Welcome to Music Podcast

Thanks for joining us for Episode 29 of the Welcome to Music Podcast!In this episode, Susie continues her chat with the incredibly creative and dedicated Bill Henry — known to many as Mr. Henry — a full-time elementary music educator based in the U.S. Bill shares how he balances his busy teaching schedule with a thriving creative life, rising at 4am each day to dedicate three solid hours to producing engaging music education content.Using tools like Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro, Bill crafts fun and educational videos for his popular YouTube channel, Mr. Henry’s Music World, and talks us through some of his personal favorites. We also dive into his top-rated Music Podcast for Kids — a brilliant resource for classroom use or for when you have a substitute teacher — as well as his recorder, ukulele, and piano programs designed specifically for young learners. This episode is full of practical inspiration for music teachers everywhere!To view the blog notes for this episode, click here!

Thanks for joining us for Episode 28 of the Welcome to Music Podcast!In this episode, Susie chats with the incredibly creative and dedicated Bill Henry — known to many as Mr. Henry — a full-time elementary music educator based in the U.S. Bill shares how he balances his busy teaching schedule with a thriving creative life, rising at 4am each day to dedicate three solid hours to producing engaging music education content.Using tools like Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro, Bill crafts fun and educational videos for his popular YouTube channel, Mr. Henry’s Music World, and talks us through some of his personal favorites. We also dive into his top-rated Music Podcast for Kids — a brilliant resource for classroom use or for when you have a substitute teacher — as well as his recorder, ukulele, and piano programs designed specifically for young learners. This episode is full of practical inspiration for music teachers everywhere!To view the blog notes for this episode, click here!

Thanks for joining us for Episode 27 of the Welcome to Music Podcast! In this episode, Susie chats with Stacy Werner (Education Director for Musicplay Online MPO) and Carey-Lyn Gould (CEO of Themes & Variations Inc.) Join us for an inspiring conversation as Stacy and Carey-Lyn share their journey into MusicPlayOnline — the widely loved Canadian-American digital platform for elementary music educators — and how they stepped into leadership following the unexpected passing of founder Denise Gagne. They reflect on continuing Denise’s legacy, their commitment to music advocacy, the creation of the Denise Gagne Memorial Society Fund, and their vision for the future. You'll also hear about upcoming events, about MPO’s 10th Anniversary, and their favourite teaching resources. Don’t miss this heartfelt and insightful episode and receive a one-month FREE subscription to MusicPlayOnline (instructions on the blog notes - link below)! To view the blog notes for this episode, click here!

Thanks for joining us for Episode 26 of the Welcome to Music Podcast! In this episode, Susie chats with Bryson Tarbet — passionate music educator, founder of That Music Teacher, and creator of the Elementary Music Summit in the USA. Bryson is dedicated to creating more accessible music classrooms, drawing on his own experience as a neurodiverse individual. Much of his work centres around supporting teachers through professional development and coaching, particularly in building systems that simplify lesson planning, unpack pedagogical concepts from repertoire, and bring more joy to both teaching and learning.This inspiring conversation follows Bryson’s professional journey and how it led him to working full-time in his business. He shares practical strategies for making classrooms more inclusive — from offering noise-cancelling headphones and fidgets, to being mindful of environmental factors like fluorescent lighting. Bryson also highlights valuable resources including the Purposeful Pathways series by Beth Ann Hepburn and Roger Sams, a lesson plan template, and a free Music Without Barriers Guide for inclusive teaching. Plus, he gives us a sneak peek into the upcoming Elementary Music Summit — a five-day online professional learning event for music educators happening in mid-July.And excitingly, Susie will be presenting a session at the Summit titled Sing It, Say It, Dance It, Play It — an Orff-based approach that integrates speech, song, story, body percussion, movement, and percussion instruments. More details coming soon!You won’t want to miss this inspiring and insightful episode — it’s full of practical ideas you can use right away in your music classroom. Go to welcometomusicpodcast.net/ to listen to the podcast and find a summary as part of the blog. You can also find the podcast on Apple Music, Spotify and the streaming services.To view the blog notes for this episode, click here!

