Find Your Voice with Dr. Mom Music

Dr. Mom Music

Find Your Voice is a podcast for music educators and musicians who believe in the transformative power of song and story. Hosted by Dr. Sarah Van Waardhuizen—also known as Dr. Mom Music—each episode features conversations with educators, leaders, and artists who are shaping the future of music learning. From classroom insights to personal journeys, Find Your Voice reminds us that every teacher, every student, and every voice matters. Sponsored in part by Dr. Mom Music and Central College in Pella, Iowa. Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com FOLLOW https://www.youtube.com/@dr.mom_music https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.mom_music?_t=ZT-90BvmviMAhr&_r=1 https://www.instagram.com/dr.mom_music?utm_source=qr&igsh=MXJhZGw4azRxamM4bg==

Episodes

  1. 12/16/2025

    Special Edition: You Can Carry A Tune, It Just Takes More Practice with Dr. Mom Music

    A follow-up special edition from Episode 7 - Discover how real-time feedback between your ears, brain, and vocal muscles is essential for accurate singing. Learn why many people shy away from singing when they think someone is listening and how you can help your child overcome this fear. If you can talk, you can sing. Embrace your unique voice and don't give up on your dreams of singing. 00:00 Introduction to Singing Accurately 00:10 Common Singing Scenarios 00:17 Overcoming Singing Anxiety 00:30 Encouragement for Aspiring Singers https://dr-mom-music.kit.com/93d7aaef3a Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com https://www.youtube.com/@drmommusic https://www.tiktok.com/@drmommusic?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc https://www.instagram.com/drmommusicofficial?utm_source=qr&igsh=MXJhZGw4azRxamM4bg== https://rss.com/podcasts/find-your-voice-with-dr-mom-music

    Special Edition: You Can Carry A Tune, It Just Takes More Practice with Dr. Mom Music

  2. 12/12/2025

    From Their Voices to Ours, Passing Down Christmas Music in the Age of Screens: Find Your Voice with Dr. Mom Music

    Welcome to 'Find Your Voice' with Dr. Sarah Van Waardhuizen. In this special episode, we explore the heartfelt stories and traditions that keep Christmas music alive in our families. Joined by her mother, Donna Ricks, Dr. Sarah delves into personal holiday memories, the role of music in family traditions, and the transition of Christmas music from communal singing to digital consumption. Through touching anecdotes and historical insights, the episode emphasizes the importance of passing down music through human connections and live experiences, rather than solely relying on digital playlists. Join us as we journey through the songs that shaped our holidays and the voices that make them unforgettable. Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com FOLLOW https://dr-mom-music.kit.com/93d7aaef3a https://www.youtube.com/@dr.mom_music https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.mom_music?_t=ZT-90BvmviMAhr&_r=1 https://www.instagram.com/dr.mom_music?utm_source=qr&igsh=MXJhZGw4azRxamM4bg== https://rss.com/podcasts/find-your-voice-with-dr-mom-music 00:00 Introduction: Celebrating the Holidays 01:07 The Power of Human Voices 02:39 Special Guest: Donna Ricks 03:58 Donna's Christmas Memories 07:25 The Evolution of Christmas Music 22:27 The Shift to Consumption 26:03 The Importance of Singing Together 30:36 Conclusion: Passing Down the Tradition

    From Their Voices to Ours, Passing Down Christmas Music in the Age of Screens: Find Your Voice with Dr. Mom Music

  3. 11/27/2025

    Episode 6: The Choreography of Love: Conversations on Music, Dance, and Adoption with Dr. Mom Music

