Busy Kids Love Music

Carly Seifert
  • 4.7 (73)
  • KIDS & FAMILY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Busy Kids Love Music is a podcast for the whole family, brought to you by Carly Seifert, the creator of Busy Kids Do Piano. Join Carly as she explores musical styles, composers and terms. You'll listen to loads of great music on the way!

  1. Why Were So Many Women Composers Forgotten?

    5D AGO

    Why Were So Many Women Composers Forgotten?

    March is Women's History Month, and in this special episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we explore a powerful and important question: If women have been composing for centuries…why were so many of their names forgotten? Instead of focusing on just one composer, this episode looks at the bigger historical picture — uncovering the social, cultural, and publishing barriers that kept many brilliant women composers from being widely remembered. You'll hear excerpts from stunning works and discover why these composers deserve a permanent place in music history. Featured Composers & Works Fanny Mendelssohn (1805–1847) Piano Trio in D Minor, Op. 11 – I. Allegro molto vivace Clara Schumann (1819–1896) Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 7 Florence Price (1887–1953) Symphony No. 1 in E Minor  Amy Beach (1867–1944) Romance, Op. 23 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why women composers were often discouraged from writing large-scale orchestral works How publishing, performance, and teaching influence which music survives Why genre bias shaped the way music history was written How modern musicians are rediscovering and performing long-overlooked works Why listening itself can be an act of honoring history Listener Challenge This week, choose a female composer you don't know well. Listen to: One of the podcast episodes linked below OR A piece of her music  A free printable listening guide is available here to help you go deeper. Previous podcast episodes on female composers to check out and use with your Listening Challenge printable: Episode 15: Fanny Mendelssohn | Busy Kids Do Piano Episode 42: Clara Schumann | Busy Kids Do Piano Episode 66: The Life and Music of Florence Price | Busy Kids Do Piano Episode 92: Lili Boulanger | Busy Kids Do Piano Episode 116: Nina Simone | Busy Kids Do Piano Episode 118: Fanny Crosby | Busy Kids Do Piano Episode 160: The Life of Imogen Holst | Busy Kids Do Piano Episode 171: Margaret Bonds | Busy Kids Do Piano Thanks for listening to Busy Kids Love Music! See you next time as we continue discovering the stories — and the sounds — behind classical music.

    9 min
  2. Margaret Bonds

    MAR 10

    Margaret Bonds

    In our last episode, we explored the vibrant creativity of the Harlem Renaissance. Today, we zoom in on one extraordinary composer who stood right in the center of that artistic world: Margaret Bonds. Margaret Bonds was a pianist, composer, teacher, and trailblazer whose music blended spirituals, jazz, and classical traditions into something uniquely powerful. She believed music could speak up for fairness, dignity, and hope—and she used her voice boldly. In this episode, you'll discover:  How Bonds' childhood home in Chicago became a gathering place for Black artists and performers Her early success as a teenage piano soloist with a major orchestra Her studies at Northwestern University and how she learned to combine classical forms with jazz and spiritual melodies Her creative partnership with poet Langston Hughes How her music reflected the hopes and struggles of the Civil Rights Movement 🎧 Featured Pieces in This Episode 🎹 Troubled Water A virtuosic piano piece that weaves together the spiritual "Wade in the Water" and the hymn "Amazing Grace" inside a classical sonata structure. Listen for how Bonds blends traditions seamlessly. 🎵 Three Dream Portraits (with Langston Hughes) A song cycle based on Hughes's poetry, including the powerful setting of his poem "I, Too." Bonds' piano writing doesn't just accompany the singer—it helps tell the story. ✨ The Ballad of the Brown King A cantata that tells the Christmas story from the perspective of Balthazar, one of the Three Kings. This moving collaboration highlights Bonds' gift for capturing the emotional heart of poetry. ✊ Montgomery Variations Inspired by the Montgomery Bus Boycott, this orchestral work reflects the courage and determination of the Civil Rights Movement. Bonds believed music could be a voice for justice—and this piece shows exactly how.  Why Margaret Bonds Matters Margaret Bonds helped open doors for future generations of Black musicians. Though her music was overlooked for many years after her death in 1972, it is now being rediscovered and performed on concert stages around the world. Her legacy connects: Poetry and music Tradition and innovation Personal expression and American history Listening Challenge As you listen to her music this week, ask yourself: Can you hear elements of jazz or spirituals inside classical forms? How does the piano part help tell the story? What emotions does the music bring out in you? 🎧 Explore the curated Margaret Bonds playlist by clicking here. If your family enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and help more kids discover the stories behind classical music. Thanks for listening to Busy Kids Love Music!