Join Susie for Episode 25 as she shares ‘Call and Response Songs – Part 3’ with three more fabulous pieces for a range of ages up to 12 years.Here we go Zoodio - A traditional African American street song, line and partner dance. Arranged and recorded by Susie and Phil and suitable for 5-10 yearsNdinani Na - A bright and simple African call and response song that originates from Zimbabwe, Africa. It has simple vocal harmonies, encourages vocal improvisation and has a percussion arrangement. Arranged and recorded by Susie and Phil and suitable for all agesTideo is a lively, engaging call-and-response, action song and dance with two different versions that can be adapted for various age groups. It combines singing, movement, and instrumental play, making it a versatile learning tool for rhythm, coordination, and musical expression. Arranged and recorded by Susie and Phil and suitable for 3-10 yearsA call and response song is where a leader sings the call, and the group answer with a response which is usually the same or may have 2 slightly different responses. The call is usually different and often improvised.This follows the ‘Suite of Songs’ journey which includes echo and cumulative songs, call and response songs and will be continued with partner songs and rounds. Songs that use these various techniques provide an inclusive setting allowing kids to have instant success, sing immediately (echo and call and response songs), easily dive into instant harmony with rounds and partner songs making singing in the classroom, in the choir and anywhere a great joy.Go to welcometomusicpodcast.net/ to listen to the podcast and find a summary as part of the blog. You can also find the podcast on Apple Music, Spotify and the streaming services. To view the blog notes for this episode, click here!

Join Susie for Episode 24 as she shares ‘Call and Response Songs – Part 2’ with four more fabulous pieces for a range of ages up to 12 years:‘Rise Sally Rise’ - a traditional African-American playground song‘Jaws’ – story song with actions inspired by Baby Shark‘Old McDonald had a Band’ – traditional song that encourages instrumental exploration‘Sing to the Heavens Above’ - uplifting gospel-style song by Susie & PhilA call and response song is where a leader sings the call, and the group answer with a response which is usually the same or may have 2 slightly different responses. The call is usually different and often improvised.This follows the ‘Suite of Songs’ journey which includes echo and cumulative songs, call and response songs and will be continued with partner songs and rounds. Songs that use these various techniques provide an inclusive setting allowing kids to have instant success, sing immediately (echo and call and response songs), easily dive into instant harmony with rounds and partner songs making singing in the classroom, in the choir and anywhere a great joy.Go to welcometomusicpodcast.net/ to listen to the podcast and find a summary as part of the blog. You can also find the podcast on Apple Music, Spotify and the streaming services. For the blog & podcast notes for this episode, click here!

A huge welcome to Episode 23 of the Welcome to Music podcast – Call and Response Songs for the Primary/Elementary School. In this Episode 23 and the next 2 Episodes 24 & 25 (Parts 1-3), I will be continuing the ‘Suite of Songs’ journey. Episode 18 is ‘Echo Songs’ and Episodes 19 and 20 ‘Cumulative Songs’. Then the journey will continue with partner songs and rounds. Songs that use these various techniques provide an inclusive setting allowing kids to sing immediately (echo and call and response songs) and easily dive into instant harmony with rounds and partner songs.Cumulative songs also bring lots of fun into the classroom with songs building and becoming longer and more complex where memory, concentration and language skills are developed.A call and response song is where a leader sings the call, and the group answer with a response which is usually the same or may have 2 slightly different responses. The call is usually different and often improvised. All of these various song techniques that bring immediate engagement and success combine to make singing in the classroom, in the choir and anywhere a great joy. Go to welcometomusicpodcast.net to listen to the podcast and find a summary as part of the blog. You can also find the podcast on Apple Music, Spotify and the streaming services.To access all the extras such as music notation, harmonies, ukulele, recorder and percussion parts, join our Welcome to Music Membership welcometomusic.podia.comTo read the blog notes for this episode, click here.

