What Was That Sound: Musical Theater Edition
Busy Kids Love Music
In this fun, interactive episode of Busy Kids Love Music, I invite you to step into the orchestra pit of a Broadway theater to solve some musical mysteries! This month we’ve been celebrating the release of Wicked: For Good, and today’s episode continues that celebration with a special “What Was That Sound?” – Musical Theater Edition! You’ll hear short clips from favorite musicals and try to guess which instruments are playing. Each instrument plays a special role in creating the drama, excitement, and emotion of live theater. This episode helps young listeners train their ears,...
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Stephen Schwartz
Busy Kids Love Music
This month on Busy Kids Love Music, we’re celebrating the magic of musical theater — and the brand-new movie Wicked: For Good! In this episode, I introduce young listeners to Stephen Schwartz, the brilliant composer and lyricist behind some of Broadway and Disney’s most beloved songs. From his early studies at Juilliard and Carnegie Mellon to writing timeless shows like Godspell, Pippin, and Children of Eden, Stephen Schwartz has spent his career creating music that inspires and uplifts. Of course, his most famous work — Wicked — reimagines the story of Oz through unforgettable songs...
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The Fall of the Leaf
Busy Kids Love Music
In Part 2 of our Imogen Holst series, we step into the crisp, colorful world of autumn through one of her most beautiful works — The Fall of the Leaf. Written in the 1960s and based on a 17th-century English melody of the same name, this short cello concerto paints a gentle, moody, and slightly mysterious musical picture of a single leaf drifting to the ground. We’ll explore how Holst uses dissonance, movement, and mood to capture the quiet magic of an October afternoon. This episode also includes another Audio Treasure Hunt! Download the free printable below and use it as you listen to...
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Life of Imogen Holst
Busy Kids Love Music
We’re kicking off a brand-new series on the Busy Kids Love Music podcast, and this time our focus is on the remarkable life and work of composer Imogen Holst. You might recognize her last name—yes, her father was the famous Gustav Holst, composer of The Planets. But Imogen was far more than “the daughter of…” She built her own musical career as a gifted composer, conductor, teacher, and champion of the arts, making an impact that still resonates today. In this episode, you’ll discover: 🎵 How growing up in a musical household shaped Imogen’s early years 🎵 Her studies...
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Musical Mysteries: What Was That Sound
Busy Kids Love Music
Think you can solve a musical mystery? In this extra-fun episode of Busy Kids Love Music, you’ll become a musical detective as we play a guessing game with four mystery instrument sounds. I’ll play you a short clip from a famous piece of music—your job is to figure out “What Was That Sound?” Once you make your guess, I’ll reveal the answer and share some fascinating facts about the instrument, including: The fastest-fingered member of the string family The tallest instrument in the orchestra The woodwind with a delightfully sneaky tone The percussion star that keeps an entire...
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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,...
info_outlineIn this festive episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we'll explore the stories behind three classic Christmas carols: “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “The First Noel,” and “Silent Night.” Each carol has a rich history and has been cherished across generations for its beauty and meaning.
What We Cover in This Episode:
Angels We Have Heard on High
- Originated as the French carol “Les Anges dans nos campagnes.”
- Features the famous “Gloria” refrain with its joyful melisma.
- Believed to have roots in 18th-century French shepherd songs.
The First Noel
- Traditional English carol from Cornwall, telling the story of the first Christmas night.
- Likely originated from Miracle Plays in medieval England.
- Its repetitive, meditative melody makes it a favorite in both casual and formal settings.
Silent Night
- Written in Austria in 1818 by Joseph Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber.
- Composed for guitar accompaniment when the church organ was damaged.
- Known for its peaceful message and was famously sung during the WWI Christmas Truce in 1914.
Episode Extras:
Curated Playlist
- Check out a variety of performances of today’s featured carols on YouTube. Visit the playlist here.
Related Episode
- If you enjoyed this episode, don’t miss Episode 35, where we explored the stories behind “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Joy to the World,” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”
Music Credits:
- Angels We Have Heard on High - Christmas piano instrumental with lyrics
- The First Noel (Orchestral Version)
- The First Noel (Acoustic Folk Version)
- Silent Night - Christmas piano instrumental with lyrics
- Silent Night
- Angels, We Have Heard On High (Symphony Orchestra Version)
Thanks for tuning in!
Enjoy a holiday season filled with joy, music, and perhaps a little caroling! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
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