Busy Kids Love Music

In this episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we wrap up our three-part series on composer Igor Stravinsky with one of the most famous — and most shocking — pieces in music history: The Rite of Spring. When this ballet premiered in Paris in 1913, audiences expected graceful dancing and pretty melodies. Instead, they heard pounding rhythms, clashing sounds, and music that felt wild and unpredictable. Some people loved it… and others were so surprised that they began shouting during the performance! We'll explore why Stravinsky's music sounded so different from anything audiences had heard before and how this bold piece eventually became one of the most important works of the 20th century. Get ready to listen for thunder-like drums, blasting horns, and rhythms that feel like the earth shaking beneath your feet! What You'll Learn in This Episode The Rite of Spring Listening Challenge for Kids When you listen to The Rite of Spring, don't try to hear it as calm or gentle music. Instead, imagine: Listen for: This is music that feels alive! Listen to The Rite of Spring We recommend listening to the full ballet here: 👉 Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" with Gustavo Dudamel & the LA Phil About Busy Kids Love Music Busy Kids Love Music is the podcast that helps families explore the music of composers, cultures, and traditions from around the world. Hosted by piano teacher Carly Seifert, each episode includes kid-friendly storytelling, guided listening tips, and musical discoveries perfect for homeschool lessons, classroom use, or curious music lovers of all ages. Want More Music Activities? Check out Carly's online piano and music appreciation programs: Busy Kids Do PianoBusy Kids Love Music Podcast ArchiveMusic History Courses & Homeschool Resources

Igor Stravinsky became famous almost overnight thanks to one magical ballet — The Firebird. In this episode, I'll take you inside the glowing, mysterious world of this Russian fairy tale, filled with enchanted creatures, an evil sorcerer, brave heroes, and powerful music that tells the story without words. Based on centuries-old Russian folk tales, The Firebird follows Prince Ivan, who captures a magical Firebird and receives a glowing feather in return for her freedom. That feather later helps him defeat Kashchei the Immortal, an evil sorcerer who has trapped princesses and turned travelers into stone. With the Firebird's help, Ivan breaks Kashchei's spell, frees the princesses, and brings peace back to the enchanted forest. Stravinsky's music brings every moment of this story to life — from the shimmering Firebird theme to the pounding rhythms of Kashchei's Infernal Dance and the glowing, triumphant Finale. 🎵 What You'll Learn in This Episode The fairy-tale story behind The Firebird Who the Firebird, Prince Ivan, and Kashchei are How Stravinsky uses leitmotifs (musical themes for characters and ideas) How this ballet made Stravinsky famous at just 27 years old Why The Firebird is still one of the most loved orchestral works today Kids will also learn how composers use music the same way movies do — giving characters their own musical "voices," just like Darth Vader, Jaws, or Hogwarts! 🎻 Featured Music in This Episode Suite from The Firebird (1919) – Toronto Symphony Orchestra Infernal Dance of King Kashchei Finale from The Firebird – Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel 📺 Listen & Watch Explore famous recordings and watch scenes from The Firebird ballet here: 👉Playlist for Episode 168 🎼 What's Next? This is Episode 2 in our 3-part Igor Stravinsky series. In our final episode, we'll dive into his most shocking and controversial work: The Rite of Spring — the piece that caused a riot! Until next time… Keep listening and keep learning — because Busy Kids Love Music!

Igor Stravinsky, Part 1: The Composer Who Changed Music In this episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we begin a brand-new three-part series all about one of the most bold and imaginative composers in music history: Igor Stravinsky. From ballet stages to concert halls, Stravinsky's music changed the way people thought about rhythm, sound, and storytelling in music. In Part 1, we explore Stravinsky's life story—where he grew up, how he was introduced to music, and how he became one of the most important composers of the 20th century. We also learn how Stravinsky's life was shaped by major world events, including two world wars, which caused his family to move from Russia to Switzerland, then France, and eventually the United States. Despite all these changes, Stravinsky continued to write groundbreaking music, proving that creativity can thrive even in difficult times. In this episode, we also explore what makes Stravinsky's music sound so different from other composers. What's Next in the Series? This episode is just the beginning of our Stravinsky adventure! In the next two episodes, we'll explore: Episode 2: The Firebird – A magical ballet filled with glittering orchestral sounds and fairy-tale characters Episode 3: The Rite of Spring – The shocking, groundbreaking work that caused one of the most famous moments in music history 🎧 Listen along with our Stravinsky playlist here Thanks for listening to Busy Kids Love Music! Join us next time as we step into the magical world of The Firebird.