A huge welcome to Episode 22 of the Welcome to Music podcast – a continuation of –Indigenous Music Perspectives – Part 2. If you haven’t already, make sure you listen to Episode 21 for Part 1, suitable for 4 – 12 years -- click here!  Go to welcometomusicpodcast.net/ to listen to the podcast and find a summary as part of the blog. You can also find the podcast on Apple Music, Spotify and the streaming services. To be able to access a 2 hour video and receive a PD certificate that addresses the AITSL - Australian Professional Standards for Teachers plus all accompanying teacher notes, music notation, harmonies, percussion, recorder, ukulele and keyboard arrangements for four indigenous songs join our Welcome to Music Membership at welcometomusic.podia.com For the blog & podcast notes for this episode, click here!

A huge welcome to Episode 21 of the Welcome to Music podcast – Indigenous Music Perspectives – Part 1. In this Episode 21 and the next Episode 22 (Parts 1 & 2), I interview Alice Csabi who is a performing arts teacher and has had several years’ experience working with Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander students in the Northern Territory.  We have a discussion around how to use indigenous materials sensitively and appropriately in schools. The focus of this session is to improve your confidence and ability to incorporate Indigenous Perspectives into your Music/Performing Arts and general classrooms. It provides you with tools and support for how you can transfer these ideas to that of your own Country. These 2 episodes are a follow up from a webinar entitled ‘Indigenous Music from Australia’ where Alice and I shared 3 indigenous songs (My Island Home, Yil Lull and Wish you Well) which included singing, body percussion, movement, Orff percussion instruments, improvisation, ukuleles, Boomwhacker and recorders.  The webinar can be viewed inside our Welcome to Music Membership Community together with the videos of this 2-part interview and all accompanying teacher notes, music notation, harmonies, percussion, recorder, ukulele and keyboard arrangements for each song plus all of the notes and music for a 4th indigenous song ‘Ngarra, Burra, Ferra’. You will be able to view a 2 hour video and access a PD certificate that addresses the AITSL - Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. To join our Welcome to Music Membership - click here!In these 2 podcast episodes, you will hear a short recap of ‘My Island Home’ and ‘Yil Lull’ plus ‘Ngarra, Burra, Ferra’ – which is a gospel, African-American spiritual song adapted by the Yorta Yorta indigenous people of south eastern Victoria, Australia Click HERE to read the blog notes for this episode – this is where you will find a summary of the podcast and all links.You can also find the podcast on Apple Music, Spotify and the streaming services. 

A huge welcome to Episode 20 of the Welcome to Music podcast – a continuation of Fun Cumulative Songs for the Primary/Elementary School My plan over the next few podcasts is to put together ‘A Suite of Songs’ – I started mid 24 with echo songs and today cumulative songs. This will then extend to partner songs, call and response songs and rounds just to name a few. Songs that use these various techniques provide an inclusive setting allowing kids to sing immediately (echo and call and response) and easily dive into instant harmony with rounds and partner songs.  A cumulative song is a type of song where each verse builds on the previous one by adding new elements, often in a repetitive and sequential manner. As the song progresses, the verses become longer and more complex, with earlier parts repeated in each new verse. Incorporating cumulative songs into educational settings provides a multifaceted approach to learning, making it both enjoyable and effective for children. Cumulative songs are great for engaging children in interactive singing, helping them develop language skills, memory, and musical abilities while having fun. Click HERE to read the blog notes for this episode – this is where you will find a summary of the podcast and all links. To access all the extras such as music notation, harmonies, ukulele, recorder and percussion parts, join our Welcome to Music Membership - click here!

