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What Kids Hear in Children’s Music: Insights from Our Music Lab Listeners

🧩 Kids on Kids’ Music: What Our Students Thought About the Children’s Music Theme

Last month in the Music Lab, our theme was Children’s Music — and our students had plenty to say!Last month in the Music Lab, our theme was Children’s Music.
Students listened to songs from TV shows and movies, learned about well-known artists like Ella Jenkins and The Wiggles, and explored what makes children’s music both fun and educational.

Here’s what they noticed and enjoyed most!

🎧 What Students Heard

Olly C. recognized the popular song Baby Shark.

Wynn F. liked the instruments — pianos, guitars, and drums. He also liked the lyrics about TV shows and the fun dances.

Iris C. heard songs from TV shows and even a few that sounded like they came from the 1990s. She said Baby Shark reminded her of music for 3-year-olds.

Priya P. thought the songs were upbeat and fun.

Penelope H. noticed a mix of pop, rock, and calm songs. She thought they were funny and mostly from movies for younger kids.

Sebastian V. said that in the “Cows” song, the bridge was sung high, and the chorus sounded smooth.

Hayden C. said the songs sounded basic.

🧠 What They Learned About Children’s Music

Noah G. discovered that The Wiggles have replaced many members over the years.

Kristofer S. learned that The Wiggles changed their logo in 1996. He also noted that music helps children with coordination and rhythm.

He added that Sandra Boynton has helped kids learn to count through music.

Aleksander S. observed that children’s music often includes audience participation, like easy actions or short phrases to repeat.

🎶 The Sounds and Styles

Ava E. said most songs were fast, loud, and interactive. She liked the catchy rhythms.

Noelle C. remembered watching many of the shows featured. She said they were cartoons and that the singers sometimes used unusual voices.

Kalen liked the dancing, drums, acoustic guitars, and strings.

Ekam noticed that children’s music can be soft or very upbeat. He said it helps develop cognitive skills and creativity.

Marissa L. found Sesame Street songs nostalgic.

Sebastian V. (History) said kids’ music shouldn’t be overly simple, but should be easy to repeat.

📚 Famous Figures and Fun Facts

Ava Eblin said children’s music supports math and reading skills. She learned that The Wiggles released a major children’s album and that Ella Jenkins was an influential artist.

Maddox noticed that instruments were often higher in pitch. Many songs were performed live instead of being animated.

Deven D. said music helps kids move better, socialize, and improve in math.

Milo M. liked the rhythms and said lots of people enjoy these songs.

Noelle C. also talked about a “cow song” that was slow so kids could hear the words clearly.

Anushka K. described simple melodies, bright colors, and songs that were easy to sing along with.

Nubung R. said the songs had easy rhythms, a good beat, and fun words to engage listeners.

🌟 Music That Teaches and Connects

Owen S. remembered Ella Jenkins as one of the first famous children’s music artists. He also said music helps with everyday skills like math.

Christopher S. learned that Mr. Rogers was one of the first “neighborhood” show hosts and that kids’ songs can be very informative.

Penelope H. (History) said Ella Jenkins was the first to make a kid’s song and even did a collaboration with the person from Daniel Tiger. She also noted that The Wiggles have changed members several times.

Owen C. connected with songs from Phineas and Ferb and The Duck Song. He called the “Cows” song ridiculous.

💬 Reflections from the Lab

From Sesame Street to The Wiggles and Baby Shark, our students saw how children’s music continues to evolve.
They noticed how these songs help with movement, learning, and memory—and how they’re still fun for kids of all ages.

That’s the magic of children’s music lessons: they teach, entertain, and inspire—often all at once.

Voices Only: Exploring A Cappella and Its Many Music Styles

October is here, and at MTMS our theme is A Cappella! Are you excited? We are. A cappella started with the four-part harmonies of African American men somewhere near the 1850s. Over time, it grew into barbershop quartets, doo-wop, and even the pop arrangements you hear in Pitch Perfect.

What makes a cappella special? The human voice performs the bass lines, harmonies, and even percussion. With today’s technology, one person can layer their own voice and build an entire piece by themselves.

The history of a cappella stretches back nearly two centuries. You’ll hear references to The Music Man when barbershop is mentioned. The style may be old, but it keeps evolving. Groups like the Barbershop Harmony Society and Sweet Adelines International welcome mixed-gender groups and new ideas.

A cappella music finds its way in jazz, gospel, pop, country, rap, and contemporary music styles. Today, performers sing just about everything with nothing but their voices. That makes a cappella one of the most versatile kinds of music.

This month, ask your student what they enjoy most about a cappella. You might be surprised. And don’t forget to share your own favorite a cappella songs. Exploring different music lessons and styles is part of the fun!

Band, Orchestra, and Beyond: Student Stories of Growth and Music

With school back in session, many of our students are returning to their band and orchestra programs — and we love seeing how their private lessons carry over into those ensembles. To get a better picture, we asked some of our students to share their experiences. Here’s what they had to say:

Xavier (cello, New Albany Orchestra & Columbus Cultural Orchestra) enjoys how each group gives him something unique. New Albany has introduced him to non-traditional techniques, while the CCO has opened his eyes to music from Black and minority composers, even blending classical with rap and pop. With practice and dedication, he’s improved his bow work and overall technique. He says lessons make him a stronger player — and that dedication is the key to keeping up.

