Busy Kids Love Music

Welcome back to Busy Kids Love Music! In this episode, we continue our three-part series on the British composer Benjamin Britten. Today, we’re diving into one of his most exciting and educational pieces, The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. This composition is beloved by music teachers and conductors alike for its engaging way of introducing listeners to the various sections of an orchestra.

Benjamin Britten created The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra in 1946 to help kids learn about orchestral instruments. He based the main theme on a melody by composer Henry Purcell, and then used variations and a lively fugue to let each section of the orchestra shine. Join us as we explore the sounds of woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion, learning how each contributes to the orchestra’s full and layered sound.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

• Britten’s commitment to composing for young performers
• How he used Henry Purcell’s theme to introduce listeners to the orchestra
• What a “variation” is and how it changes a theme in small but creative ways
• The unique sounds of each orchestra section: woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion
• How Britten uses a “fugue” to bring all the instruments together at the end

Music Excerpts Featured:

Benjamin Britten - The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra

Listen & Learn: If you’d like to hear The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra in its entirety, I've linked a full performance here.

Next Episode: In our next episode, airing in December, we’ll explore Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols, a beautiful Christmastime piece featuring a children’s choir and a harp. Don’t miss it!

Thank You for Listening! Thank you for joining us today! Tune in again in two weeks as we continue discovering the magical world of classical music with our series on Benjamin Britten.

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If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more music-loving families!

Welcome 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:

Hymn to St. Cecelia

Night Piece for Piano

Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes

War Requiem

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 

If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more music-loving families!

Welcome to Episode 134 of Busy Kids Love Music! As we approach Halloween, we're diving into one of the most famous and captivating musical stories of all time: The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber. In this episode, you'll learn all about this beloved musical and the story behind it.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The backstory of The Phantom of the Opera,first written as a novel by Gaston Leroux in 1910.
•  How Andrew Lloyd Webber was inspired to turn this haunting tale into a musical masterpiece.
• Key highlights from the musical, including the dramatic love story between the Phantom and Christine.
• The iconic moments from the show, such as the famous falling chandelier scene.
• A closer look at some of the most famous songs from the musical, including "The Music of the Night" and "All I Ask of You."

Musical Highlights Throughout the episode, you'll hear snippets of music from *The Phantom of the Opera* performed:

The Phantom of the Opera - Epic Piano Solo | Leiki Ueda

"Masquerade" from Phantom Of The Opera - solo piano

'The Music of The Night' Ramin Karimloo | The Phantom of The Opera

All I Ask Of You | The Phantom Of The Opera

Overture

Bonus Resources Love Broadway musicals? Don't miss these bonus resources: 1. Busy Kids Love Music Episode 94 all about Broadway musicals. 2. A fun DIY Broadway Poster Printable for your kids to design and color.

Curated Playlist I've put together a special YouTube playlist featuring iconic scenes from both The Phantom of the Opera musical production and the 2004 film adaptation. You’ll also find clips of the thrilling chandelier crash scene! Check it out here.

Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed the episode, and have a fantastic Halloween! Keep making music, and I'll see you in the next episode.

Subscribe & Review 

If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more music-loving families!

Welcome back to *Busy Kids Love Music*! In Episode 133, we’re taking a musical journey to one of the world’s most famous festivals – Oktoberfest! This traditional German celebration, which began over 200 years ago in Munich, Germany, has spread across the world, bringing with it lively music, dancing, and festive fun.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: In this episode, we explore the vibrant music that fills the air at Oktoberfest, including:

- Oom-pah Music: Learn about the traditional "oom-pah" bands, featuring the tuba, accordion, clarinet, and more, creating a festive rhythm perfect for dancing. - Dances of Oktoberfest: Discover the fast-paced, hopping polka and the elegant waltz, both staples of Oktoberfest dancing. - Sing-Alongs: Join in the fun of traditional German songs, like the famous “Ein Prosit,” a song sung throughout Oktoberfest to toast to good health and happiness.

The music at Oktoberfest brings people together, creating a joyful atmosphere that’s all about celebration. Whether it’s the lively sounds of the oom-pah band or the crowd joining in for a sing-along, the tunes help make Oktoberfest the energetic festival it’s known for.

