The Music in Our Homeschool Podcast with Gena Mayo easy music education tips, strategies, and curriculum resources for homeschooling parents

Click to send Gena a message!

Can music help bring Bible stories to life?

In today’s episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, we’re exploring the fascinating connection between Scripture, history, and classical music through the lives of three biblical rulers: King David, King Solomon, and Queen Esther.

You’ll learn about the great Baroque composer George Frideric Handel and discover how he used music to portray courage, wisdom, leadership, and faith. We’ll discuss selections from Handel’s oratorios Saul, Solomon, and Esther, including the famous “Arrival of the Queen of She...

Click to send Gena a message!

Have you ever wished your child could learn piano but felt overwhelmed by the cost, scheduling, or your own lack of musical experience? In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, Gena Mayo shares practical ways homeschool families can successfully include piano lessons in their home education, even with busy schedules, multiple children, and limited budgets.

Learn why piano is one of the best instruments for building music literacy, theory knowledge, listening skills, and confidence. You'll also hear about Hoffman Academy, an online piano program that many...

Click to send Gena a message!

Charlotte Mason believed that children deserve an education filled with beauty, truth, and goodness—and music is an important part of that vision.

In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, we're exploring what music education looks like through the lens of a Charlotte Mason-inspired homeschool. If you've ever wondered how to include composer study, hymns, folk songs, music appreciation, and fine arts without adding stress to your homeschool day, this episode is for you.

We'll discuss practical ideas for every age, from preschool through hi...

Click to send Gena a message!

Have you ever noticed how many memorable fathers appear in some of our favorite musicals?

In this special Father's Day episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, we're exploring four unforgettable father figures from musical theater and discovering how music helps tell their stories. Through a simple 15-minute music appreciation lesson, homeschool families can celebrate Father's Day while learning about character development, emotions in music, and storytelling through song.

Together we'll look at Captain von Trapp from The Sound of Music, Tevye from Fiddler on the...

Click to send Gena a message!

Have your children fallen in love with the world of Harry Potter? What if you could use that excitement to teach meaningful music appreciation concepts in your homeschool?

In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, Gena Mayo explores how the beloved Harry Potter stories can become a springboard for learning about music appreciation, orchestral instruments, storytelling through music, composition, and movie soundtracks. You'll discover how composers use music to create emotion, build suspense, and help audiences connect with characters and stories.

Learn about the...

Click to send Gena a message!

Have you ever wondered why Hamilton: An American Musical became such a cultural phenomenon—and why people who never cared much about history or musicals suddenly became obsessed with it?

In today’s episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, we’re exploring How and Why Hamilton the Musical Became a Sensation. Beyond catchy songs and sold-out Broadway performances, Hamilton changed the way audiences think about history, storytelling, musical theater, and even music education.

We’ll discuss the fascinating life of Alexander Hamilton and how his difficul...

Click to send Gena a message!

Have you ever noticed how music can sound like rain, wind, sunshine, or even a thunderstorm? In today’s episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena Mayo shares a simple and engaging 15-minute music lesson that helps homeschool families connect classical music with something children already understand and experience every day: the weather.

This lesson is perfect for homeschool moms looking for easy ways to include music appreciation in their homeschool without needing a music background or hours of prep time. Through listening activities, movement, imagination, and di...

Click to send Gena a message!

Have you ever felt like music time in your homeschool is either not happening at all—or it’s just pressing play while your kids listen passively? In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, we’re talking about how to make music come alive through simple, meaningful, hands-on music activities. You'll learn how children learn music best when they experience it through clapping, singing, moving, listening with purpose, and creative response. 

Furthermore, learn why hands-on music activities don’t have to be complicated, messy, or expensive. In fact...

Click to send Gena a message!

Have you ever felt like motherhood is made up of ordinary moments that no one really sees?

In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena Mayo invites homeschool moms to slow down and look at motherhood through the eyes of artists. For centuries, artists have captured mothers in quiet, everyday moments—holding babies, guiding children, offering affection, and faithfully showing up in the middle of ordinary life.

You’ll hear about paintings by Lily Martin Spencer, Mary Cassatt, Renoir, Marguerite Gérard, and more, and d...

Click to send Gena a message!

Have you ever wanted to include music in your homeschool… but it just keeps getting pushed aside?

In this encouraging episode, we’re talking about a simple, realistic solution that actually works for busy homeschool families. If you’ve ever felt like music education is important—but overwhelming—this episode will give you a fresh perspective and a practical way forward.

You’ll hear the story behind how Music in Our Homeschool Plus began—not as a polished curriculum, but as a real-life solution to a common homeschool str...

Click to send Gena a message!

Have you ever thought about connecting music with the story of creation in Genesis? What if a simple 15-minute lesson could help your children not only understand the beauty of Genesis 1, but also hear it come alive through music?

In this episode, I’m sharing a special Earth Day-inspired lesson that blends Bible study with music appreciation in a way that’s both meaningful and incredibly easy to implement in your homeschool. We walk step-by-step through the days of creation and pair each moment with a piece of classical musi...

Click to send Gena a message!

Have you ever wondered what your children might miss if music education isn’t part of your homeschool?

In today’s episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, we explore an important—but often overlooked—question: What actually happens when kids grow up without music education? If music has been pushed aside in your homeschool due to time, uncertainty, or feeling like it’s “extra,” this episode will gently shift your perspective.

