Music Made For The Great Outdoors Podcast

What happens when designers truly experience the world through someone else's eyes? In this episode, we are joined by internationally renowned designer, author, and advocate for universal design, Dr. Patricia Moore.

Patti shares the extraordinary story behind her pioneering research project, in which she spent several years traveling across North America disguised as an older woman to better understand the realities, challenges, and barriers faced by aging populations. Her experiences helped transform thinking around inclusive design and demonstrated the importance of creating products, places, and communities that work for people of all ages and abilities.

Together, we explore the evolution of universal design, the role of empathy in the design process, and why parks, playgrounds, and public spaces should be welcoming destinations for everyone. Patti also reflects on the power of play, music, and human connection, highlighting how thoughtfully designed environments can foster dignity, joy, and belonging throughout life.

Whether you're a landscape architect, playground designer, educator, community planner, or simply passionate about creating more inclusive spaces, this conversation offers inspiring insights into designing a world that works for all.

Playgrounds aren’t just for kids anymore. In this episode of The Future of Playgrounds, we delve into how these spaces are transforming into inclusive, intergenerational hubs that promote public health and foster community connection.

Our featured guest, Meghan Talarowski, founder and executive director of Studio Ludo, shares insights from groundbreaking research - including the National Study of Playgrounds - which analyzed 60 playgrounds across 10 major U.S. cities and revealed that nearly half of playground users are teens, adults, and seniors.

We discuss why playgrounds should be considered essential civic infrastructure, how design can foster inclusion for all ages and abilities, and what the next generation of play spaces will look like. Joining the conversation are Tory Phinney, playground designer at Cobequid Consulting in Nova Scotia, and Elizabeth Kaufman from the City of Auburn, Alabama, who describes their forward-thinking park that integrates inclusive play and creates a genuinely welcoming environment for everyone.

If you care about the future of public spaces, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, we delve into the growing global movement of intergenerational play—moments when children, adults, and older people come together to share joyful experiences, particularly through outdoor music. These interactions go beyond fun; they’re emerging as powerful tools for connection, learning, and well-being.

We begin with Professor Abby Stefan, Research Professor at Clemson University and expert at the Institute for Engaged Aging. She shares insights from her research into intergenerational play and explains how shared spaces in senior care settings can foster meaningful cross-generational engagement.

One such space is EverTrue at Laclede Groves, where Emily Sitzes, Director of Community Wellness, describes how their Harmony Gardens—featuring Percussion Play instruments—have become vibrant hubs for musical interaction between residents and visiting families. We also explore the policy landscape in the UK with Charlotte Miller, Founder & Director of IMM and Co-Founder of Intergenerational England. She discusses how intergenerational connections are woven into communities' social fabric nationwide.

Together, these voices highlight how outdoor music bridges generations, sparks joy, reduces loneliness, and supports mental and physical health across all ages.

Exploring Music Education That Grows with Students

In this inspiring episode, we speak with Seth Murzyn, Music & Orchestra Teacher at Tanque Verde Elementary School, who shares how Percussion Play instruments have become part of his daily teaching—sparking spontaneous creativity and joyful exploration among his students.

We’re also joined by Deb Confredo, President of the National Association for Music Education (2024–2026), who dives into the social power of music, especially for teens navigating today’s digital world. She explains how outdoor musical spaces can help students connect, de-stress, and express themselves together.

Deb also reflects on the exciting shift in music education today—one that embraces diverse cultural influences, informal learning, and the music young people live with at home and in their communities.

Tune in for powerful insights on how music education is expanding beyond the classroom and into everyday life.

This episode explores the important role of music in early childhood development. Research has demonstrated that early exposure to music can significantly impact brain development, emotional growth, and the acquisition of essential skills. Engaging in music-making fosters teamwork, boosts self-confidence, cultivates empathy, enhances communication, and ignites curiosity in young minds. In this episode, we’ll hear valuable insights from Tonia Durden, the President of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and Karen Goulandris, an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at Cuyahoga Community College.

Join us as we investigate how music can shape the early years of a child's life.

This episode explores how music therapy can support people who are neurodiverse and outlines the benefits of music-making in the great outdoors. We hear from renowned music therapist Dr. Alan Turry and discover how one community has embraced outdoor music as a form of therapy.