A huge welcome to Episode 19 of the Welcome to Music podcast – Fun Cumulative Songs for the Primary/Elementary School  I am so happy to be back with you and the Welcome to Music podcast series after a few months hiatus. 2024 was a huge year for our family – my first grandson Leo was born in March and then Riley in December. So I became a 2-timing grandma all in the space of 9 months. As you can imagine it’s been very busy with lots of babysitting duties. I love this special time so much! During the summer holiday break, I presented at the Pinnacle National Orff Conference in Perth and had a wonderful time. It was such a joy to reconnect with fellow Orffians. Tomorrow, I start school in a very gentle way – a professional development day then no specialist classes until next week so I’ll have some time for preparation and easing back into it all. Wherever you are in the world, I hope you also can enjoy an easing back into this new year, 2025.   My plan over the next few podcasts is to put together ‘A Suite of Songs’ – I started mid 24 with echo songs and today cumulative songs. This will then extend to partner songs, call and response songs and rounds just to name a few. Songs that use these various techniques provide an inclusive setting allowing kids to sing immediately (echo and call and response) and easily dive into instant harmony with rounds and partner songs.   A cumulative song is a type of song where each verse builds on the previous one by adding new elements, often in a repetitive and sequential manner. As the song progresses, the verses become longer and more complex, with earlier parts repeated in each new verse.  Incorporating cumulative songs into educational settings provides a multifaceted approach to learning, making it both enjoyable and effective for children. Cumulative songs are great for engaging children in interactive singing, helping them develop language skills, memory, and musical abilities while having fun.  Click HERE to read the blog notes for this episode – this is where you will find a summary of the podcast and all links  To access all the extras such as music notation, harmonies, ukulele, recorder and percussion parts, join our Welcome to Music Membership - click here!

A huge welcome to Episode 18 of the Welcome to Music podcast – Echo Songs for the Primary and Elementary School Echo songs are great for engaging children in interactive singing, helping them develop language skills, memory, and musical abilities while having fun. Incorporating echo songs into educational settings provides a multifaceted approach to learning, making it both enjoyable and effective for children. My plan over the next few podcasts is to put together ‘A Suite of Songs’ – starting with echo songs today and then extending to call and response songs, rounds, cumulative songs and partner songs just to name a few. Songs that use these various techniques provide an inclusive setting allowing kids to sing immediately (echo and call and response) and easily dive into instant harmony with rounds and partner songs.Click HERE to read the blog notes for this episode – this is where you will find a summary of the podcast and all linkshttps://www.welcometomusicpodcast.net/To access all the extras such as music notation, harmonies, ukulele, recorder and percussion parts, join our Welcome to Music Membership https://welcometomusic.podia.com/welcome-to-music-membership-plan

A huge welcome to Episode 17 of the Welcome to Music podcast – The Dinky Di Aussie Trilology - Discover Australia with Dazza and his Fair Dinkum Aussie Tales & Tunes In our previous Episode 16, I shared an introduction to the Dinky Di Aussie Trilogy and the song ‘Dinky Di Aussie’. If you haven’t listened to it yet, I highly recommend starting there. Dazza, the Dinky Di Aussie (written and created by Susie and Phil), is an adventurous and musical spirit who embodies the true essence of an Australian traveller and performer. Hailing from the outback near the iconic "back of Burke," Dazza is known for his warm greetings and love for saying "G'day." His journeys take him across Australia and around the world, where he shares his unique blend of music, playing traditional and quirky instruments like the washboard, didgeridoo, bongos, and lagerphone. In today’s episode, we will continue on the ‘Dinky Di Aussie Trilogy’ journey and share 2 further songs – ‘Say G’Day’ and ‘Dazza’- which follow further adventures with Dazza. Click HERE to read the blog notes for this episode. To access all the extras such as music notation, harmonies, ukulele, recorder and percussion parts, join our Welcome to Music Membership  https://welcometomusic.podia.com/welcome-to-music-membership-plan  

