Join Lisa for a conversation with Patricia Shehan Campbell, Professor Emeritus at the University of Washington, as they explore the many ways children engage with music; formally and informally, locally and globally. Lisa and Patricia’s multifaceted relationship illustrates how mentorship can happen across time, space, and roles through writing, dialogue, shared events, and reciprocal inspiration. In this episode, Pat reflects on decades of research, teaching, and cross-cultural partnerships, offering insights into how music shapes human experience from childhood on. Highlights include stories behind her influential book Songs in Their Heads, ideas for encouraging children's spontaneous musicality, and the importance of listening to children’s voices, literally and metaphorically, in music education and parenting.

Patricia’s book, Songs in Their Heads

Lisa’s book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically

This week, Lisa welcomes Dr. Michael Largey, Professor of Musicology at Michigan State University's College of Music. Michael is an ethnomusicologist and folklorist who specializes in the music and culture of Haiti, particularly Haitian classical and religious music. Michael shares stories from his career studying Haitian music and culture, discusses the importance of intergenerational musical experiences, and reflects on how ethnography can build deeper connections between teachers, students, and communities. Together, Lisa and Michael also dive into how parents can help their children find mentors and musical communities, offering practical ideas for fostering meaningful relationships and experiences.

Michael’s book, Vodou Nation: Haitian Art Music and Cultural Nationalism

Lisa’s book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically

In this insightful episode, Lisa sits down with Sarah Alleman, parenting musically aficionado and mother of five, to reflect on what parenting musically has looked like for her family over the years. Sarah has participated in multiple research studies with Lisa, including their co-authored study “Mama’s Turn: A Mother’s Musical Journey.” This study documents Sarah’s musical experiences and how her own musical study influenced her young children. Join Lisa and Sarah for an inspiring conversation about the joy of having a front-row seat to a child’s musical development.

Lisa, Sarah, and Christa Kuebel’s article, Mama’s Turn: A Mother’s Musical Journey

Lisa’s book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically