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...
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Music for Our Planet
Busy Kids Love Music
Happy Earth Day! Today, we’re celebrating our beautiful planet the best way we know how—through music! 🎶 For centuries, composers have found inspiration in nature, and in this episode, we’re exploring three stunning pieces that bring the sounds of the Earth to life. 🎼 Featured Music: Beethoven’s "Pastoral Symphony" – A joyful musical journey through the countryside, filled with singing birds, flowing streams, and even a thunderstorm! Smetana’s "The Moldau" – A breathtaking piece that follows the journey of a mighty river as it winds through forests, villages, and castles....
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April Showers
Busy Kids Love Music
"April showers bring May flowers!" This common saying reminds us that rainy days lead to beautiful spring blooms. In this episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we’re exploring three classical pieces that capture the sound and feeling of rain. From gentle drizzles to powerful storms, these composers found incredible ways to bring rain to life through music. 🎵 Music Featured in This Episode: 1️⃣ "Raindrop" Prelude – Frédéric Chopin Listen for the repeating note that sounds like steady raindrops. Did you know Chopin may have been inspired by a real rainstorm while staying at an old...
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Sonata Form
Busy Kids Love Music
Hi friends! Have you ever wondered what makes a sonata different from other pieces of music? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of sonatas—one of the most important forms in classical music! You’ll learn: ✅ What the word "sonata" means and where it comes from ✅ How composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn used a special structure called sonata form ✅ How to listen for the exposition, development, and recapitulation in famous sonatas 🎧 We’ll explore examples from Mozart’s “Easy Sonata,” Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata,” and more! Listen closely and...
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Turlough O’Carolan
Busy Kids Love Music
Happy (almost) St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀 In this episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we’re traveling back in time to explore the life and music of one of Ireland’s most beloved composers—Turlough O’Carolan. Known for blending traditional Irish melodies with European Baroque influences, O’Carolan created music that is still performed and loved today. 🎵 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Who was Turlough O’Carolan, and how did he become a traveling harpist? ✅ What are planxties, and why did O’Carolan compose them? ✅ How did he blend Irish folk music with Baroque elements...
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Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins
Busy Kids Love Music
In this special Black History Month episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we explore the life and legacy of the extraordinary musician and composer, Blind Tom Wiggins. Born into slavery in 1849, Blind Tom overcame immense challenges, including blindness and exploitation, to become one of the most celebrated musical prodigies of the 19th century. Join me as we delve into his remarkable story, his unique musical talent, and his enduring contributions to American music. Learn about his compositions, including his dramatic retelling of a Civil War battle in "The Battle of Manassas," and discover how...
info_outlineWelcome to another episode of Busy Kids Love Music, your go-to podcast for introducing young listeners to the world of classical music! In today’s episode, we’re kicking off a new three-part series about one of the most celebrated British composers of the 20th century—Benjamin Britten.
What We’ll Explore in this Episode:
- Britten’s Early Life & Musical Beginnings: Born on November 22, 1913, in Suffolk, England—St. Cecilia’s Day, no less!—Britten was raised in a musically nurturing home. His mother, Edith, encouraged his early musical talents, and he took his first piano lessons as a child.
- A Budding Prodigy: Britten’s talent was evident from a young age, and his meeting with composer Frank Bridge at age 14 helped shape his approach to composition. He went on to study at the Royal College of Music, where he balanced formal training with his own creative instincts.
- Unique Style & Influence: Known for blending traditional English folk tunes with modern sounds, Britten created music that resonated with listeners of all backgrounds. His ability to craft music that was both complex and accessible made him stand out in the classical world.
- Commitment to Peace: Britten was a pacifist, a belief that profoundly influenced his life and compositions. Instead of fighting in World War II, he used his music to convey messages about the horrors of war and the need for peace. One of his most powerful pieces, War Requiem, is dedicated to honoring lives lost in conflict.
- Famous Works: Britten’s Peter Grimes, which premiered in 1945, became a cornerstone of modern opera. His repertoire also includes orchestral, choral, and chamber music that speaks to audiences around the world.
In two weeks, we’ll dive deeper into Britten’s beloved works, continuing our three-part journey through his life and legacy. Be sure to subscribe, so you won’t miss a thing!
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, and join us next time on Busy Kids Love Music!
Musical Highlights
Throughout the episode, you'll hear snippets of these selections:
Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra
Curated Playlist
I've put together a special YouTube playlist featuring music from today's episode. Check it out here.
Subscribe & Review
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