We've reached the final episode of 2025, and we're celebrating the year with something special: The Great Re-Listen Challenge! This fun year-end episode invites your family to revisit some of our favorite musical adventures from the past year — all paired with themes like Road Trip Listen, Dance Party Listen, and Bedtime Listen. Whether you've listened to Busy Kids Love Music for years or pressed play for the very first time in 2025, thank you for making this podcast part of your musical journey. This episode is all about reflecting, reconnecting, and rediscovering the music we explored together. 🎶 What Is the Great Re-Listen Challenge? I've selected five favorite episodes from 2025, each perfect for winter break. Families can choose one, two, or try all five! To make it even more fun, download the Re-Listen Challenge Checklist linked below so kids can check off episodes as they listen. 🎧 Your 2025 Re-Listen Challenge Picks 1. Road Trip Listen — Episode 140: New Year's Day Parade Music Start your travels with music bursting with energy! In this upbeat episode, we explore the marching bands and festive sounds that bring New Year's Day parades to life. 2. Creativity Time — Episode 148: Music Inspired by Planet Earth Perfect for arts and crafts time. Listen while you draw, paint, or build — this imaginative, Earth-themed music is full of color and inspiration. 3. Bedtime Listen — Episode 161: Imogen Holst's Fall of the Leaf Soft, peaceful, and calming. This gentle cello piece feels like autumn leaves drifting through the air — a beautiful way to wind down before bed. 4. Dance Party Listen — Episode 154: Folk Music of Colombia Turn your living room into a dance floor! With joyful rhythms and irresistible beats, this episode will get everyone moving. 5. Story Lovers Listen — Episode 144: The Life of Blind Tom Wiggins One of my favorite episodes of the year. Blind Tom's story is inspiring, powerful, and unforgettable — a must-hear for kids and grown-ups alike. 📄 Free Download: Re-Listen Challenge Checklist Make listening interactive! Download your checklist here. Kids can track their progress and choose which listening adventure to do next. 💛 Thank You for an Amazing Year Thank you for learning, listening, and exploring music with me throughout 2025. Join me for our first public enrollment period of the year for Busy Kids Do Piano and Busy Moms Do Piano beginning January 1st.

Get ready for a festive round of What Was That Sound?—our special holiday edition! In today's episode, we explore four magical instruments that help create the twinkling, sparkling, joyful sound of Christmas music. Kids will listen to short audio clues and try to guess each instrument before the answer is revealed. It's a fun, interactive way to train their ears and learn musical facts! To make the experience even more hands-on, don't forget to download the free What Was That Sound? printable worksheet linked here. Kids can write down their guesses, take notes and share what they've learned using this fun printable. 🎧 What You'll Hear in This Episode Today's four mystery instruments all play a special role in holiday music: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.The Nutcracker!O Holy Night 📄 Free Printable: What Was That Sound? — Holiday Edition Make listening interactive! Kids can track their guesses, jot down fun facts, and bring music learning to life by downlading this printable. 🔗 Explore More Music Episode 18: The Trumpet | Busy Kids Do PianoEpisode 52: The Harp | Busy Kids Do PianoEpisode 111: Sleigh Bells | Busy Kids Do Piano A curated playlist of all four festive musical selections here ✨ Merry Christmas from Busy Kids Love Music! Thank you for joining me for this joyful, interactive musical celebration. From my family to yours—Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I'll see you next time on Busy Kids Love Music.

In this week's episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we're welcoming the Christmas season with a beautiful and expressive work by English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams — a musician who adored both folk tunes and the charming old carols passed down through generations. 🎶 What You'll Hear in This Episode In Fantasia on Christmas Carols, Vaughan Williams weaves together three traditional English carols into one imaginative and atmospheric piece for baritone, chorus, and orchestra: The Truth Sent from Above Come All You Worthy Gentlemen On Christmas Night All Christians Sing (often known as The Sussex Carol) You'll learn: Why Vaughan Williams was passionate about preserving English folk music What a fantasia is and how this piece "daydreams" from one idea to another How the composer added "hidden" carol fragments throughout the music Why this work was meaningful during World War I Details about the piece's 1912 premiere at the Three Choirs Festival How Fantasia on Christmas Carols continues to inspire holiday performances today This episode also explains the unique combination of baritone soloist, full choir, and orchestra, and how the piece begins and ends with a moving cello solo. 🎧 Listen to the Full Piece Find the complete recording of Fantasia on Christmas Carols here. 🎄 More Christmas Music Fun Don't miss these seasonal resources from Busy Kids Do Piano! Online Nutcracker Camp for Kids Musical Advent Calendar 🔔 Up Next Get ready for a fun musical mystery game in our next episode: "What Was That Sound? – Holiday Edition!" We'll explore instruments of the season with festive sound-guessing challenges your kids will love. Thanks for listening, and as always — keep listening and keep learning, because Busy Kids Love Music!

