When we visit the Disney parks, there is always music around to guide us. There is the background music in each land that sets the theme, and the attraction music that helps narrate the story of the ride. But the music in the parades, shows, and nighttime entertainment spectaculars is there to do more than guide you—it is there to make you feel. To give you that beautifully bittersweet feeling of nostalgia, the lump in the throat as you reflect on your own Disney memories, and the huge smile when the music just makes you want to move. Today we are joined by Tyler Koontz, an extremely talented composer who has created some of that music for those incredible shows around the world—from Disneyland Paris to Tokyo DisneySea. In fact, he has written the theme song for Tokyo DisneySea 25th Sparkling Jubilee, called “Come Join the Jubilee.” Tyler talks about his musical journey and how he has created the type of music that makes us feel all those emotions in the Parks.

Check out Tyler at tylerkoontzmusic.com and on Instagram @trkstudios. And stream "Come Join the Jubilee" on all music platforms.

With all of the Disney news that has come out in the past few months, it might have gone a bit under the radar that Pixar recently celebrated its 40th anniversary as a company. And Pixar in particular has established an incredible musical legacy, not in the traditional “Disney Musical” sense, but by using compositions and songs to drive the narrative of its films and maximize their emotional impact.

So, what better way to celebrate Pixar’s 40th than with a discussion of the best Pixar music? And who better to do that with than our pal Tim Foster for Celebrations Press, who shares my love—and emotional fragility—for Pixar movies and songs. So, in keeping with Tim’s patented Top 10 list format, we present to you our Top 10 Pixar songs.

Please check out Tim, Celebrations Magazine, and incredible keepsake books at celebrationspress.com

We all know how Disney music makes us feel, but there is another, underlying question—why does it make us feel this way? Today we are joined by John Powell, who has written two books on the psychology of music, to help us understand the power of music and musical techniques that create such powerful emotional and physical responses in us.

You can find John's books on Amazon here and here. And check out the classical guitar piece he wrote, performed by Alexandra Whittingham on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N-7ohzLQKg4?si=psJFdruumcQnHcpD

Please follow us on IG @musicbehindthemagic, join of FB group at facebook.com/groups/musicbehindthemagic, or on YouTube at @musicbehindthemagic.