• 48: Composer Spotlight: How Hans Zimmer Revolutionized Film Music with His Techniques, Collaborations, and Iconic Scores
    Jan 13 2025

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    In this exhilarating episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, join host Gena Mayo as she delves into the illustrious career of legendary film composer Hans Zimmer. Known for his groundbreaking scores in iconic movies such as The Lion King, Inception, Dune, Gladiator, and Interstellar, Hans Zimmer has revolutionized the world of film music by seamlessly blending classical orchestration with electronic elements.

    Discover Hans Zimmer's early years, from his childhood in Frankfurt, Germany, to his rise in the film industry. Learn how his unique style—featuring minimalism, innovative instrument use, and dynamic collaborations—creates unforgettable soundtracks that emotionally engage audiences. Explore Zimmer's masterpieces like "Time" from Inception, "This Land" from The Lion King, and "Stay" from Interstellar.

    Whether you’re a homeschooling parent seeking to enrich your children’s music education or a film music enthusiast, this episode offers invaluable insights and fun activities. Gena also shares tips on how to listen to Zimmer’s music to understand tempo, dynamics, and their role in storytelling.

    🎼 Tune in to explore the transformative power of music through the eyes of a modern maestro. Don’t forget to check the link in the episode description for accompanying videos of Zimmer's works and visit Music in our Homeschool Plus for more interactive music appreciation lessons.

    Subscribe, leave a comment, and rate us five stars on your preferred podcast platform. Let Hans Zimmer’s music inspire you to keep the music alive in your homeschool and beyond!

    See all links, resources, and accompanying videos to this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/composer-spotlight-hans-zimmer/


    Please follow/subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review and comment if you liked this episode! Find all courses at https://Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com ,free music lessons here: https://MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons , and lots more links here: https://linktr.ee/genamayo !

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    8 mins
  • 47: The Top 10 Music in Our Homeschool podcasts of 2024 for homeschool parents and music educators
    Jan 6 2025

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    Title: 🎶 The Top 10 Music in Our Homeschool Podcast Episodes of 2024 (E47)

    Dive into an enriching musical journey with Gena Mayo, your trusted homeschool music guide, as we celebrate the top 10 "Music in Our Homeschool" podcast episodes of 2024! Whether you're a homeschooling parent or a music education enthusiast, this special kickoff to 2025 is packed with the best tips, inspiring stories, and practical advice to integrate vibrant music lessons into your homeschool routine.

    In this episode, Gena counts down the audience's favorite episodes covering a spectrum of topics such as Music Games for Homeschoolers, Victorian Christmas Carols, the non-academic health benefits of music education, selecting the best homeschool music curriculum, and more! Learn why teaching dynamics to kids claimed the coveted number 1 spot and how it can transform your homeschool music sessions.

    Discover how our diverse content, from the powerful connection between music and academics to the joy of group singing, can enhance your homeschooling experience. Whether you're interested in integrating music history, choosing affordable musical instruments, or fostering physical and emotional well-being through music, this episode has something for everyone.

    Join our thriving community of music-loving homeschoolers and make 2025 your most musical year yet! Subscribe now, leave a five-star review, and share this episode with your homeschool network. Let’s keep the music alive and vibrant in our homeschool environments!

    Find all links for resources mentioned here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/top-10-homeschool-music-podcast-episodes/

    Please follow/subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review and comment if you liked this episode! Find all courses at https://Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com ,free music lessons here: https://MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons , and lots more links here: https://linktr.ee/genamayo !

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    8 mins
  • 46: Simple, Creative, and Achievable Homeschool Music Education Goals for the New Year
    Dec 30 2024

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    Kick off the New Year with an enriching approach to music education in your homeschool! In Episode 46 of the "Music in Our Homeschool" podcast, host Gena Mayo shares simple, creative, and achievable music education goals to keep the rhythm alive in 2025.

    Whether you’re a homeschooling veteran or just getting started, this episode is brimming with practical tips designed for busy homeschool moms. Gena, a homeschooling mom of eight and experienced music teacher for over 30 years, breaks down the SMART goal framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to make adding music into your homeschool feasible and fun.

    Learn how to incorporate music lessons effortlessly with examples like dedicating 10 minutes a day to classical music or integrating music theory into your math curriculum.

    Gena also highlights the importance of setting up a dedicated music corner in your home so everything is accessible and ready to go, creating seasonal music activities, and making music education a family affair.

