Music is said to soothe the savage beast (which is handy if you’ve got a classroom full of them), and it’s a great tool for learning.

It’s indie-pop for kids with a little heart and humour that adults can enjoy too.

There’s a wide mix of songs and topics, from “Alphabet Stew” (finally a New Zealand alphabet song for younger children with a proper ‘zed’ ending!) through to songs about veges, bullying and even making concrete that appeal to all ages. Many of the songs tie-in well with the key competencies and values of the new NZ Curriculum, whereas others like “Horsey Horse” are sure to get kids galloping and laughing (and a few ‘big kids’ no doubt).

You can download it via Bandcamp or iTunes or order the CD here and we’ll send it out to you (just click on the cover above)

Anyway, enough talk, more music. Below are some songs we have written with, by and for children over the last year.
They have lyrics embedded into the video so it’s easy to read as you sing.

Feel free to use them in your class or home and please share them with others.

ROLL WITH IT

Was written and recorded with 35 children from 4 primary schools in November 2011 in recognition of how well the children of Canterbury were coping after a year of aftershocks and upheaval. It was a wonderful project to be involved in, and just proves how powerful music can be, even a simple little pop song like this.

ALPHABET STEW

At last there’s a homegrown alternative to the American versions of alphabet songs – with a proper ‘zed’ ending! Sing along with Alphabet Stu as he makes his own Alphabet Stew with all the letters as ingredients and a real New Zealand flavour.

BEE YOUSELF

Is the song from a little movie about a ROYAL albatross who thinks he’s better than everybody else. Two humble bees show him that it’s more important to be yourself than pretending to be someone you’re not.

WHAT YOU DO

Gerald the gullible giraffe is new at school and is getting teased a little by Colin the class clown. Beth sings them both a song about overcoming challenges and becoming aware of how what you do can affect other people.

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