The Music in Our Homeschool Podcast with Gena Mayo easy music education tips, strategies, and curriculum resources for homesc

Gena Mayo
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Enrich your homeschooling journey with the joy and ease of homeschool music education. Each week, veteran homeschooling mom of 8 and music teacher for over 30 years, Gena shares practical tips, homeschool music resources, inspiration, and encouragement for homeschool parents and teachers to seamlessly integrate music into your curriculum. From 15-minute music appreciation quick wins to in-depth explorations of music theory for homeschoolers, we've got you covered. Explore composers' stories, gain insights into music concepts, and discover affordable home education resources such as homeschool music lessons to bring quality and fullness to your homeschooling experience. Find the website at MusicinOurHomeschool.com, the online course site at Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com, and the Music in Our Homeschool Plus Membership at MusicinOurHomeschool.com/Membership. A popular Free Music Lessons freebie can be downloaded at MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons

  1. 2D AGO

    105: What Is Percussion and How Can You Easily Include It in Your Homeschool

    Click to send Gena a message! What is percussion—and how can you easily include it in your homeschool without adding another complicated subject to your day? In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena Mayo explains what percussion instruments are, why they’re often called the “heartbeat of music,” and how simple rhythm activities can build powerful musical foundations for children of all ages. You’ll learn the difference between pitched and unpitched percussion, discover how body percussion strengthens coordination and internal rhythm, and explore practical ways to add percussion to your homeschool music time—using items you already have at home. Whether your child loves tapping on the table, drumming on a bucket, or clapping along to songs, percussion is already happening in your homeschool. Now you’ll learn how to turn that natural rhythm into intentional music education. In this episode, you’ll discover: What percussion is (in simple, homeschool-friendly terms)The difference between pitched and unpitched percussion instrumentsHow percussion builds rhythm—the foundation of all music learningEasy ways to use household items as percussion instrumentsHow to connect percussion to world music and cultural studiesHow percussion fits perfectly into the 15-Minute Music Method™This episode will give you confidence to press play, grab a shaker (or a wooden spoon and pot), and start building rhythm skills today. Listen in and discover how percussion can bring energy, joy, and simplicity to your homeschool music education. Find links to all resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/music-lesson-what-is-percussion/  Please follow/subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review and comment if you liked this episode! Find all courses at https://Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com ,free music lessons here: https://MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons , and lots more links here: https://linktr.ee/genamayo !

    8 min

  2. FEB 9

    104: Why 20th Century Music Appreciation Is the Perfect Companion to Your History Studies in Your Homeschool

    Click to send Gena a message! Are you teaching 20th-century history in your homeschool and wishing it felt more alive, meaningful, and connected? What if your students could hear history—not just read about it? In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena Mayo shares the story behind her 20th-Century Music Appreciation course and explains why music is one of the most powerful tools for understanding modern history. From world wars and political upheaval to cultural revolutions and artistic experimentation, the music of the 1900s reflects the emotions, struggles, and ideas of the people who lived it. You’ll hear how this course began as a small homeschool co-op class and grew into a flexible, self-paced fine arts course designed especially for high school students—but easily adaptable for younger learners, too. Gena walks you through what students will explore, including ragtime, jazz, big band, musical theater, film scores, and modern classical music. Students encounter composers such as John Philip Sousa, Scott Joplin, George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, Dmitri Shostakovich, Philip Glass, and John Williams, while learning how historical events shaped the sounds of the century. If you want history studies that go beyond memorization and help your students truly feel the era they’re studying, this episode will show you how music appreciation can add depth, emotion, and understanding to your homeschool—without adding stress or prep. 🎶 Listen in and discover how music can bring modern history to life. Find links to all resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/20th-century-music-appreciation/  Please follow/subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review and comment if you liked this episode! Find all courses at https://Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com ,free music lessons here: https://MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons , and lots more links here: https://linktr.ee/genamayo !

    7 min

  3. FEB 2

    103: Composer Spotlight on African American Composer Scott Joplin, the King of Ragtime

    Click to send Gena a message! What happens when a single composer helps shape the sound of American music for generations to come? In this Composer Spotlight episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena Mayo introduces homeschooling families to Scott Joplin, the composer known as the King of Ragtime. Perfect for Black History Month—or anytime you’re studying American music—this episode turns Scott Joplin’s life and music into an engaging, story-driven listening experience for kids and parents alike. You’ll learn how ragtime grew out of traditional marches and how Joplin’s use of syncopation completely changed the feel of popular music. Gena explains this musical concept in a simple, approachable way, making it easy for elementary and middle school students to hear and understand the difference between steady march rhythms and the playful bounce of ragtime. Listeners will also explore Joplin’s inspiring life story—from his childhood in Texas and early piano studies to the incredible success of Maple Leaf Rag, the first piece of sheet music to sell over one million copies. Along the way, you’ll hear how Joplin insisted his music be taken seriously and how ragtime went on to influence jazz, Broadway, and composers like Irving Berlin and George Gershwin. This episode is adapted from a live music appreciation lesson inside the Music in Our Homeschool Plus membership and works beautifully as a 15-minute music lesson, during homeschool Morning Time, or while driving your car together as a family. Tune in to discover why Scott Joplin’s music still matters—and how listening together can spark meaningful conversations about music, history, and culture in your homeschool. Find links to all resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/composer-spotlight-scott-joplin/  Please follow/subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review and comment if you liked this episode! Find all courses at https://Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com ,free music lessons here: https://MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons , and lots more links here: https://linktr.ee/genamayo !