MUSICAL SAMPLES HEARD IN THIS EPISODE

OKTOBERFEST Music 🍻 Super 1 Hour Playlist

Bavarian "oompah" Band

"Beer Barrel Polka" (Roll Out the Barrel) [also Rosamunda and Škoda lásky] by West Coast Prost!

"Blue Skirt Waltz" by West Coast Prost! Happy Oktoberfest!

Ein Prosit - [LYRICS] - The Polka Brothers

PLAYLIST FOR EPISODE 133 I’ve created a special playlist of fun Oktoberfest music, perfect for dancing or just enjoying the festive atmosphere! You can find it here

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If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more music-loving families!

Welcome to the final episode of our three-part series on the extraordinary composer Gustav Holst! If you missed our earlier episodes where we explored Holst’s life and his famous orchestral suite The Planets, be sure to check out those episodes using the links below.

In today’s episode, we dive into a different side of Holst’s musical genius—his First Suite in E-flat for Military Band. Composed in 1909, this suite quickly became a cornerstone of the wind band repertoire and showcases Holst’s love for British military music traditions.

We’ll explore how Holst, a talented trombonist himself, was inspired to create a piece that highlights the power and versatility of military band instrumentation. From its majestic opening to the lively, dance-like movements, each section of the band—brass, woodwinds, and percussion—gets a moment to shine. This suite is a perfect example of how Holst brought innovation to the world of wind band music, making it one of the most frequently performed pieces in the concert band repertoire today.

The First Suite in E-flat has been celebrated worldwide for its inventive orchestration and emotional depth, making it a favorite among both performers and audiences. It’s also a popular choice for music educators introducing young musicians to the rich history and expressive possibilities of wind band music.

I hope you enjoy these musical adventures, and I look forward to bringing you more in our next brand-new episode in two weeks!

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Episode 130: The Life of Gustav Holst

Episode 131: The Planets

Musical Samples You'll Hear in this Episode:

Holst: First Suite for Military Band in E-Flat major Op.28-1

I've curated a playlist on YouTube of a few performances of Holst's First Suite in E-Flat. Check it out here.

Subscribe & Review 

If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more music-loving families!

Welcome back to Busy Kids Love Music! In this second episode of our three-part series on the incredible composer Gustav Holst, we're diving into one of his most famous and beloved works: The Planets. Whether you're a budding astronomer, a lover of mythology, or a homeschooling student learning about the solar system, this episode offers a fun and fascinating musical journey through the stars.

In The Planets, Holst composed a suite of seven movements, each named after a different planet in our solar system and its corresponding astrological character. Holst’s fascination with astrology -- a belief some held that the positions and movements of stars and planets might influence lives on Earth—played a significant role in the creation of this work.

We'll explore how Holst used music to bring these celestial bodies to life, portraying the intense and dramatic nature of Mars, the serene beauty of Venus, the playful speed of Mercury, the jubilant energy of Jupiter, the solemn wisdom of Saturn, the mysterious magic of Uranus, and the ethereal mysticism of Neptune.

This episode is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and homeschoolers alike, as it connects the worlds of music, mythology, and the cosmos. Plus, it's a fantastic way to experience how music can convey the character and personality of each planet.

If you missed the first episode in this series, where we discussed Holst's life and musical style, be sure to check it out [here](#). And don't forget to explore our curated playlist of The Planets, linked in the show notes, to hear more of Holst's incredible work.

In our next episode, we'll take an in-depth look at another of Holst's other notable works and his lasting legacy in the world of music. Until then, keep listening and keep loving music!

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Episode 130: The Life of Gustav Holst

Musical Samples You'll Hear in this Episode:

Holst: The Planets, 'Mars' - BBC Proms

The Planets - II. Venus, The Bringer of Peace - Gustav Holst

The Planets - III. Mercury, the Winged Messenger - Gustav Holst

The Planets - IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity - Gustav Holst

Gustav Holst - Saturn

The Planets - VI. Uranus, the Magician - Gustav Holst

The Planets - VII. Neptune, the Mystic - Gustav Holst

I've curated a playlist on YouTube of the pieces you heard in today's episode (in addition to a few additional performances of the Jupiter theme). Listen here.