A huge welcome to Episode 16 of the Welcome to Music podcast – The Dinky Di Aussie Trilogy - Discover Australia with Dazza and his Fair Dinkum Aussie Tales & Tunes Dazza, the Dinky Di Aussie (written and created by Susie and Phil), is an adventurous and musical spirit who embodies the true essence of an Australian traveller and performer. Hailing from the outback near the iconic "back of Burke," Dazza is known for his warm greetings and love for saying "G'day." His journeys take him across Australia and around the world, where he shares his unique blend of music, playing traditional and quirky instruments like the washboard, didgeridoo, bongos, and lagerphone. "Dinky Di Aussie" captures Dazza’s pride in his Australian heritage, his use of local slang, and his welcoming nature towards newcomers. In the song "Dazza," his travels are depicted as he entertains crowds in various Australian towns, creating a lively atmosphere wherever he goes. Finally, "Say G’day" highlights Dazza’s global adventures, where he greets new friends in their native languages, spreading the joy of his Australian roots. Dazza's travels are filled with joy and camaraderie as he entertains crowds with his music and brings people together, from larrikins to sheilas and even ankle-biters. Dazza's adventures are a testament to his love for exploration, connection, and the vibrant Aussie culture. Phil and I have created this character and written these songs to bring you a light-hearted look at our unique Aussie language and culture. The Dinky Di Aussie Trilogy includes 3 songs - ‘Say G’Day’ and ‘Dazza’ which both have echo in the choruses – one for singing and one for playing instruments while ‘Dinky Di Aussie’ is a call and response song. These ‘Echo’ and ‘Call and Response’ techniques make these songs easy to teach, immediately accessible and super engaging for children.Click HERE to read the blog notes for this episode.To access all the extras such as music notation, harmonies, ukulele, recorder and percussion parts, join our Welcome to Music Membership  https://welcometomusic.podia.com/welcome-to-music-membership-plan  

Welcome to Episode 15 of the Welcome to Music Podcast– Sing Me a Story – Part 2. Today, we’re continuing our exploration of literacy and music for young children as told through our new album, ‘Sing Me a Story’ now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and anywhere else you listen to music!This album features 12 captivating story songs, including 5 brand-new musical tales. These songs are a mix of traditional and original stories designed to engage young listeners in a multi-sensory experience of listening, reading, singing, moving, and playing instruments. Each story integrates essential literacy skills like pre-reading, reading, writing, and spelling, while also fostering creativity, self-esteem, and confidence in every child.In our previous episode, Episode 14, I shared insights and activities for two of our newly recorded story songs, “Oh My Aunt Came Back” and “The Tiny Caterpillar.” If you haven’t listened to it yet, I highly recommend starting there to get a wonderful introduction to understanding of these whimsical songs and how they blend music with literacy. The feedback we’ve had has been fantastic, and I’m excited to continue this journey with you!In today’s episode, we’ll continue on our literacy journey and explore “The Gingerbread Man” and “Backyard Blues,” - two more enchanting and toe-tapping story songs from our new album. Like all the others, these songs are available as interactive digital flip books complete with audio tracks, lyrics, activities, song notation, literacy worksheets, and notes for teachers and parents in the Welcome to Music Store. And don’t forget, we have our recent ‘Sing Me a Story’ webinar now available as an on-demand replay (with PD Certificate) inside the Welcome to Music Membership.Click here to learn more!Click HERE to see the blog for this episode.

A huge welcome to episode 14 of the Welcome to Music podcast – Sing Me a Story – Part 1.Our most recent webinar was ‘Sing Me a Story’ – literacy and music for 3-8 years and as it’s such an important and popular topic – I’m going to share some extensions and devote 2 whole podcast episodes – part 1 & 2 to this topic.A few weeks ago, Phil and I released a brand new album not on cassette tape, not on CD, but on streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music called ‘Sing Me a Story’ – it’s a whole new world. This album contains 12 story songs with 5 new musical stories. There’s a mix of traditional and original stories that are perfect for 2-8 years, helping young kiddos to engage in a multi-sensory experience of listening, reading, singing, moving, and playing instruments.This album integrates literacy skills such as pre-reading, reading, writing, and spelling into each enchanting tale while also nurturing creativity, self-esteem, and confidence in every child. From the whimsical adventures of 'The 3 Little Pigs Rap' to the toe-tapping rhythms of 'Backyard Blues,' each story song sparks imagination and invites participation. Extend the fun by expanding characters, crafting new material, or even creating mini-musicals with visual arts and design.Each story song has been beautifully illustrated and turned into a flip book that turn pages online that include audio track, lyrics, activities, song notation, literacy worksheets & teacher and parent notes. And there is an animation video to go with each story song on our YouTube channel.You can see the full range of our digital story song flip books at https://welcometomusic.net/product-category/sing-me-a-story-story-books/In the webinar, I shared 3 of our new story songs The 3 Little Pigs Rap rewritten and newly adapted, Oh In the Woods and Down By the Bay – also adapted with new lyrics. These are popular story songs and I have another 4 story songs to share with you over the next 2 episodes.Oh My Aunt Came BackThe Tiny CaterpillarThe Gingerbread ManBackyard BluesTo access all the extras such as music notation, harmonies, ukulele, recorder and percussion parts, join our Welcome to Music Membership  https://welcometomusic.podia.com/welcome-to-music-membership-plan.Click HERE to see the blog for this episode.

