Click to send Gena a message! What makes The Nutcracker such a beloved Christmas tradition—and how can you bring its magic into your homeschool this December? In today’s episode, we explore the surprising history of Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet, from its rocky premiere in 1892 to its rise as the most performed holiday production in the world. You’ll discover how the Nutcracker Suite became a seasonal favorite long before the full ballet gained popularity, and how mid-century American pro...
Click to send Gena a message! Are you looking for Christmas gifts that won’t be forgotten by January, but will spark creativity, confidence, and joy in your homeschool? In this Black Friday–themed episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, Gena Mayo shares more than 25 meaningful, musically rich gift ideas for toddlers, teens, and even parents. Instead of filling your home with toys that lose their appeal, discover gifts that support lifelong musical skills and inspire your children to e...
Click to send Gena a message! What if December in your homeschool could feel peaceful, meaningful, and beautifully simple? In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena Mayo shares exactly how to use her signature 15-Minute Music Method to build a calm, joy-filled Christmas School rhythm for your family. If December often feels chaotic—with performances, events, shopping, and disrupted routines—this episode will show you a better way. Gena explains what Christmas School is, wh...
Click to send Gena a message! Do your kids love to sing, move, and laugh? Then today’s episode is going to be one of your favorites! 🎵 In this joyful episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena Mayo shares 12 of her very favorite singing games that bring energy, laughter, and deep musical learning to your homeschool days. These timeless games aren’t just for preschoolers—they’re powerful for older kids, teens, and even parents! Discover how singing games combine rhythm, melody, langu...
Click to send Gena a message! How can your homeschool family join the national celebration of America’s 250th birthday in a way that’s meaningful, creative, and easy to do? In this inspiring episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena Mayo shares how to celebrate America 250 through her brand-new course, Music and Art of America: 250 Years of Freedom. Gena takes you behind the scenes of this patriotic journey—18 short, 15-minute weekly lessons that guide your family through 250 years...
Click to send Gena a message! What makes The Phantom of the Opera the longest-running Broadway show in history? 🎭 In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, Gena Mayo takes you on a fascinating journey through the life, music, and legacy of Andrew Lloyd Webber, one of the most influential composers in modern musical theater. From his musical family in London to his groundbreaking collaborations with lyricist Tim Rice, you’ll discover how Andrew Lloyd Webber’s creativity shaped th...
Click to send Gena a message! Have you ever wondered what copywork really is and why it’s been a cornerstone of classical and Charlotte Mason-style homeschooling for over a century? In this inspiring episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, veteran homeschool mom and music educator Gena Mayo shares how copywork can become one of the most beautiful and meaningful parts of your homeschool day—especially when connected to music and the fine arts. Discover how copywork strengthens not only...
Click to send Gena a message! Have you ever felt guilty for skipping music in your homeschool because the day was just too full? You’re not alone. In this inspiring episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, Gena Mayo shares the simple but powerful approach that has transformed music education for thousands of families—the 15-Minute Music Method. Discover how just 15 minutes can: Make music consistent without overwhelming your scheduleKeep kids engaged and excitedBuild meaningful connect...
Click to send Gena a message! What makes marching band music so exciting—and why do beginner bands around the world love playing James Swearingen’s compositions? In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena Mayo takes you inside the world of marching bands and shines a spotlight on one of the most beloved composers for young musicians. You’ll hear about: James Swearingen’s inspiring journey from trumpet player to world-renowned composerHis most popular works, like In All Its G...
Click to send Gena a message! Have you ever wondered how music can help you grow closer to God? In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena Mayo shares inspiring ways to use music as a powerful tool for spiritual growth. From biblical foundations of music to personal stories of faith, you’ll discover 14 practical ways to weave worship into your daily life—through hymns, praise songs, classical works, journaling, playing instruments, and even dancing. Whether you’re looking to...
