Parenting Musically

In Episode 63, Lisa interviews Eleonor Bindman, an acclaimed concert pianist originally from Riga, Latvia, now living in New York City. In addition to her performing and recording career, Eleonor is a music educator and creator of the Classical for Kids playlists and resources. Classical for Kids, or C4K, is a free initiative offering expert-selected playlists of classical, jazz, and world music for families with children ages 0 to 6. The instrumental playlists are free on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube and are organized around the real moments of a family's day — morning, play, focus, naptime, and bedtime.  We discuss how Eleonor chooses music for the playlists, why she views instrumental music as important to children’s development, and the importance of human-selected music for children. Lisa shares connections to music education research on joint music listening, the role of music in children’s identity development, and why songs without words are important for children.Eleonor Bindman’s websiteClassical For Kids webpageClassical For Kids playlistsClassical For Kids Coloring SheetsC4K article, “How We Curate Kids’ Playlists”C4K article, “Build a Listening Routine”Social Media:Eleonor’s FacebookEleonor’s InstagramC4K’s FacebookC4K’s InstagramDiana Boer and Amina Abubakar’s research, published in Frontiers in Psychology (2014), “Music listening in families and peer groups: benefits for young people's social cohesion and emotional well-being across four cultures”Margaret Barrett’s research, published in Psychology of Music (2011), “Musical narratives: A study of a young child’s identity work in and through music-making”Lisa’s book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically

Episode 62 features a conversation with singer-songwriter Thomas Csorba. Thomas was born in Houston, Texas and is now rooted in Dallas. He is a songwriter, producer and artist celebrating the recent release of his third album, titled Tender Country, released in May by Turtlebox Records. Thomas shares how his identity as a father of young children influences his musicking. We discuss the distinction between music marketed to children and the broad range of what children enjoy listening to. Lisa adds reflections on documenting family memories as well as the concept of musicking as it relates to young children.Mid-episode music credit: "Bigger Wheels," Written by Thomas Csorba and John Baumann. Vocals - Thomas Csorba; Drums and Percussion - Jordan Richardson; Upright Bass - Aden Bubeck; Electric Guitar - Matt Tedder; Acoustic Guitar, Wurlitzer, Clavinet - Robert Ellis. From the album Tender Country (2026), produced by Thomas Csorba, Engineering & mixed by Jimi Bowman, mastered by Jordan Richardson. Turtle Box Records. https://www.thomascsorba.com/Thomas’s WebsiteThomas’s FacebookThomas’s InstagramThomas’s YouTubeLisa’s book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically (see p. 123 for the Digital Keepsake Account idea)

For episode 61, Lisa talks with Marisa Silva Rocha, a Portuguese-American Fadista, podcast host, children’s book author and illustrator, and entrepreneur. Marisa has enjoyed singing since she was a child, has loved Fado music since her late teens and began singing Fado in 2016. Marisa released her first single, "Alfama," in 2021, and her first album in 2022, The album features 8 traditional Fados with her own twist, as well as her original fado composition. Marisa is the author of four children’s books, including the newly released picture book What is Fado? In this episode, Marisa shares the cultural context of the Portuguese musical genre Fado and her motivation in creating a children’s book to share this music. We also discuss the centrality of emotion in Fado music and how talking with kids about emotion in music can be a way to engage in parenting musically. Lisa reflects on finding new music to listen to as a family as well as the idea of soundscapes.Marisa Silva Rocha’s https://marisarod89.wixsite.com/msrfadoMarisa’s FacebookMarisa’s YouTubeMarisa’s InstagramMarisa’s new book, What is Fado?Book: Music, Education and Multiculturalism, by Terese M. VolkPodcast: Parenting Musically Episode 45, on songwriting to address childhood trauma with Katurah Christenbury (starting at minute 19)YouTube video with Canadian psychologist Caroline Buzanko talking about the use of recorded music for emotional regulation with familiesBook: Danté Plays His Blues -  A Heartwarming Picture Book About Expressing Feelings Through Music for Kids (Ages 4-8)

This week’s episode features Sarah Sharp.  Sarah is an Austin Texas-based jazz singer and songwriter whose signature sound fuses jazz, vintage pop, folk, and cinematic storytelling.She released her debut album, Deja Vü, on May 15 via Spaceflight Records. This luminous debut blends intimate, nocturnal arrangements with her incredible vocal prowess. For the podcast Sarah shares the story of her album’s development, how her career has been shaped by motherhood, and what’s on the creative horizon. Lisa makes connections to the importance of being role models for our kids in the areas of creativity and challenge as well as the centrality of community in musical pursuits.Mid-episode music credit: "Sweet Lotus Blossom," performed by Sarah Sharp (vocals), Mitch Watkins (guitar), Masumi Jones (drums), John Fremgen (upright bass), Sean Giddings (piano). Written by Sam Coslow and Arthur Johnston, Blue Pie Publishing USA. From Sarah Sharp's album Deja Vü, Spaceflight Records. www.sarahsharp.comSarah Sharp’s Website Sarah’s InstagramSarah’s FacebookDeja Vu album Article: “A Home away from Home”: The World of the High School Music ClassroomArticle: The Role of the Family Context in the Development of Emotion RegulationBook: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

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

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.

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

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 

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

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