A huge welcome to episode 13 of the Welcome to Music podcast – Lilting Lullabies and Tranquil Tunes for Babies, Tots and young kiddos – Part 3. That’s right, 3 parts as we have so many lullabies and tranquil tunes to share with you and your baby, tot or young kiddo – 12 in total – 4 per episode. So if you haven’t already, make sure you listen to the podcast or read the blog for Episode 11, Part 1 to hear the introduction to lullabies, how to sing with your little one with quotes by Dr Anita Collins and all songs from episode 11, 12 and this episode 13 with learning outcomes, lyrics, activities and links to music tracks and some YouTube videos, access our blog https://www.welcometomusicpodcast.net/ HERE. To access all music notation, harmonies, ukulele, recorder and percussion parts, join our https://welcometomusic.podia.com/welcome-to-music-membership-plan Welcome to Music Membership.Here’s 4 more lilting lullabies and tranquil tunes for your young kiddos - and by the way - there are a few extra surprises at the end!!!Click HERE to see the blog for this episode.

A huge welcome to episode 12 of the Welcome to Music podcast – Lilting Lullabies and Tranquil Tunes for Babies, Tots and young kiddos – Part 2. If you haven’t already, make sure you listen to the podcast or read the blog for Episode 11, Part 1I have recently become a grandparent for the first time and I am beyond excited. I love my baby time – with cuddles, that special baby smell and softness of his skin, his little fingers as he grips my finger, feeding, changing, singing, rocking, swaying, strolls in the park – what more could you wish for.To see all of the notes including an introduction to lullabies, how to sing with your little one with quotes by Dr Anita Collins and all songs from episode 11 and this episode 12 with learning outcomes, lyrics, activities and links to music tracks and some YouTube videos, access our blog https://www.welcometomusicpodcast.net/To access all music notation, harmonies, ukulele, recorder and percussion parts, join our Welcome to Music Membership -  https://welcometomusic.podia.com/welcome-to-music-membership-planI can’t wait to share another 4 lilting lullabies and tranquil tunes for babies, tots and young kiddos.To read the blog and get the podcast notes for this episode, click here!

A huge welcome to episode 11 of the Welcome to Music podcast – Lilting Lullabies and Tranquil Tunes for Babies, Tots and young kiddos – Part 1.So guess what? I have some fabulous news - I am now a grandparent! Yes you heard that right - my daughter had a beautiful baby boy two weeks ago. I have been loving my baby time and it’s such an honour and privilege to look after a tiny bundle of spirit and joy. To celebrate this exciting event, after years of writing and recording songs and presenting courses on Babies and Tots, we decided to put together a compilation of our lullabies and tranquil tunes for babies, tots and young kiddos from 0 up to 8 years.The songs are a mix of lullabies to help little ones go off to sleep and tranquil tunes to help young kiddos relax and wind down. They can be used in any setting from the home, preschool, school, in the pram, in your arms, on the change table – well you get the idea.There are 12 songs to share with you – and this will be shared with you over 3 episodes.To read the blog and get the podcast notes for this episode, click here!

For this episode 10, we are continuing to focus on ‘Great Music Games for the primary/elementary classroom’ and this is Part 2. This is a follow up from the last episode 9 plus several webinars that we have hosted about Music Games for the classroom within the last 12 months which can all be found in our Welcome to Music Membership. Today I’m going to share with you another 4 games – ‘Che Che Kule’ (for up to 8), ‘Mochi’ (for 8 plus), ‘Flea Fly Flo’ (for 6+) and ‘Four White Horses’ (for 8+). If you haven’t already, make sure you listen to the podcast or read the blog for Episode 9 to get the background of why games are important, the types of musical games we can use and some important guidelines that we can follow.To read the blog and get the podcast notes for this episode, click here!