In this fun, interactive episode of Busy Kids Love Music, I invite you to step into the orchestra pit of a Broadway theater to solve some musical mysteries! This month we've been celebrating the release of Wicked: For Good, and today's episode continues that celebration with a special "What Was That Sound?" – Musical Theater Edition! You'll hear short clips from favorite musicals and try to guess which instruments are playing. Each instrument plays a special role in creating the drama, excitement, and emotion of live theater. This episode helps young listeners train their ears, learn about instrument families in the orchestra, and understand how each sound helps tell a musical story on stage. 🎵 Featured Musicals & Mystery Sounds Wicked – "Defying Gravity" Hamilton – "My Shot" The Lion King – "Circle of Life" The Sound of Music – "Do-Re-Mi" 🧩 Free Printable: Musical Mysteries Worksheet Can you guess all the instruments correctly? Download the Musical Theater Edition Audio Treasure Hunt Worksheet to write your answers and keep the game going at home! 👉 Download Here 💡 Learning Highlights Explore four instrument families in the orchestra. Discover how percussion, brass, and strings add character and emotion to theater music. Practice active listening and build your child's musical vocabulary through play. 🎧 Keep Listening & Learning If you enjoyed this episode, check out thh full playlist of songs featured today — perfect for singing, dancing, and listening together as a family! 👉 Playlist Link Don't forget to listen to Episode 162 about Stephen Schwartz, the brilliant composer and lyricist behind Wicked! 💻 Explore More Busy Kids Do Pianobusykidsdopiano.com📸 Follow along on social media: Instagram: @busykidsdopiano Facebook: Busy Kids Do Piano YouTube: Busy Kids Do Piano Channel

This month on Busy Kids Love Music, we're celebrating the magic of musical theater — and the brand-new movie Wicked: For Good! In this episode, I introduce young listeners to Stephen Schwartz, the brilliant composer and lyricist behind some of Broadway and Disney's most beloved songs. From his early studies at Juilliard and Carnegie Mellon to writing timeless shows like Godspell, Pippin, and Children of Eden, Stephen Schwartz has spent his career creating music that inspires and uplifts. Of course, his most famous work — Wicked — reimagines the story of Oz through unforgettable songs like "Defying Gravity," "Popular," and "For Good." As you listen, you'll learn what it means to be both a composer and a lyricist, explore Schwartz's journey to Broadway, and discover how his music brings characters' emotions to life. 🎵 Featured Music in This Episode "For Good" – Wicked "Popular" – Wicked "Corner of the Sky" – Pippin "Defying Gravity" – Wicked "No Good Deed" – Wicked 🧩 Free Printable: Audio Treasure Hunt Turn this episode into an interactive listening activity! Download the Audio Treasure Hunt Worksheet from the show notes to answer fun questions about Stephen Schwartz and test your listening skills as you go. 👉 Download Here 💡 Fun Facts Stephen Schwartz wrote music and lyrics for Wicked, Pippin, and Godspell. Listen to a full playlist of Stephen Schwartz favorites here! He also penned lyrics for Disney favorites like Pocahontas ("Colors of the Wind"), The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Enchanted. You can even spot Stephen Schwartz himself in a cameo appearance in Wicked: Part 1! 🪄 Keep Listening This episode kicks off a month-long celebration of musical theater at Busy Kids Love Music! Stay tuned for more Wicked-themed fun and behind-the-scenes stories about Broadway composers. 🎧 Subscribe to Busy Kids Love Music wherever you get your podcasts, and don't miss a single musical adventure. 💻 Explore More 🎹 Learn piano with Busy Kids Do Piano: busykidsdopiano.com 📸 Follow along on social media: Instagram: @busykidsdopiano Facebook: Busy Kids Do Piano YouTube: Busy Kids Do Piano Channel

