Parenting Musically

Episode

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  Episode 59: Jane Timmons-Mitchell 09.09.2026 25mnt

  Kicking off season 9, Lisa interviews Jane Timmons-Mitchell, Ph.D. Jane is a clinical child psychologist with 40 years of experience. With her son Stephen, a mechanical engineer, she wrote the book “Our Guide to Navigating ADHD, How to Embrace Challenges, Develop Grit, and Flourish,” published by Greenleaf Books.  Jane is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She launched a private practice called Junction Psychological Services Corporation in 2000. She has been awarded grants and contracts at the federal, state, and local levels and authored multiple publications. In this episode Jane reflects on the role of music in navigating raising her son Stephen. Lisa responds with reflections on music lessons with neurodivergent children and a celebration of recognizing children’s and families’ strengths.Jane and Stephen’s new book, “Our Guide to Navigating ADHD, How to Embrace Challenges, Develop Grit, and Flourish”Washington Post article about music and attentionDr. Erin Hopkins’s blog about music practice strategies for neurodivergent kidsEpisode 17 of Parenting Musically: Erin Hopkins on Neurodiversity in Family Musicking
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  Parenting Musically Season 9 Trailer 02.09.2026 2mnt

  Announcing Season 9 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.
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  Episode 58: Season 8 Recap with Lili Levinowitz & Susan Darrow 08.05.2026 31mnt

  To recap season 8, Lisa talks with Lili Levinowitz, Ph.D., Director of Research at Music Together Worldwide and a Professor Emeritus of Music Education (Rowan University) and Susan Darrow, Music Together Worldwide CEO. Lili, an early childhood music researcher, educator, and teacher educator, coauthored the Music Together® curriculum. She spent years training teachers globally, and still regularly presents at national conferences and webinars. Susan Darrow started teaching Music Together in the early 1990s and became CEO of Music Together Worldwide in 2015. She continues to lead the organization with vision, creativity, and a deep commitment to connection. Lily and Susan reflect with Lisa on the many guests and stories shared in Season 8, discuss culturally responsive curriculum, and share insights into engagement through musicking and their experiences with teaching and parenting musically.Episode 58 Show NotesMusic Together WebsiteResearch studies on Music Together classesMusic Together BlogInstagram: @musictogetherworldwideYouTube: @musictogetherFacebook: @musictogetherArticle by music teacher Carey Crows describing the process of re-evaluating songs with a troubled past - contains many additional links to resources and articles on this topic
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  Episode 57: Natalia Moreno Buitrago with guest host, Erin Meissner 23.04.2026 31mnt

  In this week’s episode, guest host Erin Meissner interviews fellow doctoral student, Natalia Moreno Buitrago. Erin talks with Natalia about the focus of her doctoral work, Desde el Principio, a class Natalia co-founded with her advisor, Dr. Eugenia Costa-Giomi, at Ohio State University. Desde el Principio is a community-based music program for infants and caregivers that integrates Latin American repertoire and bilingual approaches. Through this work, Natalia studies how everyday musical experiences, such as singing, movement, and shared listening, can strengthen family relationships, support emotional development, and foster cultural connection.Description of Natalia’s music program, Desde el PrincipioOverview of offerings at The Ohio State University’s Community Music SchoolArticle, “Global Arts + Humanities grant to support Latinx families engagement in music learning” about Natalia and Dr. Costa-Giomi’s workNatalia’s Advisor, Dr. Eugenia Costa-Giomi The Center for Latin American Studies at The Ohio State University 
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  Episode 56: Florence K & Aimée Gaudette-Leblanc 09.04.2026 28mnt

  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 pageFlorence 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 PsychologyAimée’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 MusicAimée’s faculty homepageSesame Street song “Put Down the Duckie” discussed in episode
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  Episode 55: Helena Rodrigues and Vivian & Tiago Madalozzo 25.03.2026 39mnt

  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) webpageCompanhia 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 CMTTiago’s article, Childhood cultures and early childhood music education: A driving axis for creActive music listeningVivian’s co-authored article, Intersections between music education and the sociology of childhood in Brazil: Searching for children’s agency and musical protagonism
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  Episode 54: Josiah Birai and Elizabeth A. Andang’o 11.03.2026 27mnt