    In this episode of Find Your Voice, host Sarah Van Waardhuizen interviews Miss Cynthia, a Central College dance professor, who shares her inspiring journey from late-start dancer to professional showgirl in Vegas and Europe. Cynthia opens up about her personal background, her passion for dance, and her experience with adoption, emphasizing the role of music and dance in creating bonds and fostering resilience in children. Sponsored by Dr. Mom Music and Central College, this episode is perfect for educators, musicians, and anyone interested in the transformative power of the arts. https://dr-mom-music.kit.com/93d7aaef3a Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com FOLLOW https://www.youtube.com/@dr.mom_music https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.mom_music?_t=ZT-90BvmviMAhr&_r=1 https://www.instagram.com/dr.mom_music?utm_source=qr&igsh=MXJhZGw4azRxamM4bg== https://rss.com/podcasts/find-your-voice-with-dr-mom-music 00:00 Introduction to Find Your Voice 01:11 Meet Miss Cynthia: Dance Professor at Central College 02:22 Miss Cynthia's Dance Journey: From Late Starter to College 04:07 Challenges and Triumphs in Dance Education 06:12 The Impact of Teachers and Mentors 11:32 Miss Cynthia's European Connection and Family History 13:31 Life as a Vegas Showgirl 16:43 The Rigorous Audition Process 17:00 Challenges of Being a Dancer in Paris and Vegas 18:30 Safety and Work Conditions in Vegas Shows 19:24 Experiences on Broadway and Teaching Dance 22:02 Adoption Journey and Family Life 30:19 Music's Role in Family and Child Development 31:29 Current Music Interests and Trends 33:44 Conclusion and Credits

    Episode 6: The Choreography of Love: Conversations on Music, Dance, and Adoption with Dr. Mom Music

  4. 11/19/2025

    Episode 5: Finding Stability and Belonging Through Foster Care and Music with Dr. Mom Music on Find Your Voice Podcast

    In this episode of Find Your Voice, we explore the challenges faced by nearly 6,000 Iowa kids in foster care and the shortage of available homes. We delve into research on stability and belonging, and how music and connection aid in healing. Host Dr. Sarah Van Waardhuizen [Dr. Mom Music] shares her personal journey from foster care to adoption, highlighting the crucial role of music. She introduces a special project, Together We'll Be, to support music education and foster care reform. Tune in for inspiring stories and actionable insights to make a difference in children's lives. https://dr-mom-music.kit.com/93d7aaef3a Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com FOLLOW https://www.youtube.com/@dr.mom_music https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.mom_music?_t=ZT-90BvmviMAhr&_r=1 https://www.instagram.com/dr.mom_music?utm_source=qr&igsh=MXJhZGw4azRxamM4bg== https://rss.com/podcasts/find-your-voice-with-dr-mom-music 00:00 Introduction to Find Your Voice 01:20 Highlighting Music Educators and Adoption 03:37 Personal Journey with Foster Care 06:21 Becoming a Foster Family 10:47 Challenges and Triumphs in Foster Care 14:12 Adoption and Family Life 23:48 Music Education Project 37:55 Foster Care Statistics and Call to Action 40:19 Conclusion and Credits

    Episode 5: Finding Stability and Belonging Through Foster Care and Music with Dr. Mom Music on Find Your Voice Podcast

  5. 10/24/2025

    PMD#1 Fan Back for More with Susan Lyons on Dr. Mom Music

    In this episode of 'Find Your Voice,' we sit down with Mrs. Susan Lyons, a high school science teacher and trombone enthusiast, to explore her journey in both music and education. Susan shares her passion for music, her experience raising funds for new band uniforms, and the unique ways she connects with her students through music and athletics. From small-town roots to her advocacy for music’s role in shaping well-rounded individuals, Susan provides insight into the importance of arts education and the profound impact it has on students. Join us to be inspired by her relentless support for music and hear the heartwarming stories that have endeared her to the Pella community. 00:00 Introduction to Find Your Voice Podcast 00:46 Meet Mrs. Susan Lyons 01:11 Susan's Musical Journey 01:42 Family and Music 03:21 The Importance of Music Education 04:29 Balancing Music and Athletics 06:30 Susan's Involvement with the Band 15:05 The #LetHerMarch Movement 18:43 The Viral Impact of Social Media 20:26 Fundraising for New Uniforms 21:43 The Power of Community Support 23:50 Creating and Editing Videos 25:17 Highlights and Personal Reflections 31:18 Advocating for Music Education 34:22 Gratitude and Final Words Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com FOLLOW https://www.youtube.com/@dr.mom_music https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.mom_music?_t=ZT-90BvmviMAhr&_r=1 https://www.instagram.com/dr.mom_music?utm_source=qr&igsh=MXJhZGw4azRxamM4bg== https://rss.com/podcasts/find-your-voice-with-dr-mom-music