    8 min

  4. JAN 26

    102: Teen-Friendly Music Appreciation- Easy Ways to Spark Interest for Teenagers in Your Homeschool

    Click to send Gena a message! How do you spark real interest in music appreciation for teenagers—without adding stress to your homeschool day? If you’re homeschooling a teen who seems far more interested in TikTok than Beethoven, you’re not alone. In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, veteran homeschool mom of eight and music educator Gena Mayo shares simple, practical ways to make music appreciation engaging, meaningful, and teen-friendly. You’ll hear Gena’s personal journey of trying to fit music into a busy homeschool life—and the breakthrough that changed everything: the 15-Minute Music Method™. Instead of long, lecture-style lessons, teens thrive on short, consistent, and relevant musical experiences that fit naturally into their day. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why music matters so deeply during the teenage yearsHow short, regular music lessons build consistency without overwhelmEasy ways to connect music to history, literature, and what your teen already lovesHow to use car rides, listening sessions, and everyday moments as powerful music lessonsWhy giving teens ownership and choice increases engagementWhen and how to bring in expert teachers without extra prepGena also shares a powerful story from her own teen years that illustrates how just one meaningful musical experience can spark a lifelong love of music. Whether your teen needs a fine arts credit, wants to explore music history, or is ready for deeper theory and analysis, this episode will give you encouragement, clarity, and doable next steps. Music appreciation doesn’t have to be complicated to be powerful—and you don’t have to do it alone. Find links to all resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/music-appreciation-fun-for-teenagers-e102/  Please follow/subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review and comment if you liked this episode! Find all courses at https://Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com ,free music lessons here: https://MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons , and lots more links here: https://linktr.ee/genamayo !

    9 min

  5. JAN 19

    101: How to Confidently Teach Music in Your Homeschool, Even If You Can’t Read a Note or Play an Instrument

    Click to send Gena a message! Have you ever thought, “I’m not musical—how could I possibly teach my kids music?” If so, this episode is for you. In this encouraging and practical episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, Gena Mayo speaks directly to the homeschool parent who values music but feels unqualified to teach it. You don’t need to read music, sing on pitch, or play an instrument to give your children a meaningful music education—and this episode explains exactly why. Gena gently reframes what music education looks like at home and addresses the real issue behind “I’m not musical”: lack of confidence, not lack of ability. You’ll learn why music in the homeschool is about exposure, experience, and enjoyment, not performance or perfection. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why your presence matters more than your musical skillThe three simple roles every homeschool parent can confidently take on: guide, cheerleader, and co-learnerHow the 15-Minute Music Method removes pressure and makes music realistic and sustainableA clear explanation of R.H.Y.T.H.M. and how it supports non-musical parentsEasy, pressure-free ways to learn music alongside your childrenHow to weave music naturally into your homeschool days instead of treating it like “one more subject”This episode is especially encouraging if music has fallen off your homeschool plans because it felt intimidating, overwhelming, or out of reach. You’ll walk away reminded that music was never meant to depend on your expertise—only your willingness to show up. If you’ve been waiting until you feel “musical enough,” this episode will help you start now, with confidence and joy. Listen in and discover how 15 minutes, consistency, and a heart-led approach can change everything. Find links to all resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/confidently-teach-music/  Please follow/subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review and comment if you liked this episode! Find all courses at https://Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com ,free music lessons here: https://MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons , and lots more links here: https://linktr.ee/genamayo !

    11 min

  6. JAN 12

    100: Why 15 Minutes Is Enough: The RHYTHM Behind The 15-Minute Music Method from Music in Our Homeschool

    Click to send Gena a message! Have you ever thought, “Music is important… but I just don’t have time to do it well”? Or felt unsure because you don’t feel musical enough to teach it confidently? In this milestone 100th episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, Gena Mayo explains exactly why just 15 minutes is enough to provide a high-quality, sustainable music education—and how homeschool families can finally stop starting and stopping music lessons. In this episode, you’ll learn the R.H.Y.T.H.M. framework, the heart of the 15-Minute Music Method™, and the philosophy behind everything inside Music in Our Homeschool. Gena walks through each letter of RHYTHM and shows how it plays out in real homeschool life: R — Realistic Time: Why short lessons work better than long onesH — High-Quality Instruction: How depth matters more than durationY — You Don’t Have to Be the Expert: Why parents can learn alongside their kidsT — Together, Multi-Age Learning: One lesson, many agesH — Heart-Led and Joy-Centered: Why enjoyment matters firstM — Momentum Through Repetition: How consistency creates lasting growthYou’ll also hear how the Music Lesson Calendar of the Month removes planning stress and keeps music happening regularly—without extra prep, overwhelm, or guilt. If music has felt important but elusive in your homeschool, this episode will give you clarity, permission, and a simple path forward. Listen now and discover why you don’t need more time—just a better RHYTHM. Find links to all resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/the-rhythm-behind-the-15-minute-music-method/ Please follow/subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review and comment if you liked this episode! Find all courses at https://Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com ,free music lessons here: https://MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons , and lots more links here: https://linktr.ee/genamayo !

    12 min

  7. JAN 5

    99: The Top 10 Music in Our Homeschool Podcast Episodes of 2025

    Click to send Gena a message! What music topics did homeschool families love most this past year—and why? As we step into a brand-new year, host Gena Mayo looks back at the Top 10 most-listened-to Music in Our Homeschool podcast episodes of 2025 and shares what made each one resonate so deeply with homeschool parents just like you. From inspiring composer spotlights like Hans Zimmer, to practical episodes on ear training, bucket drumming, singing, classical music listening, and fine arts for teens, this celebratory episode reveals exactly what homeschool families needed most this year: clarity, confidence, simplicity, and joy. In this episode, you’ll hear: Which episode ranked #1—and why families loved itThe surprising power of ear training for kids of all agesHow rhythm supports reading, language, and brain developmentEasy ways to add classical music listening without overwhelmSinging tips that work even if you don’t feel “musical”How teens can earn a Fine Arts credit with confidenceWhy Fine Art Pages and living books are homeschool favoritesIf you’re new to the podcast, this episode is the perfect place to start. And if you’ve been listening all along, it’s a wonderful reminder that small, consistent moments of music truly matter. Whether your homeschool includes preschoolers, teens, or a mix of ages, these top episodes will help you confidently include music education, music appreciation, and fine arts—without stress. Tune in, revisit your favorites, and get inspired for a joyful year of music ahead! Find links to all resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/top-10-music-in-our-homeschool-podcast-episodes-2025/ Please follow/subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review and comment if you liked this episode! Find all courses at https://Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com ,free music lessons here: https://MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons , and lots more links here: https://linktr.ee/genamayo !

    11 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    98: Tune Up Your Homeschool: How to Set Up a Simple, Beautiful Music Space for the New Year in Your Homeschool

    Click to send Gena a message! Are you hoping to make music a consistent part of your homeschool this semester—but unsure how to set things up so it actually happens? In this practical and encouraging episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, veteran homeschool mom and music teacher Gena Mayo walks you through how to create a simple, beautiful, and functional music space in your home—without stress, expensive equipment, or a dedicated music room. As the new year approaches, this episode is your gentle reset. You’ll learn how small changes to your environment and schedule can make a big difference in keeping music from getting pushed aside once life gets busy again. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why your learning environment matters more than elaborate lesson plansHow to set up a music space using a corner, basket, shelf, or rolling cartSimple safety and practicality tips for families with younger childrenAge-appropriate guidance for choosing instruments like piano, violin, recorder, guitar, ukulele, and rhythm instrumentsBudget-friendly ways to acquire instruments and suppliesMultiple scheduling options—including Music Monday, loop scheduling, and block schedulingEncouragement to stop trying to do it all yourself and instead press play and goThis episode is especially helpful for busy homeschool parents who want a quality music education without overwhelm—and for anyone looking to bring more beauty, joy, and peace into their homeschool rhythm. 🎵 Try a free music lesson: Visit MusicinOurHomeschool.com/Sampler to access a free sampler course. 🎼 Make music effortless all year: Join the Music in Our Homeschool Plus Membership at MusicinOurHomeschool.com/Membership and receive the Music Lesson Calendar of the Month—your done-for-you guide to daily 15-minute music lessons. Find links to all resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/set-up-homeschool-music-space/ Please follow/subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review and comment if you liked this episode! Find all courses at https://Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com ,free music lessons here: https://MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons , and lots more links here: https://linktr.ee/genamayo !

    11 min
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Enrich your homeschooling journey with the joy and ease of homeschool music education. Each week, veteran homeschooling mom of 8 and music teacher for over 30 years, Gena shares practical tips, homeschool music resources, inspiration, and encouragement for homeschool parents and teachers to seamlessly integrate music into your curriculum. From 15-minute music appreciation quick wins to in-depth explorations of music theory for homeschoolers, we've got you covered. Explore composers' stories, gain insights into music concepts, and discover affordable home education resources such as homeschool music lessons to bring quality and fullness to your homeschooling experience. Find the website at MusicinOurHomeschool.com, the online course site at Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com, and the Music in Our Homeschool Plus Membership at MusicinOurHomeschool.com/Membership. A popular Free Music Lessons freebie can be downloaded at MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons

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