Music Blocks

It's Electric!

Electronic instruments like synthesizers and computer software use electricity to make sound. They've also changed music. The electrophone instrument family expands the r

Raise Your Voice!

People can make amazing music using their voice. In this episode, it’s all about the power and range of the human voice. Get ready to hear all kinds of vocal techniques –

Good Vibrations

In this episode, we check out instruments that musicians use to deliver some amazing rhythmic impact. Idiophones make sound from the vibrations of an instrument's body. A

Drumroll Please!

In this episode, the spotlight is on membranophones! Membranophones make sound from the vibration of a tightly stretched material. Think of drums that you strike to make

Take a Deep Breath!

Musicians who use the power of air breathe life into the music they play. They create beautiful and ear-catching melodies. The instruments they play are called aerophones

Strings And Things

All around the world, musicians use stringed instruments to make music. The way musicians play these instruments creates beautiful and distinctive sounds. In this episode

In Season 3, Meet Some Incredible Instruments (And Their Families!)

Music Blocks, the music appreciation podcast about the building blocks that make up your favorite sounds, returns Sept. 19 with a fresh batch of exciting musical explorat

Yes You Can! Stories of Empowerment

Sometimes you need a little extra motivation, and music is a great place to look for it. A well-crafted song can tell a story that makes listeners feel confident, carefre

Gone But Not Forgotten

We all struggle with how to cope when we lose someone we care about. So how do musicians use those universal feelings to tell stories about death and grief? This episode

Stand Up! Stories of Protest

Protest music is about highlighting problems in society and calling for change. And telling a story through music is an especially powerful way to move a listener to acti

Ceremonies & Celebrations

Music gives us a soundtrack for some of the most memorable moments in each of our stories, from graduation ceremonies to holiday celebrations. Here’s a look at festive so

The Sound of Heartbreak *Sob*

A great song might not heal a broken heart, but it’s a moving way to tell a story when someone or something leaves you feeling shattered. Here’s a look at the clever tech

Welcome Home!

Music is a powerful way to tell a story about the place you call home. A composer could write music about a place using a simple and evocative melody. A songwriter might

An Honest Day's Work

Work is a big part of life. Sometimes you have a dull job to do, and music helps take your mind off it. And sometimes we like to hear stories that celebrate hard work and

We Love a Good Love Story!

Love is a favorite topic for songwriters. That’s partly because music is such a great way to tell a love story. Here’s a look at how artists like Taylor Swift, José Alfre

In Season 2, Hear The Stories Of Our Lives

Music Blocks, the podcast about the building blocks that make up your favorite sounds, returns Aug. 16 for a new series of fun sonic explorations! In Season 2, hosts Reb

Feeling Really Good

It doesn’t get much better than feeling confident, triumphant and optimistic. Translating a really good feeling into music opens the door for lots of creativity. Here’s a

Feeling Pretty Bad

Sometimes a musical phrase or a single line of lyrics can unlock those bad feelings we’ve tried to hide. Music can be a powerful way to capture the mood when we feel anxi

Ugh. The Sound of Disgust

Disgust is a powerful emotion, but you might be surprised at the nuanced music it can inspire. We’ll hear deeply personal statements alongside stunning protest music from

Surprise!

Surprises can be wonderful or shocking, delightful or jarring. And when musicians find clever ways to surprise listeners, things get really interesting. Here’s a look at