  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 PageJosiah Birai’s faculty pageCheza Music School FacebookCheza Music School InstagramElizabeth A. Andang’o’s faculty pageElizabeth A. Andang’o’s article, “The role of music in shaping children’s self-knowledge and identity: Perspectives from an African setting” 
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  Episode 53: Fang Ting Huang & Melody Liao 25.02.2026 41mnt

  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’s new video performance, Coco’s Piano Diary Ep. 1Fang 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 seaBehind-the-scenes video of filming “L’isle Joyeuse” on locationMelody Liao’s webpage with more information on her researchPenn State Research-to-Practice Tip Page on Loose Parts & Early Childhood PlayResearch videos from Melody’s research on loose parts: (1) Loose parts in in-between spaces, (2) loose parts musical play on a playground fenceMelody 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”
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  Episode 52: Margaret Fagan & Amanda Niland 11.02.2026 31mnt

  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 ShownotesMargaret & Bob Fagan “Landmarks on the Journey” albumMargaret & 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, AustraliaYoutube 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
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  Parenting Musically Season 8 Trailer 04.02.2026 1mnt

  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.
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  Episode 51: Joan Ellison & George Blake 19.11.2025 30mnt

  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 WebsiteJoan’s Facebook and InstagramJoan’s Touring ScheduleJoan Ellison sings “Over the Rainbow”Joan Ellison Sings "Chicago" in the National Concert Hall in DublinJames Rhodes Parenting Musically podcast episode (discussed in Episode 51)
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  Episode 50: Theresa J. May + James May & George Blake 05.11.2025 33mnt

  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=1luwWjOISvQTheresa’s websiteTheresa’s Facebook and InstagramYoutube video of Theresa’s Afrofuturism projectAccompanying context on Afrofuturism projectGabriel's Horns performs at Trinity Cathedral (Cleveland, 2021)Cleveland.com article about Gabriel's Horns and the Salvation ArmyGabriel’s Horns Facebook page
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  Episode 49: Jason Patrick Meyers & George Blake 22.10.2025 27mnt

  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 WebsiteYouTube video of Jason’s song NICU (And I See You)Brite Winter Festival - February 21, 2026Roots of American Music - ClevelandJakubowski & Ghosh (2021) article “Music-Evoked Autobiographical Memories in Everyday Life”
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  Episode 48: Talise Campbell & George Blake 08.10.2025 27mnt

  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.Mid-episode music credit: “Sandia: Of the Blood” performance, created by Talise Campbell and Weedie Braimah, performed by Djapo Cultural Arts Institute Company. Recorded by Ideastream Public Media. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzU5xEstS60Episode 48 ShownotesDjapo Cultural Arts Institute websiteYoutube, “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 @ CWRUThe Cultural Arts Center @ Disciples Christian Church (Cleveland Heights)
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  Episode 47: Beata Begeniova-Fedoriouk + Alexander Fedoriouk & George Blake 24.09.2025 31mnt

  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 websiteYoutube video featuring Alexander Fedoriouk on cimbalomYoutube video featuring Beata Fedoriouk’s vocalsHarmonia recordingsHarmonia Facebook page
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  Episode 46: Mari Sato & George Blake 10.09.2025 26mnt

  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
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  Episode 45: Garreson & Katurah Christenbury 03.09.2025 32mnt

  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 musicGarreson’s Youtube channelGarreson’s websiteKaturah Christenbury’s researchAmerican Music Therapy AssociationSongwriting apps and sites: Garage Band, Groove Pad, Chrome Music Lab, Groove Pizza, Spectrogram, etc
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  Parenting Musically Season 7 Trailer 27.08.2025 2mnt

  Announcing Season Seven of Parenting Musically! Parenting Musically is supported by Case Western Reserve University. Season seven is co-hosted by Dr. Lisa Huisman Koops and Dr. George Blake, faculty members at Case Western Reserve University.
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  Episode 44: Patricia Shehan Campbell 14.05.2025 27mnt

  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 HeadsLisa’s book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically
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  Episode 43: Michael Largey 30.04.2025 30mnt

  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 NationalismLisa’s book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically