Podcast Episodes

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 f...

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 educat...

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...

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 simp...

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 years Ndinani 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...

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 & Phil A call and response song is where a leader sings the call, and the...

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 respon...

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 t...

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 confide...

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)...

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! Durin...

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’ – startin...

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 Austra...

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 Aust...

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-senso...

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...

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 Co...

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 1  I 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, sway...

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 ...

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+)....

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 ...

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 prov...

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...

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 t...