In Part 2 of our Imogen Holst series, we step into the crisp, colorful world of autumn through one of her most beautiful works — The Fall of the Leaf. Written in the 1960s and based on a 17th-century English melody of the same name, this short cello concerto paints a gentle, moody, and slightly mysterious musical picture of a single leaf drifting to the ground. We’ll explore how Holst uses dissonance, movement, and mood to capture the quiet magic of an October afternoon. This episode also includes another Audio Treasure Hunt! Download the free printable below and use it as you listen to uncover hidden clues about the music. 🎧 What you’ll learn in this episode: How Imogen Holst adapted an ancient English tune into her own reflective composition. What dissonance is — and how Holst uses it to create mystery. How musical movement can mimic the slow, twisting drift of a falling leaf. Why this piece feels both peaceful and bittersweet at the same time. 💡 Listening Challenge: As you listen to The Fall of the Leaf, close your eyes and imagine: A single leaf falling from a tall tree. The wind gently blowing. The quiet of an October afternoon. What colors, shapes, or stories come to mind? 📍 Links & Resources: Download the Audio Treasure Hunt Listen to The Fall of the Leaf performance Learn more about Imogen Holst in Episode 160

We’re kicking off a brand-new series on the Busy Kids Love Music podcast, and this time our focus is on the remarkable life and work of composer Imogen Holst. You might recognize her last name—yes, her father was the famous Gustav Holst, composer of The Planets. But Imogen was far more than “the daughter of…” She built her own musical career as a gifted composer, conductor, teacher, and champion of the arts, making an impact that still resonates today. In this episode, you’ll discover: 🎵 How growing up in a musical household shaped Imogen’s early years 🎵 Her studies at the Royal College of Music and her path to becoming a composer 🎵 The important roles she played during World War II to bring music to communities and support refugee musicians 🎵 Her close collaboration with composer Benjamin Britten and her work at the Aldeburgh Festival 🎵 Why her music stands out, and how she forged her own creative voice in a male-dominated field This episode also features an Audio Treasure Hunt—a free printable you can download from the show notes. As you listen, see how many questions you can answer about Imogen Holst’s life and music! Listen now to learn about a trailblazing 20th-century musician whose legacy includes not only her own compositions, but also her dedication to uplifting the work of others. Resources & Links: Download your free Audio Treasure Hunt printable Curated playlist of Imogen Holst’s music

Think you can solve a musical mystery? In this extra-fun episode of Busy Kids Love Music, you’ll become a musical detective as we play a guessing game with four mystery instrument sounds. I’ll play you a short clip from a famous piece of music—your job is to figure out “What Was That Sound?” Once you make your guess, I’ll reveal the answer and share some fascinating facts about the instrument, including: To make it even more fun, I’ve created a free printable worksheet that you can use to write down your guesses. This is a perfect at-home, in-the-car, or classroom activity to sharpen your listening skills—and you can even quiz your family and friends afterward. Plus, I’ve put together a playlist of the full-length versions of all the music featured in today’s game, so you can enjoy each piece from start to finish. Listen now and put your musical ears to the test! 📄 Free Worksheet: Download here 🎶 Featured Playlist: Listen here

It’s time for a spooky (but silly!) musical adventure as we wrap up our 3-part series on the brilliant French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. In today’s episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we’re exploring one of Saint-Saëns’ most imaginative and well-known pieces: Danse Macabre — or “Dance of Death.” But don’t worry — while the title sounds a bit eerie, this piece is more like a playful Halloween dance party than a fright fest. With dancing skeletons, chiming midnight bells, and a dramatic story told entirely through music, Danse Macabre is the perfect mix of spooky and fun. Inside this episode, your child will: Danse Macabretritone Don’t forget to download your FREE Audio Treasure Hunt! I’ve hidden six questions throughout the episode for your child to uncover as they listen. 👉 Download it here Mentioned in this episode: Danse Macabre by Camille Saint-Saëns Episode 156: Meet the Composer – Camille Saint-Saëns Episode 157: Carnival of the Animals Whether you’re listening around Halloween or just in the mood for something dramatic and fun, this episode will show how music can spark imagination and tell a story — even without any words.