Percussion Play partnered with the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) and The Amber Trust to improve outdoor music-making for young people who are blind, have low vision, or are partially sighted. The research involved workshops and instrument demonstrations for blind and visually impaired children and adolescents in the UK. The findings contributed to the creation of a White Paper titled 'The Sounds of Progress,' outlining potential ways to use music to develop more inclusive play environments.

In our third episode, we will explore why children's museums are introducing outdoor musical play areas and gardens. These spaces aim to provide an engaging and interactive learning environment outside the traditional indoor setting. The goal is to tap into children's natural curiosity in an open-air context and encourage them to explore and learn through the universal language of music. These areas not only offer a hands-on educational experience but also promote physical activity and social interaction among children and families. By combining elements of nature with musical exploration, children's museums are fostering a holistic developmental approach that nurtures creativity, enhances sensory skills, and instills an appreciation for the arts and the environment from a young age.

Libraries are essential for communities and have evolved over the years. They are no longer just a place to find a good book. They now offer study spaces and provide equipment and tools for hire, making them a central point for many cities, towns, and villages worldwide.

In this episode, we will explore how libraries have embraced music. We will hear from academia, the American Library Association, and a library that is benefiting from its outdoor music area.

Libraries are increasingly incorporating music into their offerings, from hosting drum circles to creating outdoor spaces for Music Gardens, Storywalks, and Pollinator Gardens.

How can making music in the great outdoors support our senior communities? This episode explores how one elder care community is benefiting from a music garden and delves into the impact music can have on cognition, mental health, and physical health. Doctors and researchers will explain their pioneering and latest research, and we will also learn why Denmark is a world leader in senior care, embracing music as a tool to create engaging and happy environments.

In this episode, we celebrate Percussion Play's achievement of the King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade. Join us as we discuss the visit from His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant, Nigel Atkinson, who presented the award at their new headquarters. Listen in to learn about the significance of this honor for Percussion Play.

Award-winning care provider Huntington & Langham Estate has embraced outdoor music as part of its person-centered approach to wellbeing. In this episode, Charlie Hoare, Managing Director of Huntington & Langham Estate, joins Insight to discuss the impact of Percussion Play instruments on resident engagement and family interaction, and to explore pioneering research into music's role in supporting health, happiness, and meaningful connection in later life.

When the Children's Museum of Southern Oregon saw how popular its original outdoor musical instruments had become, expanding the musical play area was a natural next step. In this episode of Insight, Ashley Lukaris, Marketing Lead for the Oregon Center for Creative Learning, explains how the museum's growing collection of Percussion Play instruments encourages creativity, self-expression, and social connection while creating an inclusive space where children and families can explore music together.

For more than 70 years, Camp Kostopulos (Camp K) in Utah has been opening a world of opportunity for people with disabilities through recreation, community, and adventure. In this episode, we speak with President & CEO Mircea Divricean about enhancing that mission by adding Percussion Play's outdoor musical instruments.

Mircea reflects on how Camp K first discovered outdoor music, what drew the team to Percussion Play's colorful and accessible instruments, and the overwhelmingly positive response from participants. From spontaneous musical exploration to meaningful social interaction, he explains how the instruments have become a valued part of the camp experience.

Tune in to learn how Camp K is using outdoor music to encourage creativity, build confidence, foster inclusion, and create memorable moments for campers of all ages and abilities.

Listen to our Insight podcast episode featuring Joanne Gregoire, Director of Culture at the Grand Coteau Heritage and Cultural Centre, where she shares how the instruments are transforming public programming and why the community has embraced this musical addition with open arms.

In this episode of Insight, we hear from Ron Bakken, the local business owner and community volunteer behind Erickson Park’s new outdoor music space. With help from school music teachers, the park chose the Quintet Ensemble by Percussion Play - an inclusive, beautifully tuned collection for all ages and abilities.

Ron shares the joy of watching visitors—from curious kids to veterans—explore the instruments and connect through sound. He also reflects on the seamless process and top-tier quality:

“We got a Cadillac product - exceptional, high quality, very durable.”

Tune in to discover how music is bringing people together and transforming Erickson Park into a space for creativity, connection, and play. Or read the Case Study.