You’ll discover why music is not just enrichment—but a foundational part of your child’s devel...

Click to send Gena a message!

Have you ever wondered how the symphony became one of the most important forms in classical music—and who made it what it is today?

In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of Joseph Haydn, often called the “Father of the Symphony.” Perfect for homeschool families, this engaging Composer Spotlight introduces students to one of the most influential figures in music history in a simple, meaningful way.

You’ll discover how Haydn rose from humble beginnings in a small Austrian village to become a groundbreaking composer...

Click to send Gena a message!

Are you worried that music education in your homeschool is too expensive to maintain? What if you could give your children a rich, meaningful music education without spending a fortune?

In today’s episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena Mayo shares practical, budget-friendly strategies to help you save money on homeschool music education—without sacrificing quality. 

You’ll discover how a simple mindset shift can transform the way you approach music learning at home. Instead of focusing on expensive lessons, instruments, and curriculum, you’ll learn...

Click to send Gena a message!

Are you wondering how to support your child’s mental health in your homeschool—without adding more to your already full plate?

In this encouraging episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, you’ll discover how music and art can play a powerful role in improving emotional well-being for both you and your children. Research shows that engaging in music and visual art helps reduce stress, regulate emotions, and build resilience—and the best part is, it doesn’t require extra curriculum or complicated planning.

In this episo...

Click to send Gena a message!

Have you ever felt intimidated by classical music and wondered how to introduce it to your homeschool in a simple, enjoyable way?

In this special episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, Gena Mayo celebrates the two-year anniversary of the podcast and the exciting launch of Season 3. Over the past two years, this podcast has encouraged homeschool families around the world to confidently include music and fine arts in their daily learning—and this episode marks the beginning of the next chapter.

Click to send Gena a message!

Who was Amy Beach, and why is she considered one of the most important composers in American music history?

In this Composer Spotlight episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, host Gena Mayo introduces homeschool families to the inspiring life and music of Amy Beach, the first successful American woman composer and one of the most influential musical voices of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Born in 1867 in New Hampshire, Amy Beach was a remarkable musical prodigy with...

Click to send Gena a message!

Are your children listening to only one type of music in your homeschool?

In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena Mayo explores why studying a variety of musical styles is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to build true musical literacy. When children listen widely—not just to one composer, one genre, or one era—their ears stretch, their understanding deepens, and their cultural awareness expands.

In this episode, you’ll discover how to intentionally rotate through different musical styles using short...

Click to send Gena a message!

Have you ever looked at a piece of sheet music and wondered what those sharps and flats at the beginning actually mean?

In today’s episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, I’m sharing a 10-minute excerpt from one of our live 30-minute music lessons where we answer a foundational question in music education: What is a key signature?

If you’re a homeschool parent wanting to confidently teach music theory—even if you don’t read music fluently yourself—this episode will give you sim...

Click to send Gena a message!

What is percussion—and how can you easily include it in your homeschool without adding another complicated subject to your day?

In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena Mayo explains what percussion instruments are, why they’re often called the “heartbeat of music,” and how simple rhythm activities can build powerful musical foundations for children of all ages.

You’ll learn the difference between pitched and unpitched percussion, discover how body percussion strengthens coordination and internal rhythm, and explore practical ways to add percussion...

Click to send Gena a message!

Are you teaching 20th-century history in your homeschool and wishing it felt more alive, meaningful, and connected? What if your students could hear history—not just read about it?

In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena Mayo shares the story behind her 20th-Century Music Appreciation course and explains why music is one of the most powerful tools for understanding modern history. From world wars and political upheaval to cultural revolutions and artistic experimentation, the music of the 1900s reflects the emotions, struggles, and id...

Click to send Gena a message!

What happens when a single composer helps shape the sound of American music for generations to come?

In this Composer Spotlight episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena Mayo introduces homeschooling families to Scott Joplin, the composer known as the King of Ragtime. Perfect for Black History Month—or anytime you’re studying American music—this episode turns Scott Joplin’s life and music into an engaging, story-driven listening experience for kids and parents alike.

You’ll learn how ragtime grew out of traditiona...

Click to send Gena a message!

How do you spark real interest in music appreciation for teenagers—without adding stress to your homeschool day?

If you’re homeschooling a teen who seems far more interested in TikTok than Beethoven, you’re not alone. In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, veteran homeschool mom of eight and music educator Gena Mayo shares simple, practical ways to make music appreciation engaging, meaningful, and teen-friendly.

You’ll hear Gena’s personal journey of trying to fit music into a busy homeschool life—and the breakthr...

Click to send Gena a message!

Have you ever thought, “I’m not musical—how could I possibly teach my kids music?”
If so, this episode is for you.

In this encouraging and practical episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, Gena Mayo speaks directly to the homeschool parent who values music but feels unqualified to teach it. You don’t need to read music, sing on pitch, or play an instrument to give your children a meaningful music education—and this episode explains exactly why.

Gena gently reframes what music e...

Click to send Gena a message!

Have you ever thought, “Music is important… but I just don’t have time to do it well”? Or felt unsure because you don’t feel musical enough to teach it confidently?

In this milestone 100th episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, Gena Mayo explains exactly why just 15 minutes is enough to provide a high-quality, sustainable music education—and how homeschool families can finally stop starting and stopping music lessons.

In this episode, you’ll learn the R.H.Y.T.H.M. framewo...