    Don’t miss Gena’s special recommendation to explore the Music in Our Homeschool Plus membership and online courses to streamline your music lessons. (MusicinOurHomeschool.com/membership)

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone striving to make music a vibrant part of their homeschool routine. Tune in to discover actionable steps that ensure music education remains a joyful and integral part of your children's education.


    See links to all resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/homeschool-music-education-goals/

    Please follow/subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review and comment if you liked this episode! Find all courses at https://Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com ,free music lessons here: https://MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons , and lots more links here: https://linktr.ee/genamayo !

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    9 mins
  • 45: The Rich Tradition of Nine Lessons and Carols for Homeschool Families
    Dec 23 2024

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    Get ready to immerse your homeschool in a cherished Christmas tradition with Episode 45 of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast! Join host Gena Mayo, a homeschooling mom of eight and experienced music teacher, as she delves into the historical and cultural significance of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. This fascinating episode explores the origins of this beautiful service, from Edward White Benson's innovative creation in the late 1800s to its global fame via King's College, Cambridge.

    Learn how this century-old tradition can enrich your homeschool curriculum through biblical studies, music appreciation, cultural history, and more. Discover practical tips on how to incorporate this meaningful celebration into your own family’s festive season. Tune in for a blend of history, music, and education that brings the Christmas story to life.

    Find links for all resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/nine-lessons-and-carols/

    Please follow/subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review and comment if you liked this episode! Find all courses at https://Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com ,free music lessons here: https://MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons , and lots more links here: https://linktr.ee/genamayo !

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    6 mins
  • 44: Discovering Liszt's Christmas Tree Suite: A Family Tradition in Music for the Holiday Season
    Dec 16 2024

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    Welcome to a heartwarming holiday episode of the "Music in Our Homeschool" podcast with host Gena Mayo. Dive into the enchanting world of Franz Liszt and his delightful Christmas Tree Suite, a collection of 12 short piano pieces written as a gift for his granddaughter, Daniela. This episode offers a perfect blend of music history, theory, and festive fun, designed to bring joy and education to your homeschooling family.

    Gena Mayo, a veteran music teacher and homeschooling mom of eight, takes you on a magical journey through the life and works of Franz Liszt. Learn about Liszt’s early musical prowess, his rise to fame that stirred "Lisztomania" across Europe, and his generous spirit that made him a beloved teacher and composer. You’ll discover fascinating anecdotes, including how his passionate playing would sometimes break piano strings and wear out the instruments themselves.

    The episode dives deep into the Christmas Tree Suite, highlighting pieces like "O Holy Night," "Scherzoso," and "Shepherds at the Manger." Gena explains how Liszt used dynamics, major and minor tonalities, and thematic transformation to create varying moods and emotions in his music. To make this more engaging for your homeschool, she shares fun, hands-on activities, such as drawing what you hear, creating your own Christmas suite, guessing the mood of melodies, and matching dynamics.

    Don’t miss the chance to make music education fun and memorable this holiday season. Be sure to check out the show notes for a link to a free worksheet pack to further explore the Christmas Tree Suite, and join Gena for a live lesson with her Music in Our Homeschool Plus members. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this festive episode with your homeschooling community. Let the music of Liszt bring a little extra joy and beauty to your holiday season!

    Find all links and resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/christmas-tree-suite-franz-liszt/

    Please follow/subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review and comment if you liked this episode! Find all courses at https://Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com ,free music lessons here: https://MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons , and lots more links here: https://linktr.ee/genamayo !

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    9 mins
  • 43: How Singing Made Easy is Accessible for All Homeschoolers: An Interview with Andrew Pudewa
    Dec 9 2024

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    Welcome to the "Music in Our Homeschool" podcast, where we explore the beautiful synergy between music education and homeschooling. In this episode, we are thrilled to host Andrew Pudewa, renowned educator and founder of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). Andrew delves into expanding his talk from "Cultivating Language Arts Preschool through High School" to include "cultivating attentiveness," shedding light on how music plays a pivotal role in developing attentiveness in children.

    Join our host, Gena Mayo, a seasoned homeschooling mom of eight and a dedicated music teacher with over 30 years of experience, as she draws connections between Andrew's insights and her work with Music Garden—a program focusing on early childhood music education. Together, they discuss the importance of integrating music into homeschool curriculums and how it can significantly enhance learning and attentiveness.

    Andrew passionately shares his vision for the "Singing Made Easy" program, a brainchild of his late mother, Marcia, aimed at making music education accessible and integral to family life. He emphasizes that singing doesn't require expensive instruments, just a book of music and recordings. This natural approach can ignite children's interest in playing instruments and contribute immensely to their language development, memory enhancement, and overall brain growth.