In this heartfelt episode of Insight, we speak with Allya Khammari, Music Therapist at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, about the transformative role outdoor musical instruments are playing in music therapy. Thanks to Percussion Play’s inclusive and durable designs, sessions now take place in the hospice’s gardens, playground, and nearby nature reserve - allowing children, siblings, and families to engage with sound in peaceful, natural surroundings.

From joyful bursts on the chime bars to gentle, soothing melodies after emotional moments, music becomes a powerful medium for expression, connection, and healing. Allya shares how these instruments are also supporting bereavement groups, offering a safe and creative outlet for grief, remembrance, and shared reflection.

Tune in to discover how music is helping bring comfort, creativity, and connection to families navigating life’s most challenging moments. Or read the Case Study.

In this uplifting episode, we meet Paige Thomas - a talented pianist and dedicated Girl Scout - whose vision and determination led to the creation of a Percussion Park at Rotary Youth Camp. As part of her Gold Award project, Paige devoted over 80 hours to planning, fundraising, and partnering with the Rotary Club to bring her idea to life.

After exploring options for accessible outdoor instruments, Paige chose Percussion Play due to its inclusive design, durability, and universal appeal. Her project has opened up new opportunities for campers of all abilities to experience the joy of making music.

Tune in to hear how Paige’s passion turned into a lasting legacy, and how her work is helping make music accessible to everyone. Read the Case Study.

In today’s episode, we're heading to the heart of Tucson, Arizona, to Tanque Verde Elementary School, where the sound of learning just got a lot more vibrant. With the help of a grant from the nonprofit A for Arizona, the school unveiled a Music Garden, an outdoor space filled with colorful, hands-on instruments like Rainbow Sambas, Harmony Flowers, and Tubular Bells.

Mr. Seth Murzyn, Tanque Verde’s dedicated music teacher, joins us. He played a key role in bringing this musical oasis to life. He’ll share how this open-air classroom is giving students a chance to connect, create, and decompress—all while making music under the desert sky.

We’ll talk about how the Music Garden is being used not just during music class, but throughout the school day, offering a fresh, joyful way to support student well-being and academic growth.

It’s an inspiring conversation about music, education, and the power of outdoor learning spaces to bring communities together.

In this episode, we explore three inspiring community projects that celebrate nature and creativity. Discover an award-winning community park that serves as a vibrant gathering space, a pollinator garden nestled within a wetlands center that supports local ecosystems, and a unique music garden designed by a high school student, aimed at making music accessible for people of all ages. Join us as we delve into the stories behind these initiatives and the positive impact they have on their communities.

We recently spoke with Sonya Belew, COO and HR Director of Camp Courageous, about the transformative impact of outdoor musical instruments installed at the camp in 2021. Learn how these instruments have enriched the experiences of campers, staff, and visitors. Sonya shares insights on the strategic placement of these instruments in the heart of the camp, creating a welcoming transition space for campers between activities. Tune in to hear how music is making a difference at Camp Courageous!

Read the Case Study

In 2022, a truly inclusive park was designed and built in Auburn, Alabama, quickly becoming a cherished space for the local community. This innovative park offers a welcoming environment for people of all ages and abilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy its amenities. One of its unique features is a dedicated area where visitors can create music together, fostering creativity and collaboration among community members. The park serves as both a recreational space and a hub for social interaction, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors to connect and share memorable experiences. Whether playing musical instruments, enjoying a picnic, or participating in organized events, the park has significantly enriched the quality of life for those in Auburn.

We are catching up with Elizabeth Kaufman from the City of Auburn to learn why music was so important to include in the park and how she has seen it being used since its opening. Read the Case Study and listen below:

Jill Davis, Director of Hendrick Hudson Library, Montrose, New York, wanted to create specific outdoor programs for the garden and decided that music was the answer. Listen to Jill explain how she opened the space up to its patrons to encourage music-making after discovering Percussion Play and its instruments.

Read the Case Study

Listen to Lizzie Richards from The Thomas Centre, a family-run business established in 2006 that provides an autism-friendly holiday destination. Families can now enjoy making music on newly installed outdoor instruments from Percussion Play. A pergola area has been created at the edge of the Centre's site to serve as a dedicated 'music space.'

