Danse Macabre
Busy Kids Love Music
It’s time for a spooky (but silly!) musical adventure as we wrap up our 3-part series on the brilliant French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. In today’s episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we’re exploring one of Saint-Saëns’ most imaginative and well-known pieces: Danse Macabre — or “Dance of Death.” But don’t worry — while the title sounds a bit eerie, this piece is more like a playful Halloween dance party than a fright fest. With dancing skeletons, chiming midnight bells, and a dramatic story told entirely through music, Danse Macabre is the perfect mix of spooky and fun....
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Carnival of the Animals
Busy Kids Love Music
Get ready to explore a musical zoo like no other! In this episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we’re diving into one of Camille Saint-Saëns’ most imaginative and beloved works—Carnival of the Animals. This whimsical suite features 14 short movements, each representing a different animal or creature, from regal lions and squawking roosters to gliding swans and even... piano students! You’ll hear musical excerpts that bring each animal to life and learn: Why Saint-Saëns wrote Carnival of the Animals in secret What instrument represents the elephant Why The Swan was the only...
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The Life of Camille Saint-Saëns
Busy Kids Love Music
We’re kicking off a brand-new composer series—and this one’s all about the brilliant French composer Camille Saint-Saëns! 🎼 In this first episode of our 3-part series, your child will discover: What made Saint-Saëns a child prodigy His early musical education and incredible memory How travel and science inspired his compositions The tragedies and triumphs that shaped his life Why his music stood apart from others in his time Plus! This episode includes a to make listening extra interactive and fun. Can your child catch how old Saint-Saëns was at his first...
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Folk Music of Tahiti
Busy Kids Love Music
Welcome to the final stop on our Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music summer series! In this episode, we journey to the breathtaking island of Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, where folk music and dance are central to cultural life. From the energetic rhythms of the ʻoteʻa dance to the booming beats of the toʻere and pahu drums, Tahitian music is filled with movement and joy. We’ll explore the traditional instruments, musical styles, and even group choral chants like himene tarava, which blend Polynesian harmonies with European influences. You’ll also: Hear...
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Folk Music of Colombia
Busy Kids Love Music
In today’s episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we head to the vibrant country of Colombia—a place full of colorful landscapes, rich traditions, and joyful rhythms! Part of our special summer series Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music, this musical journey introduces your child to the diverse folk styles that make Colombian music so special. From the African-influenced drums of the coastal regions to the haunting melodies of Indigenous flutes and the lively accordion tunes of vallenato, we’ll explore how Colombia’s music reflects its unique blend of cultures: Indigenous, African,...
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Folk Music of South Korea
Busy Kids Love Music
Welcome back to Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music! In today’s episode, we journey to the eastern side of Asia to explore the rich folk music traditions of South Korea. From heartfelt folk songs to energetic drumming ensembles, Korean traditional music—known as gugak—is a vibrant part of the country’s culture and history. Join me as we explore: 🎶 Minyo – Traditional Korean folk songs passed down through generations 🎤 Arirang – One of Korea’s most beloved and historic songs 🎭 Pansori – Dramatic musical storytelling with a single singer and drummer 🥁 Samulnori...
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Folk Music of Ukraine
Busy Kids Love Music
In this episode of our Around the World summer series, we’re traveling to Ukraine, a country with a deep love of singing, a powerful history, and some truly fascinating folk instruments! Join me as we: Discover the meaning of folk music and why it matters. Learn about Ukraine’s journey to independence and how music has helped preserve its culture. Explore the beautiful three-part harmonies often sung a cappella by Ukrainian choirs. Hear traditional instruments like: Bandura – a harp-like instrument with up to 60 strings. Trembita – one of the world’s longest...
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Folk Music of Ethiopia
Busy Kids Love Music
Welcome to a brand new season of our summer series, Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music! Every 2 weeks this summer, we’re visiting a different country to explore its folk music traditions—and today, we’re heading to the Horn of Africa to discover the rich and unique sounds of Ethiopia! In this episode, you’ll learn: What makes Ethiopian music sound so different from Western music The special musical scales called qignit (including the Tizita scale) The fascinating traditional instruments of Ethiopia: the krar, masenqo, and washint How music is woven into...
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Taps
Busy Kids Love Music
As we approach Memorial Day in the United States, this episode honors one of the most poignant and powerful pieces of American music — Taps. Although this bugle call is only 24 notes long, it carries deep meaning and emotion, used to honor those who have served and sacrificed in the military. In this episode, you and your young listeners will: Discover the origins of Taps during the Civil War. Learn about the bugle and how it was used to signal soldiers throughout the day. Hear different performances of Taps, including from Arlington National Cemetery. Reflect on how a simple melody...
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May Flowers
Busy Kids Love Music
Welcome back to Busy Kids Love Music! In today’s episode, we’re celebrating the blossoming beauty of spring with classical music inspired by flowers! This episode is the perfect follow-up to our April Showers adventure, and it’s all about music that captures the feeling of blooming gardens, delicate petals, and peaceful springtime scenes. 🌸 Here’s what we’re listening to today: Waltz of the Flowers by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – A graceful dance from The Nutcracker ballet that brings a garden of twirling flowers to life. Voices of Spring (Frühlingsstimmen) by Johann Strauss...
info_outlineWelcome to Episode 134 of Busy Kids Love Music! As we approach Halloween, we're diving into one of the most famous and captivating musical stories of all time: The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber. In this episode, you'll learn all about this beloved musical and the story behind it.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- The backstory of The Phantom of the Opera,first written as a novel by Gaston Leroux in 1910.
- How Andrew Lloyd Webber was inspired to turn this haunting tale into a musical masterpiece.
- Key highlights from the musical, including the dramatic love story between the Phantom and Christine.
- The iconic moments from the show, such as the famous falling chandelier scene.
- A closer look at some of the most famous songs from the musical, including "The Music of the Night" and "All I Ask of You."
Musical Highlights
Throughout the episode, you'll hear snippets of music from *The Phantom of the Opera* performed:
The Phantom of the Opera - Epic Piano Solo | Leiki Ueda
"Masquerade" from Phantom Of The Opera - solo piano
'The Music of The Night' Ramin Karimloo | The Phantom of The Opera
All I Ask Of You | The Phantom Of The Opera
Bonus Resources
Love Broadway musicals? Don't miss these bonus resources:
1. Busy Kids Love Music Episode 94 all about Broadway musicals.
2. A fun DIY Broadway Poster Printable for your kids to design and color.
Curated Playlist
I've put together a special YouTube playlist featuring iconic scenes from both The Phantom of the Opera musical production and the 2004 film adaptation. You’ll also find clips of the thrilling chandelier crash scene! Check it out here.
Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed the episode, and have a fantastic Halloween! Keep making music, and I'll see you in the next episode.
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