For the next 2 Podcast episodes, Episode 9 & 10, we are going to focus on ‘Great Music Games for the primary/elementary classroom’. This is a follow up from several webinars that we have hosted about Music Games for the classroom within the last 12 months which can all be found in our Welcome to Music Membership. There are so many games to share and who doesn’t love games. I have really enjoyed researching these and I now have quite a collection.Today I’m going to share with you why games are important, the types of musical games we can use and some important guidelines that we can follow. In this episode I will share 4 games – ‘Pass the Beat Around the Room’ (for 7+), ‘Goin’ on a Bear Hunt’ (up to 8), ‘Chiribim’ (for 8+) and ‘Down Down Baby’ (for 7+).To read the blog and get the podcast notes for this episode, click here!

Thanks for joining our ‘Welcome to Music’ Podcast, Episode #8 where I’ll be chatting with Christoph Maubach, who is an internationally recognized music educator, Orff Schulwerk Practitioner and community singing leader. He divides his time as workshop facilitator and music and movement teacher between Germany and Australia.Christoph retired as a senior lecturer in music education from Waikato University, NZ and before that was lecturer in music education at ACU in Melbourne. In Germany he provides vocal workshops for Acappella groups and teaches music and dance at the Youth Music Organization ‘Verspielt’ (Playful) in Berlin. Christoph is an active Board member of the International Orff Schulwerk Forum Salzburg (IOSFS). He also conducts workshops in Taiwan, Europe, Australia and New Zealand where he leads the 2024 North Island Singing Tour.Listen to the podcast or read the episode HERE.

Thanks for joining our ‘Welcome to Music’ Podcast, Episode #7 where I’ll be chatting with Christoph Maubach, who is an internationally recognized music educator, Orff Schulwerk Practitioner and community singing leader.Christoph divides his time as workshop facilitator and music and movement teacher between Germany and Australia. Christoph retired as a senior lecturer in music education from Waikato University, NZ and before that was lecturer in music education at ACU – the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne. In Germany he provides vocal workshops for Acappella groups and teaches music and dance at the Youth Music Organization ‘Verspielt’ (Playful) in Berlin. Christoph is an active Board member of the International Orff Schulwerk Forum Salzburg (IOSFS). He also conducts workshops in Taiwan, Europe, Australia and New Zealand where he leads the 2024 North Island Singing Tour.Listen to the podcast or read the episode HERE.

Thanks for joining our ‘Welcome to Music’ Podcast, Episode #6 where I’ll be chatting with George Danson, who is the principal of Le Page Primary School in Melbourne, Australia where I teach.George is a huge advocate for music education and the arts and ensures that these subjects are at the forefront of the school’s programs and the beating heart of the school.George remarks that “Children need to feel and tap into their imagination, their creativity. They need to feel connected. They need to feel that joy. Students need these elements to feel whole, and music provides that.”How lucky am I, to have a principal that understands the value of music education for each child.Listen to the podcast or read the transcription in the blog and find out more from a principal’s perspective.For Full Blog on this Episode Click HERE.

It’s so lovely that you can join us for the Welcome to Music Podcast. This is Episode 5 and Part 2 of ‘The Christmas and Chanukah Concert’. If you haven’t heard Part 1 yet, click HERE and have a listen as it will provide all of the context you need for this episode. In this episode we are featuring 3 more songs that reflect this theme.Please take note that we are not including any more Chanukah songs in this podcast but you can read about the history and other songs in our free weekly email newsletter – click HERE to subscribe. Chanukah, the Jewish festival of light goes for 8 days starting on the 8th of December this year.For Full Blog on this Episode Click HERE.

Hello everyone and it’s so nice to have you here at the Welcome to Music Podcast, Episode 4. So, I’ve been teaching at a new school this year. It’s a small school with approx. 210 kids from Foundation to grade 6 – 5-11 years.