Read the Case Study

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is committed to educating the public about wetland communities, highlighting their significance, and promoting the need for conservation and restoration. To enhance the entrance of the center, they planned to create a Melody Marsh inspired by the surrounding flora, featuring Cattail Chimes as the centerpiece.

Read the Case Study and listen below to Curtis Wolf, the Director of the Kansas Wetlands Center, explain why they chose outdoor musical instruments and how they are bringing joy and creativity to visitors of all ages.

The Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago has introduced a new musical experience for young and adult visitors thanks to winning a competition held by Percussion Play earlier this year.

Read the Case Study and listen below to Joe Sarr, the Director of Exhibits, as he discusses how the inclusion of outdoor musical instruments has influenced the museum.

Santa Fe Children's Museum Transform Outdoor Space into a series of 'Soundscapes' Designed to Encourage Intergenerational Play and Learning

Read the Case Study and listen below to the Santa Fe Children's Museum as they share the story of how their outdoor music space came to fruition:

Brighton District Library in Michigan serves a population of around 50,000 and has added STEAM to its offerings by installing several outdoor musical instruments from Percussion Play.

Read the Case Study and listen below to Laurie Walters, Head of Youth Services at Brighton District Library, explain why they chose Percussion Play's instruments for their newly renovated garden space and how they are being used in both music programs and STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.

The Jewish Community Centre of Greater Buffalo (JCC) has created a Music Garden at Camp Centerland to their expand musical offerings. This 20-acre site is home to one of the largest summer day camps in Western New York and a top-200 summer camp in the United States, as named by Newsweek magazine in 2024. Serving children aged 5 – 15, Camp Centerland offers a host of activities, including swimming, archery, sports, crafts, and, of course, music.

Read the Case Study and listen below to Alex Eadie, the Senior Director of Advancement, explain why they chose Percussion Play's instruments and how they are being used at camp.

A local resident from Frankfort made a memorial donation, and as a result, Benzies Shore Library library was given the responsibility of developing a music-themed project. The library team decided to create a children’s music garden and put in a lot of effort to change the outdoor area of the library into a space that not only attracts bees, butterflies, and birds but also motivates people in the community to visit the library and explore what it has to offer. Read the Case Study and listen below to Library Director Stacy Pasche describe the difference it has made to the library and its patrons.

In Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, a new outdoor space called "Music for Youth" allows children to explore and learn music through accessible instruments in Hamilton Park. This initiative, born from college student Natalie Johnson's Girl Scout Gold Award project, aimed to enrich the community she grew up in. Read the Case Study and listen below as Natalie talks us through her inspiring project to bring a community together and ensure the joy of music is accessible to all.

An interactive Music Garden designed by high school student Eileen English in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, aims to reignite interest in music among young people. Located in Vollrath Park, this installation features outdoor musical instruments as part of a "Storywalk" narrative about a monkey named Coda learning to play music. The project showcases five stations, each with a unique instrument and a story page, inviting community members of all ages to explore music-making. Eileen, who is also involved in her school's drumline and the Sheboygan Youth Symphony, chose accessible and engaging instruments after researching local children's preferences. The Music Garden has become a beloved community spot, celebrated for its inclusivity and the spontaneous joy of communal music-making. Read the Case Study and listen below to Eileen explain how the project originated and how she has observed the music park being utilized since its opening.

The Madison Children's Museum has outdoor musical instruments located at both the very top of the museum in the 'Rooftop Ramble' and at the very bottom in the 'Wonderground' outdoor play space. These instruments are available to play at any time during a visit to the museum. Tim Gruber, Volunteer Coordinator, explains that the museum also incorporates these instruments into 'Music Time with Tim,' where visitors can explore the world of music and rhythm. Read the Case Study and listen below:

Read the Case Study and listen below to Lorena Hegedus, Director of the Hubbard Public Library in Ohio, who tells us about their new musical sensory path and ‘StoryWalk®.

Read the Case Study and listen below to Development Officer Alisa Mize of The Museum of Music Making in California as she shares her experience of working with Percussion Play and the impact their new interactive Baby Floor Piano is having on their visitors.