Click to send Gena a message! 🍎 Fall is the perfect time to weave apples into your homeschool lessons—and why not add music to the mix? In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, Gena Mayo brings you a fun and easy 15-minute music lesson all about apples, part of the Music in Nature Series. Your kids will: Learn a playful folk chant with motions ("Away Up High in the Apple Tree")Explore a lively World War II swing tune made famous by The Andrews Sisters ("Don’t Sit Under the Appl...
Click to send Gena a message! How can you celebrate culture, history, and music in your homeschool—all at the same time? In this episode of Music in Our Homeschool, we’re diving into simple-to-use, click-and-go, no-prep music lesson ideas for National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15). You’ll learn the fascinating history behind the celebration, explore the difference between “Hispanic” and “Latino,” and discover engaging ways to bring the vibrant sounds of Latin America and S...
Click to send Gena a message! What if classical music weren’t just something reserved for concert halls, but a living, breathing experience that reached families, schools, and even movie theaters? In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, we’re shining a spotlight on Leopold Stokowski—one of the most imaginative and bold conductors in music history. From his beginnings as a young organist in London to his nearly 30 years leading the Philadelphia Orchestra, Stokowski reshaped the...
Click to send Gena a message! The Ultimate Starter List: 10 Classical Pieces Every Homeschooler Should Listen To Are you looking for an easy, meaningful way to introduce your kids to classical music? In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena will walk you through her hand-picked list of 10 essential classical music pieces every homeschooler should know. Think of this episode as your guided tour—where she'll give you short composer stories, tips on what to listen for, and th...
Click to send Gena a message! Are you looking for a simple, beautiful way to bring fine arts into your homeschool without adding hours to your already full schedule? In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, Gena Mayo introduces you to one of Charlotte Mason’s most beloved practices: Picture Study. This gentle yet powerful habit takes just minutes a week, but its impact on your children’s attention, observation skills, and love for beauty will last a lifetime. You don’t need to ...
Click to send Gena a message! How to Start the Homeschool Year with Consistent Music and Fine Arts Do you start every homeschool year with big dreams for music and fine arts — only to watch them fade by October? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, veteran homeschool mom of eight and music teacher of 30+ years Gena Mayo shares her simple, doable framework for keeping music and fine arts a joyful, consistent part of your homeschool from day one. You’ll lear...
Click to send Gena a message! How can hymns help your children understand biblical truth and sound doctrine? In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, I’m sharing exactly how you can use hymns as a powerful teaching tool in your homeschool. I’m Gena Mayo, a homeschool mom of eight, music educator, and the creator of the Great Hymns of the Faith online courses. Today, we’re diving deep into why hymns are so much more than “nice songs.” They are rich with theology, filled with Scr...
Click to send Gena a message! Great Hymns of the Faith Volume 2 Launch + 10 Elements That Make This Hymn Study Unique Welcome to the Music in Our Homeschool podcast! Today is an exciting launch day for Great Hymns of the Faith Volume 2, the newest hymn study course designed to deepen your family's faith and musical understanding. Join Gena Mayo as she shares the 10 unique elements that make these courses stand out—whether you have preschoolers or teens, musical beginners or seasoned singers. ...
Click to send Gena a message! Christmas in July: Save on Music and Art Resources for Your Homeschool Is December always a whirlwind in your homeschool? What if you could plan now and enjoy a peaceful, joy-filled holiday season later? In this special Christmas in July episode, Gena Mayo walks you through her top seven music and art appreciation resources designed specifically for homeschool families. From Music of Christmas (a 3-year holiday music appreciation course) to singing favorites in C...
Click to send Gena a message! Do your kids enjoy mysterious, bold, and rule-breaking music? Then this Composer Spotlight on Béla Bartók is a must-listen! In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool Podcast, Gena Mayo introduces homeschool families to one of the most fascinating and influential composers of the 20th century—Béla Bartók. Known for his rhythmic intensity, unique harmonies, and love of folk music, Bartók's music opens up a whole new world of listening for students of all ages....