Get ready to explore a musical zoo like no other! In this episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we’re diving into one of Camille Saint-Saëns’ most imaginative and beloved works—Carnival of the Animals. This whimsical suite features 14 short movements, each representing a different animal or creature, from regal lions and squawking roosters to gliding swans and even... piano students! You’ll hear musical excerpts that bring each animal to life and learn: Why Saint-Saëns wrote Carnival of the Animals in secret What instrument represents the elephant Why The Swan was the only movement published during his lifetime How this suite became one of his most popular works after his death PLUS: It’s an Audio Treasure Hunt episode! Hidden throughout today’s episode are six musical clues. Download your free Treasure Hunt printable and see if you can answer them all as you listen. Want to explore even more? Sign up for my FREE 5-Day Online Music Camp inspired by Carnival of the Animals! Each day features music exploration, fun piano activities, and creative ways to bring the animals to life. Perfect for music-loving kids of all ages! 🔗 Link to join in the show notes. Next Week: We wrap up our Saint-Saëns series with a spine-tingling piece—Danse Macabre—just in time for spooky season. Don’t miss it! Resources Mentioned: Download the Audio Treasure Hunt Printable Join the FREE Carnival of the Animals Online Music Camp Listen to Carnival of the Animals in its entirety here Busy Kids Love Music is created by Carly Seifert, piano teacher and founder of Busy Kids Do Piano, helping families explore the joy of music from their own homes. 📌 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode — and keep your ears open for more musical adventures!

We’re kicking off a brand-new composer series—and this one’s all about the brilliant French composer Camille Saint-Saëns! 🎼 In this first episode of our 3-part series, your child will discover: What made Saint-Saëns a child prodigy His early musical education and incredible memory How travel and science inspired his compositions The tragedies and triumphs that shaped his life Why his music stood apart from others in his time Plus! This episode includes a FREE Audio Treasure Hunt to make listening extra interactive and fun. Can your child catch how old Saint-Saëns was at his first public concert? Or what inspired his “Egyptian” piano concerto? 🎧 Featured Music Includes: Organ Symphony Piano Concerto No. 5 “The Egyptian” Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor Don’t forget to download your free Audio Treasure Hunt worksheet and explore my curated playlist of Camille Saint-Saëns’ most beloved compositions. 🎹 Enrollment Now Open: If you’ve been thinking about starting piano lessons at home, now’s the perfect time! Public enrollment for Busy Kids Do Piano is open through August 18th. Learn more and sign up here. Don’t miss Episode 157, where we’ll take a closer listen to The Carnival of the Animals—a delightful musical zoo full of lions, kangaroos, and the famous swan. Until next time, keep listening and keep making music!

Welcome to the final stop on our Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music summer series! In this episode, we journey to the breathtaking island of Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, where folk music and dance are central to cultural life. From the energetic rhythms of the ʻoteʻa dance to the booming beats of the toʻere and pahu drums, Tahitian music is filled with movement and joy. We’ll explore the traditional instruments, musical styles, and even group choral chants like himene tarava, which blend Polynesian harmonies with European influences. You’ll also: Hear samples of traditional Tahitian drumming and singing Learn how music and dance are celebrated at the Heiva Festival Discover how Tahitian children carry on musical traditions today Explore how modern musicians are blending traditional instruments with new sounds Don’t forget! Download your Tahiti Passport Stamp to complete your musical journey around the world. Check out this playlist on YouTube to view incredible Tahitian performances. 🎹 Plus, exciting news! Public enrollment for Busy Kids Do Piano and Busy Moms Do Piano opens August 4th! Learn more about Busy Kids here and Busy Moms here. Thanks for joining us on this global musical adventure—see you in two weeks for more musical exploration!

In today’s episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we head to the vibrant country of Colombia—a place full of colorful landscapes, rich traditions, and joyful rhythms! Part of our special summer series Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music, this musical journey introduces your child to the diverse folk styles that make Colombian music so special. From the African-influenced drums of the coastal regions to the haunting melodies of Indigenous flutes and the lively accordion tunes of vallenato, we’ll explore how Colombia’s music reflects its unique blend of cultures: Indigenous, African, and Spanish. 🎶 Highlights from this episode include: A deep dive into cumbia, one of Colombia’s most iconic musical styles. Listening to the gaita—a traditional Indigenous flute—and how it’s used in folk ensembles. Learning about the tambora, a drum essential to Afro-Colombian rhythms and celebrations. Discovering the accordion’s role in vallenato and its European roots. Exploring how Colombian folk music is still a vibrant part of everyday life—from school songs to street parades! 📌 Episode Resources: 🎟 Download your free Colombia Passport Stamp here 🎵 Curated YouTube Playlist of Colombian Folk Music featuring cumbia, vallenato, and more 🗺️ Previous Stops on Our Around the World Series: Folk Music of Ethiopia Folk Music of Ukraine Folk Music of South Korea 📍Next stop: Our final destination of the summer series—don’t miss it in two weeks! This episode will transport your family to Colombia through the power of music. Don’t forget to grab your musical passport stamp and explore even more music with my bonus playlist! 🎧 Subscribe to Busy Kids Love Music on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. 💬 Let’s Connect: Have a question or want to share your child’s musical discoveries? Tag me on Instagram @busymomsdopiano or send us message to carly@busymomsdopiano.com!

