Parenting Musically

John Kratus, independent scholar and Professor Emeritus of Music Education at Michigan State University, connects his philosophy of music education and experiences of teaching songwriting to the perspectives and stories that Trent Wagler and Eric Brubaker of The Steel Wheels shared in Episode 25a.

Trent Wagler and Eric Brubaker of the folk-rock band The Steel Wheels share about their band’s collaborative songwriting processes, the ways they engage musically and artistically with their daughters, and their work with the Red Wing Academy and Red Wing Roots Music Festival.

Country music artist Alex Hall shares his musical journey, including the roles that supportive adults played in his early career and how becoming a father has impacted his songwriting. Tami Draves, Professor of Music Education at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, connects her research on mentoring and observations of songwriting as an expression of musical identity to Alex’s experience.

Katherine Palmer, Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, joins us for a conversation on what country music is, the importance of listening to diverse musics, and how to model expansive music listening for children. She shares how she facilitates musical interactions both at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Taylor Swift Education Center and in her prior work with the Fred Rogers Institute.

In the final episode of Season 3, we are joined by Madison Wise, PK-8 music teacher at a Boston public charter school. Madison describes the joys and benefits of elementary general music education along with the importance of approaching children’s music learning with curiosity.

Christopher Clark, Director of Choral Activities at Case Western Reserve University, discusses how parent involvement helped him build a thriving choral music program in a small town school district. He shares successful advocacy strategies along with ways to cultivate children’s love of singing.

In this episode we hear from music educator Elizabeth Tracy, Director of the Community Music School at Heidelberg University and adjunct instructor at Heidelberg University and Terra State Community College. Elizabeth shares strategies that parents can use to support their children in their musical theater and private lesson participation. We also explore the importance of giving children space for musical creativity on their own terms.

Alberto “Al” Rodriguez, Case Western Reserve University alum and orchestra director, piano instructor, and music technology teacher at Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, Virginia talks about turning challenges into strengths in his music program. Al shares how families can support children in their music making, and how school music making can grow a child’s sense of community.

Episode 17 is a conversation with music educator Erin Hopkins, elementary general music educator and current PhD candidate at Case Western Reserve University. Erin shares her thoughts on engaging with and advocating for children with autism and ADHD in family and school musicking based on her lived experience, teaching experience, and research.

In this episode we hear from music educator Kristopher Morron, director of the Contemporary Youth Orchestra (CYO). CYO is a premiere youth orchestra in residence at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland that draws young musicians from throughout Northeast Ohio. Kris shares his approach to teaching middle and high school aged musicians and his advice for how families can support their children in music ensemble participation.

Episode 15 is a conversation with music legend Rosanne Cash on motherhood, joy, guilt, and connection. Rosanne shares stories from her motherhood, from early days through now, and how she uses music to connect with her children and grandchildren.

Kathryn Clusman, Manager of Community and Family Programs at the Rock Hall, and Erin Hopkins, Rock Hall intern and CWRU doctoral student, join Lisa to recap Season 2. They discuss the season themes of music as sonic experience, the central role of family in our episodes this season, and the examples of staying true to artistic voice. Kathryn shares an important epiphany and Erin responds with connections to music education.

Guest co-host Julia joins Lisa to interview Amanda Saldano and Abner Ramirez of JOHNNYSWIM. We hear about their commitment to staying true to themselves through their music and other artistic endeavors, as well as examples of their children sharing music with the family. Beatriz Ilari, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning at the University of Southern California, responds with examples from her research with children and families world-wide.

Learn more about the scope of the Rock Hall, from the smallest moments to the biggest stages, with Risa and John Goerhrke. Risa Goehrke is the Director of Brand & Content Strategy at the Rock Hall. She guides the organization's owned media channels and leads the team of creative designers and producers in crafting engaging content for fans. As Director of Fan Engagement & Onstage Experience, John helps create a world class experience for rock and roll fans all over the world through program development. Risa and John share parenting musically moments related to their two school-aged children. 

Singer-songwriter Chelsey Crowell, granddaughter of Johnny Cash, joins her father, GRAMMY-award winning singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell, to talk with Lisa about parenting musically in the context of their families of professional musicians. Laura Cirelli, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto, Scarborough responds with connections from her research studies about how infants and toddlers perceive music.

songstress jo (Tiffin University ‘23; Rock Hall Resident Rocker 2022) and their mom, Nicole Ochenduski, share a conversation about songwriting, supporting teen’s musical development, and the role of unconditional family support. Nate Kruse, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Music Education at Case Western Reserve University, shares his research on informal music learning and vernacular musicianship. Nate comments on the role of songwriting, musical expression, and supportive adults in young people’s lives.

