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!