“A lullaby, no matter how simple, can convey such powerful hopes, dreams, and lessons to a child,” says Sean Baker, musical director and teaching artist for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Lullaby Project. “The question is, what do you want it to say?”
This question sparked an extraordinary musical journey for parents and caregivers participating in the Trust’s inaugural cohort of the Lullaby Project.
Created by Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute, the Lullaby Project pairs new and expecting parents and caregivers with professional artists to craft unique lullabies for their babies. Research has shown that this process supports maternal health and childhood development while strengthening the bond between parent and child.
Each Lullaby Project cohort includes two writing sessions and a recording session, culminating in a Community Celebration Concert where professional musicians perform the participants' lullabies. These concerts bring together the participants, their families, partner organizations, and other community stakeholders to celebrate and honor their journey.
Lynn Speakman lent her talent as a professional musician to composing meaningful lullabies.
“We were thrilled to bring the Lullaby Project to our community,” says Terri Bell, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagement. “We saw it as a chance to make a meaningful impact on families, providing them with a unique and lasting way to express love and care.”
To connect with prospective participants, the Trust partnered with three local organizations: When She Thrives, the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, and Beverly's Birthdays. Through these partnerships, the team identified nine participants who were eager to express their love through song.
Teonna Hall and Ebony Pleasant, participants in the Trust’s first cohort, quickly discovered the transformative power of the Lullaby Project.
For Teonna Hall, the project was an opportunity to explore a challenging pregnancy journey and complex emotions. Working with teaching artist Lynn Speakman, she found space to process her feelings.
"Lynn helped by giving me space to feel. I cried, I talked, I circled around the recording studio," Teonna describes, finding both solace and joy in the creative process.
Her lullaby became a symbol of new beginnings, freedom, and joy. “The moment I actually sang my song brought everything to life; I could exhale and smile,” she recalls.
Ebony Pleasant's journey began with a desire to leave a lasting legacy for her grandson, Adeoba.
"I wanted my grandson to know how much he is loved and will always be supported by all of us," she explains.
Her vision was beautifully transformed into a song with the help of Sean Baker. "It was incredible to watch Sean at work. He turned my scattered thoughts into a beautiful arrangement that I am proud of," Ebony reflects.
As musical director and teaching artist, Sean Baker, helped each participant bring their songs to life.
For Sean, the experience resonated on a deeply personal level. “During the process, my first child was born, which made it more sentimental,” he shares.
Reflecting on the process, Sean identified his role in recording the lullabies as the most memorable part.
“The participants were joyous, crying, and happy as they saw these songs come to life,” he said. “To see the reactions after the product was complete and how they were affected in a positive way was incredibly moving.”
For Ebony and Teonna, the experience was truly unforgettable—for their families and themselves.
Ebony’s lullaby, Wonders of Oba, holds special significance as her daughter, Brianna, lent her voice to the recording. “Her voice and words of encouragement will always be with him,” Ebony shares.
The lullaby has become an integral part of Adeoba’s daily life, lighting up his face with a smile every time he hears it. As a lasting reminder, the sheet music for his song is proudly displayed in his room.
Teonna Hall spoke at the community Celebration Concert, sharing her experience and emotional journey.
For Teonna, her lullaby, Faith, also evokes deep emotions. “The lullaby has been incredibly soothing. I listen to it often, and tears roll down my cheek. Everything indeed is beautiful in its time, even if it starts off not so.”
Her experience highlights how lullabies can transform struggle and pain into something beautiful, demonstrating music’s power to heal and create connections that last for generations.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LULLABY PROJECTThe Lullaby Project is made possible with support from PNC.