    PMD#1 Fan Back for More with Susan Lyons on Dr. Mom Music

  6. 10/17/2025

    Find Your Voice: Building Beyond Ourselves with Samantha Robilliard and Dr. Mom Music

    In this episode of “Find Your Voice,” host Dr. Mom sits down with Samantha Robillard from Pella High School. Samantha shares her background in music education, her family's influence, and her experiences as a choir director. She also talks about her mission trips to Kenya and how they've impacted her teaching and personal growth. Listen to Samantha's journey of balancing family, education, and her passion for missions, and hear heartfelt words of gratitude from a former student whose life she has touched. 00:00 Introduction to Find Your Voice Podcast 00:40 Meet Samantha Robilliard 01:49 Samantha's Musical Journey 04:02 Daily Life at Pella High School 06:35 Mission Work in Kenya 15:02 Impact of Mission Work on Teaching 21:37 Reflection 23:46 Pay it Forward and Final Thoughts Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com FOLLOW https://www.youtube.com/@dr.mom_music https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.mom_music?_t=ZT-90BvmviMAhr&_r=1 https://www.instagram.com/dr.mom_music?utm_source=qr&igsh=MXJhZGw4azRxamM4bg== https://rss.com/podcasts/find-your-voice-with-dr-mom-music

    Find Your Voice: Building Beyond Ourselves with Samantha Robilliard and Dr. Mom Music

  7. 10/11/2025

    Band Man: Building a Community Everyday with Dr. Mom Music

    In this episode, Dr. Mom Music sits down with Professor Brad Lampe — longtime music educator from Clarke Community Schools in Osceola, Iowa and current Director of Bands at Central College in Pella, Iowa — to explore what it truly means to build community through music. Brad’s approach to directing isn’t just about perfecting sound or preparing for the next concert. It’s about building relationships, fostering belonging, and creating a space where every student knows they matter. Together, Dr. Mom Music and “Lampe” discuss how connection fuels musical excellence, how empathy strengthens leadership, and how cultivating a culture of care transforms an ensemble into a family. Enjoy hearing the Central College Symphonic Wind Ensemble under the baton of Professor Brad Lampe performing Central College sophomore Music Education major, Andrew Mahaffey’s work, “Dance of Leprechaun” throughout the podcast (played with permission by the composer). Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com FOLLOW https://www.youtube.com/@dr.mom_music https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.mom_music?_t=ZT-90BvmviMAhr&_r=1 https://www.instagram.com/dr.mom_music?utm_source=qr&igsh=MXJhZGw4azRxamM4bg== https://rss.com/podcasts/find-your-voice-with-dr-mom-music

    Band Man: Building a Community Everyday with Dr. Mom Music

  8. 10/02/2025

    Born to Create with Dr. Mom Music

    In this very first episode, host Dr. Sarah Van Waardhuizen—also known as Dr. Mom Music—shares the vision behind Find Your Voice. With over 20 years of experience as a music educator and professor at Central College, Sarah has seen firsthand how powerful voices can be—whether in the classroom, the concert hall, or everyday life. In this episode, you’ll hear the story behind the podcast, what inspired its name, and what listeners can expect in the weeks ahead. From conversations with music educators and artists, to stories of resilience and creativity, Find Your Voice is a space where music and meaning meet. Sponsored in part by Dr. Mom Music and Central College.

    Born to Create with Dr. Mom Music
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Find Your Voice is a podcast for music educators and musicians who believe in the transformative power of song and story. Hosted by Dr. Sarah Van Waardhuizen—also known as Dr. Mom Music—each episode features conversations with educators, leaders, and artists who are shaping the future of music learning. From classroom insights to personal journeys, Find Your Voice reminds us that every teacher, every student, and every voice matters. Sponsored in part by Dr. Mom Music and Central College in Pella, Iowa. Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com FOLLOW https://www.youtube.com/@dr.mom_music https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.mom_music?_t=ZT-90BvmviMAhr&_r=1 https://www.instagram.com/dr.mom_music?utm_source=qr&igsh=MXJhZGw4azRxamM4bg==

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