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 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!

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!

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 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 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 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

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 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 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 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 #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.

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.