    Andrew's personal anecdotes bring to life the joy and value of music-making within families, emphasizing that investing time and attentiveness in learning to sing can have profound emotional and health benefits. He also highlights the deep cultural and social significance of group singing in fostering community bonds and emotional well-being.

    The episode doesn't fall short of historical and cultural critique, shedding light on past practices where singing was a daily part of school life. Andrew makes a compelling case for reintegrating these practices into modern education. Tune in to discover practical tips on incorporating quality music education into your homeschool routine and inspire your children to explore and enjoy the world of music.

    Find all links to resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/singing-made-easy-is-accessible/

    Please follow/subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review and comment if you liked this episode! Find all courses at https://Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com ,free music lessons here: https://MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons , and lots more links here: https://linktr.ee/genamayo !

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    35 mins
  • 42: Celebrating Victorian Christmas Carols: Bringing Historical Festivity to Your Homeschool
    Dec 2 2024

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    In this festive and heartwarming episode of the "Music in Our Homeschool" podcast, host Gena Mayo takes listeners on a delightful journey through the history of Victorian Christmas caroling. Have you ever wondered where the charming tradition of going door-to-door singing Christmas carols originated? Gena explores the roots of this age-old practice, which dates back to the Victorian era during the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901.

    Discover how Christmas caroling became a popular way to spread holiday cheer and foster community spirit, inspired by traditions brought over by Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert. From the moving traditions of wassailing to the vibrant street performances by town musicians known as "waits," Gena paints a vivid picture of how these customs transformed over time.

    Listeners are treated to fascinating stories behind beloved carols such as "Here We Come A-Wassailing," "The Holly and the Ivy," and "I Saw Three Ships," exploring their origins and the meanings behind their lyrical content. The episode also highlights iconic carols like "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night," sharing the beautiful tales of their creation and their enduring legacy.

    Perfect for homeschoolers and anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Christmas history, this episode provides educational insights and enchanting anecdotes that make Victorian Christmas caroling come alive. Gena, a homeschooling mom of eight and experienced music teacher, blends historical context with a passion for music education, ensuring a captivating listen for all ages.

    Tune in for practical tips, sing-along opportunities, and a deeper appreciation of the carols that have shaped our holiday celebrations. Don't miss the chance to enrich your homeschooling experience with this festive and informative episode of the "Music in Our Homeschool" podcast. Be sure to check the show notes for links to sheet music and sing-along videos to enhance your family's musical Christmas festivities.

    See all links and resources mentioned in the episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/christmas-caroling/

    Please follow/subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review and comment if you liked this episode! Find all courses at https://Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com ,free music lessons here: https://MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons , and lots more links here: https://linktr.ee/genamayo !

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    10 mins
  • 41: Sneak Peek into the Music of Christmas online course for easy Christmas Schooling for Homeschoolers
    Nov 25 2024

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    Welcome to another festive episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast! I'm your host, Gena Mayo, and today I'm thrilled to give you an exclusive sneak peek into our popular "Music of Christmas" course. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, this episode is packed with exciting insights to help you integrate rich, educational music content into your holiday homeschooling.

    Tune in as I detail the three incredible years of lessons included in the course. Year One focuses on 16 beloved Christmas carols and songs, featuring classics like "White Christmas," "The Nutcracker," and "O Holy Night." Each lesson is designed to be just 15 minutes, perfect for fitting into even the busiest of homeschool schedules.

    In Year Two, we take you on a global adventure with Christmas traditions from 12 different countries, including Australia, China, and Germany. Each lesson incorporates scripture memorization, cultural insights, and engaging art projects, making it an enriching experience for learners of all ages.

    Year Three introduces the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, a cherished tradition from King's College, Cambridge. Here, we combine scripture, music, and famous artwork to provide a well-rounded and meaningful exploration of Christmas celebrations.

    You'll also hear heartwarming testimonials from families who have incorporated the "Music of Christmas" course into their holiday routines, making sweet memories and enhancing their homeschool experience.

    Don't forget to visit musicinourhomeschool.com/musicofchristmas for free preview lessons and take advantage of our special offer—30% off with the code ChristmasSchool.

    Join us for this festive journey and discover how you can make your Christmas season more joyful and educational with the perfect blend of music and culture. Happy Thanksgiving, and keep the music alive!

    See links for all resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/music-of-christmas-course/

    Please follow/subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review and comment if you liked this episode! Find all courses at https://Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com ,free music lessons here: https://MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons , and lots more links here: https://linktr.ee/genamayo !

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    8 mins