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

Join Lisa as she reconnects with two of her former cooperating teachers, Jackie Sonderfan Schoon—now in her 34th year of teaching elementary music at Meadow Brook Elementary in Forest Hills Public Schools—and Dr. James Borst, whose remarkable career spans forty years in education. Together, they discuss the role and impact of mentoring student teachers. The trio also reflects on the life, influence, and legacy of Dale Topp, sharing memories, lessons, and the profound impact he had on their teaching and their students.

Tune in for heartfelt stories, wisdom from decades of experience, and a celebration of the enduring power of mentorship in music education.

Lisa’s book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically

Listen to Lisa’s conversation with Cynthia (Cindy) Crump Taggart, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Music Education at Michigan State University. Lisa studied with Cindy at MSU for master’s and PhD degrees, with Cindy chairing Lisa’s thesis and dissertation committees. In today’s podcast, Cindy and Lisa discuss the multifaceted role of a doctoral advisor, consider the importance of play in learning for children as well as adults, hear the results of Cindy’s research with children with language delays in music classes, and reflect on the generations of students and children Cindy has taught as well as continues to influence through her work.

Video presentation, “Empowering Young Children Musically” - your own at-home music workshop with Cindy! (filmed in 2021)

Cindy’s collaborative research study on early childhood music and children with language delays, co-authored with Jenny Alvarez and Kathy Schubert

Cindy’s co-authored curriculum for early childhood music, Music Play: The Early Childhood Music Curriculum Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Caregivers

Lisa’s book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically

In this episode, Lisa welcomes back music therapist Deforia Lane, PhD, MT-BC, and retired Director of Music Therapy at University Hospitals in Cleveland. Deforia reflects on her impactful career and shares insights into her ongoing work with nonprofit organizations and educational initiatives. Together, they explore the profound role of music in personal growth, family dynamics, and therapeutic settings. From the importance of early exposure to music to the power of crafting personalized songs for healing, Deforia’s stories are a testament to the transformative power of music. Join Lisa and Deforia for an inspiring conversation about nurturing connections and finding joy through music.

Deforia Lane’s Ted Talk “Music Therapy & Medicine: A Dynamic Partnership”

Lisa’s book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically

Announcing Season Six of Parenting Musically! Parenting Musically is supported by Case Western Reserve University. The podcast is hosted by Dr. Lisa Huisman Koops, professor of music education at Case Western Reserve University.

In this final recap episode of Season 5, Lisa is joined by Karen Heitlinger, the Chair of Early Childhood at The Music Settlement, Sydney Miller, The Music Settlement’s Director of Marketing, and Jessica Gallagher-Steuver, a Music Education PhD Candidate at Case Western Reserve University. Karen, Sydney, and Jessica discuss their favorite moments of the season, how this season’s guests inspired them to think about family and music in new ways, musical accessibility, implications for music education, and how The Music Settlement can foster connections and lifelong musical learning.

Karen & Sydney’s bios from The Music Settlement

Jessica’s website

Lisa’s new book, A Family Guide to Parenting Musically