    8 min
  3. Music During the Harlem Renaissance

    FEB 24

    Music During the Harlem Renaissance

    In this special Black History Month episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we travel back about 100 years to Harlem, New York—an exciting neighborhood overflowing with creativity, poetry, dancing, painting, and bold new musical sounds. This remarkable time in American history is known as the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural "rebirth" that took place during the 1920s and 1930s. In this episode, we'll explore how music helped shape the Harlem Renaissance—and how the Harlem Renaissance changed the future of American music forever. What Was the Harlem Renaissance? The word renaissance means "rebirth." During this period, Harlem became a gathering place for African American artists, writers, and musicians who were creating fresh ideas and sharing their voices with the world. Families arriving during the Great Migration brought musical traditions from many parts of the country. When these styles blended together in one vibrant neighborhood, something extraordinary happened. In this episode, you'll meet some of the influential artists who helped define Harlem's sound, explore some famous Harlem venues and listen to examples of colorful music with jazz, blues and big band sounds! Listen Along! Check out the curated Harlem Renaissance playlist here. As you listen, see if you can spot: A steady beat that makes you want to tap your foot Instruments taking turns playing solos Fast piano patterns Bright brass sounds like trumpets and trombones Coming Up Next… In the next episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we'll focus on composer Margaret Bonds, who collaborated closely with Harlem Renaissance poets and blended classical music with spirituals and jazz colors—carrying the movement's spirit into concert halls and classrooms. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss it!

    9 min
  4. The Rite of Spring

    FEB 10

    The Rite of Spring

    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  What a ballet is and how music and dance work together The ancient spring rituals that inspired The Rite of Spring Why the music sounded shocking in 1913 What made the rhythms and harmonies so unusual The famous "Rite of Spring riot" How this piece changed the future of classical music 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: Animals running Thunder crashing The ground shaking People dancing with all their strength Listen for:  Loud drums  Blasting horns Fast, exciting rhythms 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 Piano — Piano lessons made simple and fun Busy Kids Love Music Podcast Archive — Hundreds of composer adventures Music History Courses & Homeschool Resources

    8 min
  5. Busy Kids Love Music

    JAN 27

    Busy Kids Love Music

    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!

    7 min
  6. The Life of Igor Stravinsky

    JAN 13

    The Life of Igor Stravinsky

    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.

    8 min
  7. Busy Kids Love Music

    12/30/2025

    Busy Kids Love Music

    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.

    8 min
  8. What Was That Sound - Holiday Edition

    12/16/2025

    What Was That Sound - Holiday Edition

    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: Hear the shimmering, fairy-like instrument made famous in Tchaikovsky's Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Learn how Tchaikovsky fell in love with this brand-new instrument and kept it secret before the premiere of The Nutcracker! Discover how a certain instrument's peaceful, angelic sound creates a warm glow underneath Christmas classics like O Holy Night and appears in many holiday film scores. Learn how a certain instrument was originally used on real horses (hint: safety!)—and how composers from Mozart to Leroy Anderson added them to music to create a joyful, snowy atmosphere From Handel's Hallelujah Chorus to jazzy renditions of Jingle Bells, this instrument brings sparkle, celebration and energy to holiday music across many styles. 📄 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 Piano Episode 52: The Harp | Busy Kids Do Piano Episode 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.

    9 min
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4.7
out of 5
73 Ratings

About

Busy Kids Love Music is a podcast for the whole family, brought to you by Carly Seifert, the creator of Busy Kids Do Piano. Join Carly as she explores musical styles, composers and terms. You'll listen to loads of great music on the way!

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