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Have you ever heard the term “ear training” and wondered what it means—or if your homeschooled child really needs it? In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena Mayo breaks down this essential skill for budding musicians of all ages.

You'll discover how ear training develops a musician’s ability to hear and identify musical elements like pitch, rhythm, intervals, and chords—all without needing to read music first. Gena shares how she uses playful listening activities with preschoolers, from identifying animal calls to recognizing musical instruments, and how this early work builds into more advanced skills like sight singing, dictation, and chord recognition in her music theory courses.

Whether you're teaching music to your preschool or elementary students or helping your teen prepare for college-level theory, this episode will show you how ear training makes a huge impact. And don’t worry—you don’t need to be a music expert to help your child thrive!

Tune in and learn how to start building this skill right from your homeschool!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Beginning Music Theory for Elementary
• Beginning Music Theory for Teens
• Advanced Music Theory for Teens
• KinderBach prepatory piano and music theory for Preschoolers

Find links to all resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/what-is-ear-training/

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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When is the right time to start music lessons for your child? 🤔
In this helpful episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, veteran music educator and homeschooling mom of 8, Gena Mayo, walks you through the best starting age for six of the most popular beginner instruments: piano, violin, guitar, drums, recorder, and ukulele.

Discover why readiness—not just age—matters most when choosing the right time to begin lessons. Gena shares key developmental signs to look for, practical advice for choosing the right instrument, and her top curriculum recommendations like KinderBach, Recorder Time with Mr. Jerry, and Guitar Time with Ben. Whether you have a budding toddler musician or a teen ready to dive deep, you’ll gain clarity and confidence to make the best decision for your homeschooler.

🎵 Instruments covered:

• Piano: Ideal starting age & physical readiness
• Violin: How 3-year-olds can thrive with the Suzuki method
• Guitar: Why 10 is the sweet spot—and what to try first
• Drums: How to start rhythm early—even at age 3!
• Recorder: Breath control, fine motor skills & music reading
• Ukulele: The perfect stepping stone to guitar

Whether your child is musically curious or already asking for lessons, this episode is filled with encouragement and practical tips. Remember, it’s never too early—or too late—to foster a love of music at home.

📩 Have questions about what course is best for your child? Email Gena at Gena@MusicinOurHomeschool.com.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow homeschool mom!

Find links to all resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/best-age-private-music-lessons/

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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Who was Antonín Dvořák, and why is his music a perfect fit for homeschool music appreciation?

In this Composer Spotlight episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, Gena Mayo—homeschool mom of eight and veteran music educator—introduces you to the rich, emotional, and folk-inspired music of Czech composer Antonín Dvořák. Whether your kids are already fans of classical music or just getting started, Dvořák's melodies provide a fun and accessible way to learn music appreciation.

Gena shares the story of Dvořák’s humble beginnings in Bohemia, his rise to international fame with the help of Johannes Brahms, and his love for folk music and trains. You'll hear how he inspired American composers, brought national identity into classical music, and created unforgettable pieces like the New World Symphony, Song to the Moon, and his powerful Cello Concerto in B Minor.

You'll also hear fun facts about Dvořák’s life, ideas for hands-on homeschool activities (like drawing to music or dancing to his Slavonic Dances), and simple ways to integrate his music into your curriculum.

💡 Whether you’re looking to fulfill fine arts requirements or simply want to introduce your children to meaningful music, this episode is full of inspiring ideas to bring your homeschool to life through sound.

🎶 Access free lessons and use the 25% coupon code at:
https://Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com
More freebies: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/freebies

Find links to all resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/who-is-antonin-dvorak/

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 !