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 like "Defying Gravity," "Popular," and "For Good."

As you listen, you'll learn what it means to be both a composer and a lyricist, explore Schwartz's journey to Broadway, and discover how his music brings characters' emotions to life.

🎵 Featured Music in This Episode

• "For Good" – Wicked

• "Popular" – Wicked

• "Corner of the Sky" – Pippin

• "Defying Gravity" – Wicked

• "No Good Deed" – Wicked

🧩 Free Printable: Audio Treasure Hunt

Turn this episode into an interactive listening activity! Download the Audio Treasure Hunt Worksheet from the show notes to answer fun questions about Stephen Schwartz and test your listening skills as you go. 👉 Download Here

💡 Fun Facts

• Stephen Schwartz wrote music and lyrics for Wicked, Pippin, and Godspell. Listen to a full playlist of Stephen Schwartz favorites here!

• He also penned lyrics for Disney favorites like Pocahontas ("Colors of the Wind"), The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Enchanted.

• You can even spot Stephen Schwartz himself in a cameo appearance in Wicked: Part 1!

🪄 Keep Listening

This episode kicks off a month-long celebration of musical theater at Busy Kids Love Music! Stay tuned for more Wicked-themed fun and behind-the-scenes stories about Broadway composers.

🎧 Subscribe to Busy Kids Love Music wherever you get your podcasts, and don't miss a single musical adventure.

💻 Explore More

• 🎹 Learn piano with Busy Kids Do Piano: busykidsdopiano.com

• 📸 Follow along on social media:

  • Instagram: @busykidsdopiano

  • Facebook: Busy Kids Do Piano

  • YouTube: Busy Kids Do Piano Channel