Subscribe & Review 

If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more music-loving families!

Welcome to Busy Kids Love Music, the podcast for busy families and kids who love music and want to learn more about their favorite composers, instruments, and styles of music. I'm your host, Carly Seifert, the creator of Busy Kids Do Piano, and today we are kicking off a special 3-part series on the life and music of the great composer, Gustav Holst.

In this first episode, we’ll explore Holst's family life, his early interest in music, his musical training, and some of the unique characteristics that make his compositions stand out.

Episode Highlights:

- Early Life and Family Background: Gustav Holst was born on September 21, 1874, in Cheltenham, England, into a musical family. His father, Adolph von Holst, was a professional musician, and his mother, Clara, was a singer and pianist. Sadly, Clara passed away when Gustav was just eight years old.

- Musical Training: Holst received his first piano lessons from his father and also learned to play the violin and trombone. Despite health issues such as severe asthma, neuritis, and eyesight problems, Holst's passion for music never waned. He began composing at the age of twelve.

- Royal College of Music: Holst faced initial rejection but eventually gained admission to the Royal College of Music in London in 1893. There, he studied composition with Sir Charles Villiers Stanford and formed a lifelong friendship with fellow composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.

- Family Life: In 1901, Holst married Isobel Harrison, a soprano and former student. They had a daughter, Imogen Holst, who became a respected composer, conductor, and musicologist. The Holst family was close-knit, providing Gustav with inspiration and support.

- Musical Influences and Style: Holst incorporated various influences into his compositions, including English folk music and Indian music. His innovative harmonies and complex rhythms gave his music a distinctive sound. He was also interested in astrology, which inspired his famous suite, "The Planets."

I hope you enjoy learning about the life of Gustav Holst. In our next episode, we’ll dive deeper into some of his most famous works, including "The Planets." Be sure to tune in and discover the magic of Holst’s music.

Musical Samples You'll Hear in this Episode:

Holst St. Paul's Suite

Gustav Holst - Two Pieces for Piano, H. 179 (1930-32)

Holst - Savitri

Gustav Holst - Mars

I've curated a playlist on YouTube of the pieces you heard in today's episode as well as additional famous works by Gustav Holst. Check it out here.

Subscribe & Review 

If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more music-loving families!

Welcome to the final episode of our Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music series! Travel with me today as we explore the vibrant and historical folk music of Greece. This summer, we’ve traveled through Zambia, Fiji, Finland, and Argentina, learning about their rich musical traditions. If you missed any episodes, don’t worry – I’ve linked them all below. Grab your musical passport, and let's dive into the sounds of Greece!

In This Episode:

• Greek Dimotiko Music: Discover the traditional rural music known as Dimotiko, which features songs about love, nature, history, and heroic tales.
• Traditional Greek Instruments:
  • Bouzouki: Learn about this iconic stringed instrument, its history, and its distinctive, bright sound.
  • Lyra (Lyre): Explore the soulful and expressive three-stringed bowed instrument, central to the folk music of Crete and other Greek islands.
  • Santouri: This fascinating instrument, similar to a piano without keys, i played with small wooden mallets to create beautiful, ringing sounds
• Rebetiko Music: The "Greek blues" emerged in the early 20th century, with their expressive and often melancholic melodies.
• Greek Dance: Discover the famous Greek dance, Sirtaki, known for its lively pace and fun rhythms.

Thank you for joining me on this incredible musical adventure around the world during these summer months. I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring different cultures and their unique sounds. Music truly is a universal language that brings us all together. Don’t forget to tune in for our next brand-new episode in 2 weeks!