Jo Ochenduski aka songstress jo

Mandy Smith, Ph.D., Director of Education at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, walks us through the educational programs at the Rock Hall. She shares a description of the resources available free online, designed for families as well as teachers. We explore the importance of considering the context of the music we hear.

Justin Andrews, grandson of the legendary Otis Redding, shares the vision of the Otis Redding Foundation, particularly as it serves young people through musical engagement year-round and during summer camps. We hear about the impact these pre-professional experiences have on young people and the need to provide more access. 

David Thompson, Ph.D., founding instructor of Career Tech Music Production at GlenOak High School in Plain Township, Ohio responds with links to research emphasizing the importance of work being done by the Otis Redding Center for the Arts and similar programs. David shares his own work developing a music production curriculum and program in his district and provides definitions and descriptions of what music production can look like for the teens in our families and community.

In this episode we hear from Jaon Hanley, Ph.D., Vice President of Education and Visitor Engagement at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Jason describes the many programs, spaces, and performances that comprise the Rock Hall, highlighting the interactive nature of visiting the Rock Hall. He encourages families to listen deeply to music - for enjoyment, for expression, for learning, and for understanding. His book, We Rock! (Music Lab): A Fun Family Guide for Exploring Rock Music History provides a step-by-step guide for families to do just this.

Announcing Season Two of Parenting Musically! We’re excited to partner with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for Season Two. Our theme for Season Two is exploring how encountering music in new ways can help us as families make music an important and meaningful part of our lives. Listen to the trailer to find out what is ahead for this season.

In this mini-episode, the production team behind Parenting Musically recaps Season 1. Kelsey Giotta, a band director for Plain Local Schools in Ohio, is Social Media Coordinator for the podcast. Her daughter, Margaret, is almost 3. Davey Berris, audio engineer for the podcast, is Lead Digital Video Specialist for MediaVision at Case Western Reserve University. Davey’s son Blake is four months old. In this mini-episode, Kelsey and Davey weigh in on their favorite moments of Season 1, how they each use music in their parenting, and share ideas for Season 2.

In this episode I interview Pua Pe‘a, a professionally trained hula dancer and mother to five children, including GRAMMY-award winning artist Kalani Pe‘a. Pua describes her use of music to help Kalani overcome a speech impediment. Pua also demonstrates the importance of advocacy for our children. Music therapist Claire Morison, MT-BC, provides context for Pua’s stories by giving an overview of the work of music therapists working with children. Claire provides resources for finding and working with music therapists as well as for parents who wish to use music in assistive ways with their children.

In this mini-episode, Lisa reflects on the importance of our hopes and dreams for our children. With examples from Kenitha Roberts and Lisa Damour in Episode 3, Lisa encourages families to think about how music plays a role in their family life right now, as well as to consider their musical hopes and dreams for the future.

In this episode we hear from Kenitha Roberts, Ph.D., an army veteran, college professor, and advocate for veterans. She is mother to rising country music star Reyna Roberts. Kenitha shares their journey from Reyna’s premature arrival through the challenge of homelessness and PTSD to today, with Reyna’s career taking off. New York Times best-selling author, psychologist Lisa Damour, Ph.D., reflects on how Kenitha and Reyna’s story exemplifies the goal of meeting children where they are and seeing the world from their perspective as a stance from which to grow. Dr. Damour also provides practical guidance for families navigating the stress of family life amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In this mini-episode, Lisa provides context on the concepts of relational musicking and practical musicking. These ideas are an additional way to understand examples of family music-making. Drawing on ideas shared by Maggie Baird and Elizabeth Cassidy Parker in Episode 2, Lisa encourages families to incorporate more relational moments in family musicking and parenting.

In this episode I interview Maggie Baird, an artist, songwriter, actress, and mother to GRAMMY-award winning artists Billie Eilish and FINNEAS. Maggie shares stories of the relationally-focused music-making of their family as the kids grew up. She also highlights the importance of following our children’s interests. Music education researcher Dr. Elizabeth Cassidy Parker responds with insights on the value of providing adolescents with space for exploration and the spaces that open when we listen to the young people in our lives.

In this mini-episode, Lisa provides context on the concepts of musical parenting and parenting musically. This gives listeners a way to understand musical interactions with children from a different perspective. Drawing on examples shared by Ziggy Marley and Vanessa L. Bond in Episode 1, Lisa encourages families to find new ways to include music in family life.

In this episode we hear from Ziggy Marley, eight time GRAMMY award-winner, Emmy winner and philanthropist. Ziggy discusses the importance of music in every child’s life. He also reflects on ways to make space for musical creativity. Music education researcher Dr. Vanessa Bond responds with suggestions for parents and caregivers on creating open-ended pathways for musical expression.