Welcome back to Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music! In today’s episode, we journey to the eastern side of Asia to explore the rich folk music traditions of South Korea. From heartfelt folk songs to energetic drumming ensembles, Korean traditional music—known as gugak—is a vibrant part of the country’s culture and history. Join me as we explore: 🎶 Minyo – Traditional Korean folk songs passed down through generations 🎤 Arirang – One of Korea’s most beloved and historic songs 🎭 Pansori – Dramatic musical storytelling with a single singer and drummer 🥁 Samulnori – A thrilling percussion style performed with four instruments 🎼 Traditional Korean instruments including: The janggu (hourglass drum) The gayageum (12-string zither) The haegeum (two-string fiddle) Along the way, we’ll learn how these beautiful sounds continue to influence modern music—from classrooms to K-pop stages. 👉 Don’t forget to: Download your South Korea passport stamp Check out the YouTube playlist featuring instruments and performances mentioned in today’s episode Revisit any of the previous episodes in this global series

In this episode of our Around the World summer series, we’re traveling to Ukraine, a country with a deep love of singing, a powerful history, and some truly fascinating folk instruments! Join me as we: Discover the meaning of folk music and why it matters. Learn about Ukraine’s journey to independence and how music has helped preserve its culture. Explore the beautiful three-part harmonies often sung a cappella by Ukrainian choirs. Hear traditional instruments like: Bandura – a harp-like instrument with up to 60 strings. Trembita – one of the world’s longest instruments used in mountain villages. Tsymbaly – a hammered dulcimer that creates rhythmic dance music. Understand how folk music varies from region to region in Ukraine. You’ll hear snippets of folk songs throughout the episode and learn how modern Ukrainian artists are keeping these traditions alive today. 📍 Download your Ukraine Passport Stamp Add to your musical passport collection by downloading this week’s stamp here. 🎧 Bonus Playlist Want to keep listening? Check out the curated playlist of Ukrainian folk music linked on YouTube by clicking here. Subscribe & Follow: Never miss an episode! Be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow me on Instagram @busymomsdopiano for updates, behind-the-scenes, and extra resources. Busy Kids Love Music is the podcast that helps kids explore composers, musical styles, instruments, and cultures from around the world—one note at a time.

Welcome to a brand new season of our summer series, Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music! Every 2 weeks this summer, we’re visiting a different country to explore its folk music traditions—and today, we’re heading to the Horn of Africa to discover the rich and unique sounds of Ethiopia! In this episode, you’ll learn: What makes Ethiopian music sound so different from Western music The special musical scales called qignit (including the Tizita scale) The fascinating traditional instruments of Ethiopia: the krar, masenqo, and washint How music is woven into celebrations, faith, and storytelling The unique Ethiopian dance called eskista, full of fast footwork and expressive shoulder movements Plus, we’ll hear musical clips throughout the episode to bring these traditions to life! 🧳 Don’t forget your passport stamp! Download your printable Ethiopia stamp to add to your musical passport as we travel the world this summer. You’ll find it linked here. ▶️ YouTube Playlist Be sure to check out the curated playlist I’ve included so you can see these amazing instruments and dances in action—especially the mesmerizing eskista dance! Thanks for joining me on this exciting musical adventure. See you in two weeks as we journey to another corner of the globe for more incredible folk music traditions.

As we approach Memorial Day in the United States, this episode honors one of the most poignant and powerful pieces of American music — Taps. Although this bugle call is only 24 notes long, it carries deep meaning and emotion, used to honor those who have served and sacrificed in the military. In this episode, you and your young listeners will: Discover the origins of Taps during the Civil War. Learn about the bugle and how it was used to signal soldiers throughout the day. Hear different performances of Taps, including from Arlington National Cemetery. Reflect on how a simple melody can express gratitude, peace, and remembrance without a single word. 🎧 Musical excerpts featured: Taps – USMC Drum & Bugle Corps Reveille – West Point Band Taps – Live recordings from Arlington National Cemetery Semper Fidelis – “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band 📝 Mentioned in this episode: Visit this link for a short playlist of a few full-length performances of Taps 🎶 What’s Next: Join me in two weeks as we launch our Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music summer series! We’ll explore folk music traditions from across the globe — and your child can collect printable passport stamps along the way!