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

DOWNLOAD YOUR PASSPORT

DOWNLOAD YOUR PASSPORT STAMP FOR GREECE

VISIT ZAMBIA (EPISODE 125)

VISIT FINLAND (EPISODE 126)

VISIT FIJI (EPISODE 127)

VISIT ARGENTINA (EPISODE 128)

Musical Samples You'll Hear in this Episode:

Incredible Greece Folk Music

Themis Bouzouki - Manolis Karantinis | Solo Bouzouki - Dinata

Ancient music - Oldest complete song "Epitaph of Seikolos" - Greek Lyre, Har-Mose lute

Traditional music students from university of Ioannina (Greece)🇬🇷 are playing santouri

Greek Rebetiko Music

Zorba The Greek Dance - The Greek Orchestra Emmetron Music

Check out this curated playlist on my YouTube channel to view the instruments and dances we learned about in today's episode.

Subscribe & Review 

If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more music-loving families!

Welcome to Episode 128 of Busy Kids Love Music! I’m thrilled to bring you the 4th stop of our Around the World series, where we journey to different countries to explore their unique folk music traditions. Today, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant sounds of Argentina!

In This Episode:

• Chacarera: Discover this lively folk style from rural Argentina, characterized by guitars, bombo drums, and energetic dance movements.
•  Zamba: Experience the melancholic beauty of zamba, a slower genre with roots in indigenous and African music, featuring graceful dances with handkerchiefs.
• Tango: Learn about the iconic tango, its rich history, and its evolution from the neighborhoods of Buenos Aires to a global phenomenon.
• Instruments: Explore the distinctive sounds of Argentine folk music with instruments like the bombo drums and the bandoneón, adding depth and emotion to the compositions.

Join me again in two weeks for our final destination of the Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music summer series. Keep listening, exploring, and loving music!

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

DOWNLOAD YOUR PASSPORT

DOWNLOAD YOUR PASSPORT STAMP FOR ARGENTINA

VISIT ZAMBIA (EPISODE 125)

VISIT FINLAND (EPISODE 126)

VISIT FIJI (EPISODE 127)

Musical Samples You'll Hear in this Episode:

Argentina Folk Music

Facundo Toro - Enganchado de Chacareras pal' asado con amigos

ZAMBA Romantica ARGENTINA Georgina & Oscar MANDAGARAN

Buenos Tango | ARGENTINE MUSIC [The Best of Tango]

Che, Bandoneón! - Anibal Troilo - (arr. Leopoldo Federico)

Music from Argentina for Guitar and Bandoneon

The beautiful instruments and dances of Argentina can be viewed in this curated playlist on my YouTube channel.

Subscribe & Review 

If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more music-loving families!

Welcome to Episode 127 of Busy Kids Love Music! I’m thrilled to have you join me as we continue our summer series, Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music. So far, we've explored the musical traditions of Zambia and Finland. If you missed those episodes, you can catch up by visiting the links below, where you can also print your passport stamps.

In This Episode:

• Fiji's Musical Heritage: Explore the beautiful island nation of Fiji, known for its vibrant and deeply rooted folk music.
• Traditional Instruments:
  • Lali Drum: Discover the resonant sounds of this long, wooden drum carved from a single piece of wood, used for communication in Fijian villages.
  • Bamboo Nose Flute: Learn about this unique instrument played by blowing through the nose, providing soothing music in ancient Fiji.
•  Cultural Traditions:
  • Meke Dance: Experience the traditional Fijian dance accompanied by singing and drumming, often performed during celebrations and gatherings.
  • Kava Ceremony: Understand the significance of this social ritual, where people share stories and music over a bowl of traditional kava.

Thank you for joining me on this musical journey to Fiji! Stay tuned for our next destination in two weeks as we continue our summer series, Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music. Until then, eep listening, exploring, and loving music!

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

DOWNLOAD YOUR PASSPORT

DOWNLOAD YOUR PASSPORT STAMP FOR FIJI

VISIT ZAMBIA (EPISODE 125)

VISIT FINLAND (EPISODE 126)

Musical Samples You'll Hear in this Episode:

Bula Maleya: Fiji Welcome Song

Lali Drum Beat at Sofitel Fiji

Fijian Meke Performance at Samoan & Fijian Wedding in Samoa

KALALENG(nose flute)

Tagi a Manumanu, Nautusolo

Enjoy the interesting instruments and dances from Fiji in this curated playlist.

Subscribe & Review 

If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more music-loving families!