Allie (viola, Gahanna Lincoln Orchestra) loves the moment when the whole group locks in and the music just clicks. Her favorite memory? When her teacher wore yesterday’s pants as a cape! Private lessons have boosted her tone, pitch, and confidence so much that she now sits first chair. She’s also learned to lead and sight read with ease. “The people you meet along the way will forever impact you,” she says.

Olivia (violin, Minerva Park Middle School) cherishes meeting fun and creative teachers and students. One highlight was playing in her very first ensemble and hearing the audience cheer. Lessons have helped her get ahead on notes — especially the higher ones — and boosted her confidence. With a metronome at home, she stays on tempo and says the key is simple: “Start early and have fun!”

Theo (violin, GLHS Chamber Orchestra) appreciates playing songs he actually enjoys — even alongside upperclassmen. Lessons have sharpened his counting, sight reading, and music theory skills, helping him feel ready for his first big performance. His advice? “If you don’t love your instrument, switch! You have to love it to keep going.”

Addie (percussion, Gahanna Lincoln Freshman Band; piano, Gahanna Middle School West Jazz Band) finds that every group experience makes her grow as a musician. Lessons have strengthened her rhythm, sight reading, and overall musicianship. She believes lessons are a great way to learn more, while being part of a group helps you meet new friends who love music too.

Evan (violin, Pickerington Central Orchestra) loves the unique experiences and inclusiveness of orchestra. Playing at a college concert filled with diversity and creativity was unforgettable. Lessons have helped him refine tricky bow and finger techniques, while rehearsals have improved his timing and tone. His takeaway? “Follow your heart and never give up.”

Ethan (violin, school orchestra) uses what he learns in music theory lessons to better understand his orchestra music. Playing with peers is a highlight, though keeping up with the group’s tempo is a challenge.

Kate (clarinet, New Albany 8th Grade Band) loved competing at King’s Island and enjoys the sense of community her band provides. Lessons have sharpened her tone and sight reading, and even when challenges arise (like not hearing her section), she’s learned to practice through it — and come out stronger.

Wrap-Up

What shines through from each of these stories is that private lessons and school ensembles work hand-in-hand. Lessons provide the technical skills, confidence, and encouragement, while band and orchestra give students a chance to connect, collaborate, and perform together. Whether it’s learning tricky rhythms, gaining leadership skills, or simply enjoying the music, our students remind us that the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Here’s to another great year of making music — together. 🎶

When We Play Together: The Power of Collaboration in Music Lessons

Collaboration is at the heart of music—and of learning.
At our school, music goes far beyond practicing notes alone. Students learn that the real magic happens when they listen, share, and build something bigger together. Collaboration shows up everywhere—whether they’re rehearsing a duet, teaming up in the Music Learning Lab, or bringing the energy of a full band to life.

Why Collaboration Matters:

  • 🎶 Musical Growth: Students sharpen their timing and balance when they play with others. They learn to match dynamics, adjust rhythms, and blend tones.
  • 🤝 Life Skills: Collaboration teaches respect, patience, and communication—skills that students carry into classrooms, friendships, and future careers.
  • 🌟 Confidence: When students share their ideas and cheer each other on, they grow braver and more willing to take creative risks.

Collaboration in Action:
We have Rock Band camps where kids get together to play in a group. This can be a very new experience for them to need to play the part of an instrument, which may be one they’re very familiar with or a newer one. Sometimes teachers and students have duets for performances as well. This added layer of musical performance energizes many into reaching higher for their personal goals. More instruments and more people involved – up to a band or an orchestra – can motivate students in their lessons at home.

Learning about collaboration and how each person within a group will come to the music differently also adds to the challenge of playing together. It assists students to manage teamwork in settings where they can’t choose their team but need to complete a project. Many of these young, confident musical collaborators grow into tomorrow’s leaders.

That transformation is what collaboration looks like. A single instrument sounds beautiful, but harmony happens when voices and instruments join together. Every time our students collaborate, they learn that music—and life—is richer when shared.

Highs, Lows, and Yodels: Student Reactions to August Theme

Last month in the Lab, our students explored yodeling music while learning about music genres from around the world. Yodeling flips between chest and head voice to make its famous sound. Some kids laughed, some compared it to rap, and others said it felt like “magic.” Their comments show how much fun discovery can be during music lessons in Gahanna.

🎵 Instruments and Sound

Students noticed lots of acoustic instruments—guitars, banjos, and brass. Some heard steady beats and rhymes, while others pointed out peaceful guitar playing or whistling. A few thought it sounded like country music. Many caught that yodelers often sang with made-up words instead of lyrics.

🗣️ Technique and Style

Kids quickly picked up on the “voice flips.” They described how singers jumped between high and low notes, sometimes very fast. Some compared the speed to rapping. Others said it felt totally different from how we sing today. More than one student called it the “magic of yodeling.”

📜 History and Origins

The class learned that yodeling began in the Swiss Alps, where shepherds used it to call across mountains. They also discovered how it later shaped country music in America. Famous yodelers like Franzl Lang—the “Yodel King”—left an impression. Students saw that yodeling had a purpose in history, not just entertainment.

🌟 Final Note

Our students laughed at funny sounds, admired the quick note changes, and even noticed black-and-white videos with puppet singers. Most of all, they discovered that music history connects to today’s lessons. Exploring music lessons in Gahanna means learning more than scales—it means stepping into traditions that shaped music across the world.