Overture’s Lullaby Project releases 18 songs born from love and creativity
Rebecca Redmann
Over the course of six weeks this fall, 18 local families at UnityPoint-Meriter Baby Hour created something truly special—personalized lullabies for their children. These aren't just songs, but heartfelt expressions of love, crafted with care by families and professional artists through Overture Center's Lullaby Project. Teaching artists then recorded the resulting songs, encouraging participation from the voices—and instruments—of the songwriting families.
Listen to the playlist: Fall 2024 Lullaby Project UnityPoint Meriter Baby Hour playlist.
The Lullaby Project, a project of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, pairs new and expecting parents and caregivers with professional artists to write and sing personal lullabies for their babies, supporting maternal health, aiding childhood development and strengthening the bond between parent and child.
This current collection brings the total number of Overture Center lullabies to 116 songs written with local families for their children since 2020.
Baby Hour families had this to say about working with the Lullaby Project:
"I love how we were able to incorporate all the things about [our child] and how much love we have for our sweet girl into a song. I had an amazing time working with [our teaching artist], and she just seemed to be perfect for the song I envisioned." — Sarah R.
"Our biggest takeaway from the Lullaby Project experience was getting to reflect on what guidance we wanted to share with our little one. We really enjoyed our songwriting experience... the song came together much faster and easier than we expected." — Morgan and James F.
"We really enjoyed this experience and the ability to create something so special and unique for our little one." — Grace F.
"[We love] seeing how the music really calmed [our child] in real time. Since this project, I have noticed more songs that can calm him, but also songs that he likes to wiggle and dance to and that make him smile and coo. Basically, my biggest takeaway is how much my baby enjoys music of different varieties, and I love it! This project really helped me get that relationship started with [my child]." — Christina and Oliver G.
"Thank you ALL for this amazing experience. [My child] just loves the lullaby, and I am looking forward to sharing it with all my friends and family." — Nicole R.
Nicole R. and Zane listening to their song "Stay Zane”
"The process was a learning experience. [Our teaching assistants] were absolutely wonderful!" — Amy and Caleb S.
"I just wanted to reach out to you to sing [my teaching artist] praises and express my extreme gratitude to her and you for coordinating this project with the Meriter Baby Hour group. She got the final version of my son's lullaby to me today, and I have tears of joy listening to it. It’s so beautiful and special to have this for him (and for me!). I cannot tell you enough how wonderful I think this project is and the fact that you make it available to parents and babies at no cost is such a blessing. I will treasure this special song always. Thank you so much for the work that you do. You and the other musicians are very appreciated. Bless you all. ❤️ — Alison B.
Through the gift of music, Overture’s Lullaby Project continues to inspire love, growth and connection in our community.