans, “The World Turned Upside Down” Amanda Niland’s research article on children’s literature: “Picture Books, Imagination and Play: Pathways to Positive Reading Identities for Young Children” Amanda Niland’s research article on children’s musical play: “Singing and playing together: A community music group in an early intervention setting” Amanda Niland children’s books

Announcing Season 8 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 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