It’s so lovely that you can join us for the Welcome to Music Podcast. This is episode 3 and part 2 of our theme – Music for love, peace and healing.Last week we featured 3 beautiful songs that represented our theme – ‘Salaam’ – a Hebrew and Arabic song about peace, ‘Imagine If’ – also about peace and ‘Lo Yisa Goy’ – a Hebrew song also about peace and harmony in the world.In this episode we are featuring 4 more beautiful songs that reflect this theme.As I said in part 1, I hope that these songs can give you and your children an opportunity to discuss and express what’s happening in the world in a way that can provide some beauty, tranquility and peace in their lives. All the songs can give your children an inclusive, successful and heart-felt experience.   For Full Blog on this Episode Click HERE.

Hello everyone and it’s so nice to have you here at the Welcome to Music Podcast, Episode 2. We had a few teething problems with the podcast initially and had to wait a few weeks to get accepted on the Spotify and Apple Music platforms. I truly had no idea how much there was to do to get one of these off the ground – and I want to say a huge thank you to Katrina Proctor (our Chief Admin Officer) and Jenn Thiessen who both hail from Colorada in the USA for all of their help with this. It’s also been a bit of a challenging time for me as I recently had a bronchial flu with an incessant cough that lasted about 4 weeks. I’m just now getting my voice back.Because of everything that’s currently happening in the world around us in October, 2023 with wars between Russia and the Ukraine, Israel and Gaza and conflict in other parts of the world – I wanted to take the opportunity to share 7 songs about love, peace and healing broken into 2 parts. Recent weeks and months have been so devastating and many of us have felt completely helpless. I hope that these songs can bring some small comfort to you and your children during these difficult times.All the songs can be accessed through a multi-modal and multi-sensory approach to make the learning stick and give children of all ages an inclusive, successful and heart-felt experience.They include techniques such as echo, ostinato parts (repeated patterns), call and response, rounds and verses sung against choruses to help create instant harmony.There are easy parts to remember to help scaffold the learning from simple to complex.Some songs include improvisation which give kids the opportunity for self-expression, exploration and discovery in a safe space.These songs also include various media such as singing, body percussion, movement and dance and instruments such as Boomwhackers, xylophones, glockenspiels, recorders and ukuleles. Children are highly motivated and engaged through these different activities which provide more interest, successful and enriching experiences.Most importantly, I hope that these songs can give you and your kiddos an opportunity to discuss and express what’s happening in the world in a way that can provide some beauty, tranquility and peace in their lives.For Full Blog on this Episode Click HERE.

Welcome to "Music for All," the podcast that's all about the power of music to enrich lives and bring joy to people of all ages and backgrounds. I'm your host, Susie, and I couldn't be more excited to kick off this musical journey with you.In this episode, we'll also explore six hacks and activities for music-making that you can use with children, whether you're an educator or a parent. From action songs to name games and transition songs, we'll uncover how music can enhance social skills, boost self-esteem, and stimulate cognitive development. Plus, we'll share a traditional musical story that's not only entertaining but also educational.So, join me on this exciting journey as we discover the beauty and transformative power of music, and learn how it truly is "Music for All."View to blog for this episode: https://www.welcometomusicpodcast.net/blog/episode-1-music-for-all-six-song-hacks/

Hello everyone and I’m so excited to bring you the Welcome to Music teacher podcast for music/arts & classroom educators in Early Childhood and Primary/Elementary Schools, Music Therapists, Studio Music teachers and anyone who uses music with kids to support their well-being and development from zero to 12 years.My name is Susie Davies-Splitter and I have been teaching music to all ages in Early Childhood, schools and Universities over many years. With my husband, Phil, we run ‘Welcome to Music’ where we create music resources, have a membership community and present training and programs for kids and educators. Our goal is to help build confidence and creativity and enrich lives through the joy of music. Follow my journey as I have begun a new music teaching position this year in a local primary school just around the corner from our house in Melbourne, Australia for 5-11 year olds. I hope that this podcast can support and inspire you and maybe even make your job a little easier through sharing tips, chats, lesson plans, interviews and great quality music resources to use with your children. I use an inclusive, multi-modal, multi-sensory and Orff-based approach to help make the learning stick. Please enjoy the Welcome to Music teacher podcast and find us at welcometomusic.net